Generator to Power Palomino Canyon Cat

Typical starting surge amps for 13.5K A/C units range from 25-32 amps. The
constant running amperage drops to 15-17 amps immediately after this surge. So it’s the amount of surge amps the A/C unit draws and the duration of the surge that determines whether or not a 3000W generator will run it.
Running an A/C along with other loads continuously for weeks at a time is severe duty. Especially for a 3000W. I would look at Honda's EU7000iS for the duty you have in mind. Plus you could use it to power the whole house in case of power outage at home.
For camping(I don't run the A/C while boondocking), I have a Honda EU2000 I bought back in 2003. Still works great and is so quiet I forget it's running. For the home, I have a ES6500 electric start/liquid cooled that can run my well pump(gotta flush those toilets), 2 fridges, 2 freezers or even my A/C(not critical for me) or electric stove. Buy more capacity than you think you'll need. The day will come you'll be glad you did.

Yeah... It's a real cr*p shoot with no name gensets. I have an ETQ 1800i Honda knock off that has performed well for the past 75 hours - others have not been so fortunate. I presume by your ID here that you are a Firefighter? I'll bet your rigs have red or blue gensets on them.

naturist wrote:
My guess, absent gross mistreatment in the form of bad/no maintenance on your part, the reason for the premature demise of the 5600 watt unit you used up in just one year is that you ran it pretty much full capacity a lot. So the first question is whether the 5600 watts rating was surge or running watts. Which ever it was, get the next larger size, and don't attempt to go cheap with a smaller capacity generator, whatever its brand.

On the other hand, if the previous unit bit the big one because of zero or bad maintenance on your part, the only thing that will save the next one, regardless of brand, is proper maintenance.

I wish it was something I did. Then I would have an answer. I took it to my local small engine shop for a look. The motor ran fine but the voltage was irratic. They tuned it and I ran it for another race but the battery tie down broke while it was running and it shut down when it arced and a fuse blew. Fixed the hold down and fuse and ran it the rest of the weekend. Now with the storm coming this weekend, I took it out to prep and the key turn just spun the starter with no motor turn. Shut it down and the bad white smoke started pouring out. My guy said the generator fried. Not sure how since everything was hooked up just as it was for the weekend race. It would cost almost as much to repair as it was originally bought for.

I have a Honda 3000i and a 13.5k AC. Works fine for me. I do turn the ECO-Mode off for a little boost in starting the compressor on the AC. When starting the roof AC, I got to fan only and wait a couple seconds, then go to 'Cool'. This reduces the inrush current and results in less load seen by the generator on AC start. My AC fan always runs, and the compressor cycles.

I have managed to throw the generator into overload a few times running a 14" chopsaw, or with my little Hobart Mig turned all the way up.

Your Canyon Cat is most likely wired to operate well on typical 30 amp (3600 watt) park service. Champion makes a model that equals this, complete with 30 amp RV plug. Noisier than some, but a good, cheap ($350), reliable power source.

My guess, absent gross mistreatment in the form of bad/no maintenance on your part, the reason for the premature demise of the 5600 watt unit you used up in just one year is that you ran it pretty much full capacity a lot. So the first question is whether the 5600 watts rating was surge or running watts. Which ever it was, get the next larger size, and don't attempt to go cheap with a smaller capacity generator, whatever its brand.

On the other hand, if the previous unit bit the big one because of zero or bad maintenance on your part, the only thing that will save the next one, regardless of brand, is proper maintenance.

When/if mine junks out my plan is to parallel 2 hondas

Would be nice to run my microwave and A/C at the same time lol

Thanks. I have looked at the Yamaha and Champion as well. I heard stories of people getting 3000W generators and it ripping the breaker when the air comes on. Just making sure. The other option I saw was a companion set up of 2 each Honda 2000 with the link kit but it doesn't run as long as the 3000. Not sure what your thoughts are on the need for the extra 1000W start up.

I have a champion. It's a little noisier than the more expensive yamaha or honda but it does its job well enough.

No matter what generator you end up with, plan your usage properly and you wont have too many issues

My 2800w rated Yamaha (3000iesb) powers a 13.5kw A.C. and everything else in the trailer with a little common sense operation. Your 3000w Honda will run the A.C.
You didn't ask for brand comments, but also consider the Champion inverter gensets, which are frequently recommended here for quality and lower cost.