travelnutz wrote:
"Reliable air conditioner use requires a 2800 watt genny"???
Our purchased new in 2002 Honda EU2000 (2000 watt max output generator) starts and runs our 13,500 btu roof A/C just fine and has in both our TC's and the 5th wheels for years. Can't have any other AC item drawing watts/amps at the same time withthe EU2000.
Just install a simple cheap double pole double throw switch in the A/C power input line to the A/C. Either a 6 pole or 4 pole double pole double throw switch. 4 pole is 2 position with either genny or RV AC and a 6 pole is and 3 position with genny on-off-RV AC on. Another way is to install a double pole double throw 25 amp relay near the circuit breaker panel with a pig tail going to the the area of the generator and it instantly and automatically switches the input current when the genny is plugged into the pigtail. Must switch both legs of the power in with one switching device of choice.
Solar is only producing watts during daylight and mostly when the sun is bright and direct. The 2000 watt genny produces watts anytime it's running and 10+ times the watts the solar does. A dead battery bank is a dead battery bank and batteries aren't cheap and must be replaced in X years depending on the type, brand, quality, and usage, etc.
We'd much rather have a 1500 watt + inverter on a battery bank and the genny with a high amp output charger will quickly recharge at battery bank and so will jumper cables from a idling/running vehicle engine. Solar is only and assist for low draw usage and only produces when it's real light out. In over half the USA, solar is virtually useless in keeping up/or recharging a battery bank. Night, rain, clouds, shade from trees or the angle as the sun crosses the sky, and zero to very little watts output at much expense.
Our Honda eu2000i will just barely run our 13,500 BTU AC at 1100' elevation. At 7700' where we camp, it can't even begin to start our AC unit. Both situations, no other significant draws on the power when trying to run the AC. If you read threads on this forum about this issue, being able to run a 13,500 AC on a single Honda 2000 is the exception rather than the rule.
