If you have an RV a/c unit which your solo EU2000i is unable to reliably start (under all conditions) because of a LRA greater than ~50 amps then you have have 4 options (least to most expensive):
1) Purchase/install a generic, inexpensive hard start kit for $10-$30. An effective option . . . if your a/c unit does not have one already installed. Many units have OEM hard start kits already installed at the factory. These kits can potentially reduce the LRA approx. ~10 percent---enough to improve starting characteristics in some situations. If your a/c unit already has one installed and/or your unit still won't start reliably after installing one, then on to option #2.
2) Purchase/install the more advanced, micro-processor controlled, Micro Air Easy Start kit for $300 - $350. This kit comes highly touted by some here. If the MAES kit does reduce the LRA 65-75 percent as advertised, then it is, indeed, a miracle device
3) Replace your current RV a/c unit with a unit that has a lower LRA (<=50a) for approx. $550 (on sale) - $800.
4) Purchase another EU2000i to parallel with your existing EU2000i for $900-$1000. Note: paralleling two EU2000i only increases the total inrush current capability (necessary to satisfy the a/c unit's LRA) approx. 10 percent (vs. one EU2000i). On a/c units with LRA's as high as 60 - 65 amps, you may need to run both EU2000i's with the Eco mode off to reliably start. On RV a/c units with extremely high LRA's (65 - 70 amps) a paralleled pair of EU2000i's may have trouble reliably starting these units even with the Eco mode off.
For those who have not yet purchased a second EU2000i or a RV a/c unit, highly suggest the purchase of an RV a/c unit with a LRA of 50 amps or lower in order to forego the expense of hard/soft start kits and/or a second EU2000i generator.
Thanks for breaking it all down for me.
I should provide an update. Well, I still have the yamaha 2000IS watt inverter generator but I picked up a brand new HONDA EU2000 for $750. I plan to sell the Yamaha.
Here is the test I conducted today, approxmiate stats, new generator, near sea level, not that hot out.
The Honda starts my truck campers AC unit with ECO mode OFF, no problem, no overload lights. It will also keep the AC running with ECO mode ON, it dials down the RPM's a bit, it is quite, atleast enough for me. I am happy.
Challenges will be different environmental conditions, and the AC cycling on and off. I think this is where option #2 with a micro air or similar hard start kit comes in.
I need to research that now, and figure out how it works with an AC cycling on and off.
