15k BTU AC with 30amp or 2800 Onan Generator

[Wheresmyhammock]

Picking up our new class b on Thursday! Can.Not.Wait. But one thing is gnawing. Service guy says it's a-ok to upgrade the AC to a Coleman Mach 15 (no heat pump) + a "hard start" kit so it will play nicely with the onboard Onan RV QG 2800 generator.

We plan to drive with the gennie and ac on most of the time for pups until the Texas heat has passed, but a little worried about the longevity of both given draw. Plugged in or with generator, is 15000 BTU too much for the 30 amp Van?

Appreciate any insight anyone might have?

[Puddles]

MrWizard wrote:
I think you could run a 9k or 11k inside that class B and stay COLD

people cool 30ft RV with a 13k, IMO a 15k is overkill in 'B'

Texas is hot but so is So Calif, we are forecast for 110* this week

X2

[Wheresmyhammock]

We put the kabosh on the upgrade and opted for newer Omni directional grille. can always upgrade later if need arises. Thanks for great insights!

[MrWizard]

I think you could run a 9k or 11k inside that class B and stay COLD

people cool 30ft RV with a 13k, IMO a 15k is overkill in 'B'

Texas is hot but so is So Calif, we are forecast for 110* this week

[Dennis12]

Put it to the test while the dealer is standing there for a while. Turn AC on as high as possible just enough to kick in the compressor, when it kicks out turn it down a little more to get it to put another load on it and keep going doing the same. I would definetly go with the 15,000.

[Wheresmyhammock]

Appreciate the replies! Definitely on the fence about the 15,000 btu vs 13,500... but get overheated so easily with broken body thermostat. ??

[marcsbigfoot20b]

I have a Dometic 13.5 and an Onan 2500 LP (propane) which is the same gen as the 2800 just less power due to propane vs gasoline. Runs my AC just fine in 120 degrees.

These gens are rated as minimum 2800 watts running or 2500 LP per the Onan spec at 77 degrees and 500 ft. There is no surge rating.

After installing the micro air easy start, it's hard to even tell when the compressor kicks on.

[LadyRVer]

I had a Class B with a 2800 Onan and the 13.5 ac was enough for it. I don't think I would have wanted to upgrade to a 15 with the 2800 Onan. Just my thought.

[Itchey_Feet]

have a polar cub (I think 900) way plenty for us and we have more area than a "B". JMHO

[azrving]

Seems like a 13,500 would be plenty for that genny. It may be 2800 but generators are usually listed at surge not running watts. I also wonder if the dealer would have a tendency to tell you what ever they think you want to hear. CW told my son his 3/4 CTD CC could pull over 15K FW then said it would pull anything on the lot.