Running 2 a/c's

[donandmax]

I have a 5000 watt Koehler gen. that is supposed to be able to run 2 (13000 btu a/c's at the same time. But when I try it drags the genny down all the way and it stalls. I have tried turning on one at a time but no luck. Other than that the gen. works just fine.. Any ideas ?

[quasi]

When you say you have a 5000 watt generator, does that mean it supplies 5000 watts continuously or does it provide 5000 watts surge current. Hard to believe but sometimes manufacturers will use little tricks like that to sell products. And remember, you could win up to 5 bazillion dollars just for test driving that Polly Razzmatazz motorhome . . .;)

[wa8yxm]

Check out your A/Cs. YOu see you have not given enough information.

Background: I have two A/Cs as well both draw the SAME AMOUNT OF POWER when running, only one is 13,500 BTU and the other 15,000.. The bigger one is newer and they are doing a more efficient job.

So look at the labels on your A/C. find out the power draw.

Second: On both of my A/Cs if I do not get up ther and clean them from time to time the condenser (hot) coils clog up with dirt and debris and **** that's in the air.. When this happens they can not cool the refrigerant enough and system pressure increases.. The compressor works harder and draws more current, Up to 10 amps more.. Then the breaker trips and I get the message. I saw one of mine go from 21 amps (more than the 20 amp breaker could take) to 13.5 by actual measurement when I cleaned it.

And finally.. Generator may need a tune up.

[Dustytuu]

We have a 6500 gen. We can run everything in our trailer and both air conditioners...... One is a 1300 but and other air conditioner is a 1500. Have run both ACs at same. Time with no. Problem..
Maybe you need a bigger gen.

[donandmax]

Chris Bryant wrote:
If it is stalling and not throwing a breaker, the genset needs help- a tuneup, carb cleaning, new fuel filter, decarboning, clean the spark arrestor,etc. It should be able to keep running to supply enough current to trip the output breakers.

Sounds good thanks Chris

[donandmax]

noplace2 wrote:
Unpopular comment coming: Presumably you're boondocking and want to run 2 AC's? Perhaps you need to seek an alternate hobby/lifestyle.

The owners manual says it can be done on genny only. Why would it say that when presumably it can be done.. Think I'll take it in for a tune up. That probably won't work either. No big deal since we seldom use it. Just was wondering why it won't do what its supposed to do..Thanks for trying

[schlep1967]

Might try turning everything but the A/C units off at the breakers. Then try to start them one at a time. This would just be a test situation as every time an A/C compressor tries to come back on you would have a problem. But it would take everything else in the trailer out of the equation. If they still won't work then you KNOW it is either an A/C issue or a generator issue.

[Chris_Bryant]

If it is stalling and not throwing a breaker, the genset needs help- a tuneup, carb cleaning, new fuel filter, decarboning, clean the spark arrestor,etc. It should be able to keep running to supply enough current to trip the output breakers.

[FunnyCamper]

noplace2 wrote:
Unpopular comment coming: Presumably you're boondocking and want to run 2 AC's? Perhaps you need to seek an alternate hobby/lifestyle.

you knew it would be unpopular yet you had to type it. there are professionals out there to help you on that 🙂 🙂

[FunnyCamper]

5500 Onan on our toyhauler running a 15 and 13.5 AC at the same time. with alot of other stuff on.

maybe it is the ACs? something wrong with one or both of them????

[time2roll]

How old are these 13.5 air units? Yes have the start capacitor checked by a good technician... and good luck finding one.

Otherwise the best shot is to buy a new nigh efficiency air conditioner.

[Gjac]

Do you have a 30 amp or 50 amp system? I have a Kohlar 5500 watt genset with a 50 amp system and when I turn the second AC on it bogs down for a few secs then runs ok. Is your frequency set to 60 HZ?

[SolidAxleDurang]

noplace2 wrote:
Unpopular comment coming: Presumably you're boondocking and want to run 2 AC's? Perhaps you need to seek an alternate hobby/lifestyle.

Don't editorialize. Just stick to answering the question.

[SolidAxleDurang]

I would check how your A/C is wired in your electric distribution panel.

I have had two RVs where both A/Cs where on the same leg. This stupid wiring error by the manufacturer made it such that it would stall my Onan 5500.

Moved the second A/C to the opposite leg on the distribution panel and all was well from then on out.

[STBRetired]

Our 5500 Onan runs 2 13.5K A/C units with no issue I would get your genny looked at.