Yet Another Generator Discussion!
I know how much you folks love generator discussions. Here's another one. I have fallen from heaven. I have ordered a generator. During my nearly 20 years of RV'ing I have sworn at generator-users,...
Forum Discussion
I personally think the MicroAir product, or hard start kits in general are a must. Mainly because 60+ locked rotor amps is not going to happen with most RVs unless one is plugged into shore power. Moving the inrush current to a separate device not just allows for a 2000-3000 watt generator to be used, but also extends the life of the A/C compressor, since it will encounter undervoltages far less often, and too low a voltage does more damage than too high a voltage often.
The only other product that really allows moving the inrush current would be a good PSW inverter like a Victron or Magnum Energy model, but that is almost 6-7 times as much as the MicroAir appliance, and requires an electrician to have things routed safely.
I had a Yamaha 3000 iSE. It would barely start my 15k BTU A/C, regardless of the eco throttle setting (which I kept off). I would have to fire up the microwave, nuke some water for 30 seconds, then just as the microwave cut off, time the thermostat to start the compressor, so the generator could "catch" the A/C starting current before spinning down. Once this was done, it would run the A/C from there on out. If I fiddled with what type of gas and fuel additives, I wouldn't have to do that sometimes, but it was random if the generator would just decide to overload or keep running.
My current rattletrap, a 4000 watt Champion starts the 15k BTU A/C without question. However it isn't exactly quiet, and it takes up a good chunk of room in my pickup truck's bed.
The only other product that really allows moving the inrush current would be a good PSW inverter like a Victron or Magnum Energy model, but that is almost 6-7 times as much as the MicroAir appliance, and requires an electrician to have things routed safely.
I had a Yamaha 3000 iSE. It would barely start my 15k BTU A/C, regardless of the eco throttle setting (which I kept off). I would have to fire up the microwave, nuke some water for 30 seconds, then just as the microwave cut off, time the thermostat to start the compressor, so the generator could "catch" the A/C starting current before spinning down. Once this was done, it would run the A/C from there on out. If I fiddled with what type of gas and fuel additives, I wouldn't have to do that sometimes, but it was random if the generator would just decide to overload or keep running.
My current rattletrap, a 4000 watt Champion starts the 15k BTU A/C without question. However it isn't exactly quiet, and it takes up a good chunk of room in my pickup truck's bed.
