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Rbertalotto's avatar
Rbertalotto
Explorer
Aug 02, 2017

IT'S A MIRACLE! 13.5AC on EU2000i Generator!

I have a Forest River 19RR with a 13.5 AC unit. I want to be able to run the AC on one Honda EU2000i generator in ECO mode.

Currently, when the temperature is above 85 degrees, it takes two EU2000 generators running with ECO Mode off to get them running. Once running I can switch to ECO mode but when the compressor cycles, it trips the low voltage shut off on my Progressive Industries EMS.

https://progressiveindustries.myshopify.com/products/ems-hw30c-pid



Running with two generators and ECO off is noisy and uses more fuel. Got to be a better way...

First thing I did was install a aftermarket start capacitor.



I did this installation when the temperature was 60 degrees and it would start the AC on one generator, but not in ECO mode. I could run the AC in ECO mode with both generators. But once the temperature got above 85 degrees, see above!

Research led me to a small company in Allentown NJ (Not PA). They make a device that looks at a few different parameters of your electricity draw and adjusts with some kind of magic and supposedly you can run an AC unit like I have on one 2000 watt generator.

https://www.microair.net/collections/easystart-soft-starters

I happen to be going down to Cape May NJ this past weekend and would be going right through Allentown NJ. I called them and asked if I could stop by and pick up the device I needed. I mentioned I'm a member of the Forest River Forum and they offered me a $40 discount!
The "factory" is a very small building in a beautiful farming area of NJ. A very nice lady took care of me and I was on my way.

Once home I took the cover off the AC. Removed the start capacitor and installed the Easy Start. Took all of 20 minutes! Four wires and you are done!



I mounted the Easy Start to the front of the AC unit , under the cover.



Buttoned it all up, and ran a test after starting the AC five times on shore power as the instructions tell you. You need the Easy Start and the AC unit to understand each other before you go to generator power



Temperature was 86 degrees during the tests. The generator was in ECO mode throughout the test.



I let it run for over two hours to be sure the AC could cycle while the generator was in ECO mode.

AMAZING! It works! Nice , quiet, one generator in ECO mode and a nice cool trailer.

Now I ask, why don't they install these units in the AC from the factory. For under $300, you are saving your ears, your neighbors ears and your second generator!

Highly Recommended!

80 Replies

  • Rbertalotto wrote:
    y, I can't follow the logic of buying a 3000 watt, heavy, fuel hungry generator when a nice light, quite (sic) 2000 watt will do the job using better technology..
    My experience is that one will work -usually - but it's running hard and it's pretty loud. If it works for you, great, but I wouldn't want to pound that hard on just one all day.
  • Captain_Happy wrote:
    The reason they don't install them at the factory is that not everyone wants to run there 13.5 BTU A/C unit on a 2000 watt genny. Most people just buy the 3500 watt genny that'll get the job done.


    joshuajim wrote:
    That device might work for you at sea level and "moderate" temperatures, but I ran a test on my 13.5 here in the desert at 3500 MSL and 106 degrees and it took a continuous 2040 watts to keep the AC running. A 2000 watt generator ain't gonna cut it no matter how it starts it.


    Sheesh. I know this is tame compared to many posts - but can't we just calm down a little? Why is it that someone on every post has to poke the bear a little? Even if there are questions as to its efficacy in ALL situations - can't it be approached in a more civil/cordial way?

    OP - thanks for posting your experience. It mirrors that of others I've seen. I'm glad that this device is helpful to you!

    It will be interesting to see if it works as well at altitude or extreme heat. Post up if you get a chance to experiment in these environments!
  • Not hard to install, I did it in the parking lot of harbor freight in Yuma
  • That device might work for you at sea level and "moderate" temperatures, but I ran a test on my 13.5 here in the desert at 3500 MSL and 106 degrees and it took a continuous 2040 watts to keep the AC running. A 2000 watt generator ain't gonna cut it no matter how it starts it.
  • If you mention "AirStream" or "Forest River" when you order the device there is a $40 savings. Bring the cost to $260
  • Was it hard to install?


    Took about 20 minutes. VERY easy.

    Sorry, I can't follow the logic of buying a 3000 watt, heavy, fuel hungry generator when a nice light, quite 2000 watt will do the job using better technology.

    Even using shore power , with a Progressive Dynamics power monitoring device, at a camp ground with poor electrical system, you might trip the RV park's circuit breakers with some AC units.
  • Captain_Happy wrote:
    The reason they don't install them at the factory is that not everyone wants to run there 13.5 BTU A/C unit on a 2000 watt genny.


    I would fathom the opinion that most people use shore power to run their AC unit.

    With the Micro-Air units costing $300+, manufacturers aren't looking to increase their costs just because.

    Be that as it is, I've been wanting to install one of these Micro-Air units for about a year now. Even if only using shore power, it seems it would be easier on the AC unit. Also, at altitude, I may still not be able to run my 13.5K unit on a single 2000W gen but should be able to run standard equipment (fridge, converter, etc) and the AC with both my gens running in parallel.
  • The reason they don't install them at the factory is that not everyone wants to run there 13.5 BTU A/C unit on a 2000 watt genny. Most people just buy the 3500 watt genny that'll get the job done.

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