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Rangerman40's avatar
Rangerman40
Explorer
Jul 24, 2017

Onan Generator and AC units

For those of you that have the Onan 2.5k genny and a 9k btu AC unit do you find that your camper stays cool or do you think forgoing the generator and getting the 11k would be the better option? This would apply to larger multi slide units only. I already have 2, 2k Honda inverters but was looking to consolidate some.
  • We travel all over so I just want it to stay cool wherever I am. I'm looking at something like a Host Mammoth or the like (just started shopping haven't been in many yet). Someone asked about Arizona... if we went it would be in June some year. My wife is a teacher so all of our big trips are June-July-August. My fifth wheel is a 40 footer and has two AC units and it struggled when we were in Moab this June and it was above 90 out. Perhaps I misread I thought the 9k option was for those that had an onboard generator.
  • Many variables to consider. The insulation qualities of your camper, area temps, humidity etc. I can say this: My AF1150 is MUCH easier to cool with the standard AC unit that came on it, using the 2500 watt ONAN, than my old Keystone 38 foot toyhauler with TWO AC units, and even with the 5kw gen on that one, you couldn't run both.
  • I have the onan 2500 lp , I think you may have that backwards when ordering our truck camper you could get the 11K AC to go with the 2500 on board generator and there was an option to get the 9K AC to be able to use a Honda or other 2000 watt generator, As already said it depends where you plan to be using the AC for us we are mostly here in the northeast right now and the 11K cools the camper right down but uses a lot of propane, however it is easier than carrying the Honda and a gas can.
    Mike
  • Most of 5th wheels we have seen in the park lately had additional AC installed in side windows.
    It did look funny.
    Anyway, you can't have straight answer as you have too many variables.
    Go sleep in your camper tonight, check it tomorrow at peak heat and tell us?
    BTW do you plan in the future to visit AZ, or other south states?
  • My definition of cool is no more than 75 inside. We typically camp around Ohio and the Midwest but usually take a 2-3 week trip out west each summer. Perhaps I've been spoiled by my fifth wheel?
  • What is your definition of "cool" and in what conditions you plan to camp?
    I have 12.5 k btu on my single slide and camping in AZ under the tree in 120F the counter-top was exceeding 90F.
    Ducted air gave colder "corridor" in the center, but sitting close to the window you could feel the oven outside.
    I had Generac in my camper who failed at 83 hr, so now I am carrying Honda.