Frustrated!!

[OpenRoader66]

Hey guys, could really use your help on this one.

I got a wildwood TT with a 15,000 btu a\c unit. I also own a yamaha 3000 watt generator with boost.

When I first got the genset, it could start the a\c. It struggled very hard, but it would start it. Now, it seams like it won't at all. I've tried everything; spooling up the geneset with a small load, turning all electric off ( lights, fridge, water heater,etc..) and still no go. Any ideas?

[OpenRoader66]

I bit the bullet and just ordered a Yamaha 4500ISE Inverter. Hopefully that one will do the trick. Wish me luck. Thanks for all the help:) Now I have to sell a brand new EF3000 boost with less then 20 hours on it 😞

[mlts22]

I have the same generator, except without the battery "boost" option. I have one trick I do which starts my 15KBTU A/C:

Stick a cup of water in your microwave. Nuke it for 30 seconds. Right before it is to cut off, flip your A/C on via your thermostat. 90-95% of the time, the generator is spinning fast enough to handle the compressor's inrush current and take the load. Once the generator is warmed up at the higher RPMs, subsequent compressor stops/starts shouldn't be an issue.

Oh, make sure the "econ-switch" is off. If the eco-throttle is on, the generator will not have enough RPMs to catch the inrush current.

[krobbe]

When turning your air conditioner off or it shuts down on loss of power, wait 3 to 5 minutes to allow the refrigerant pressure to equalize before turning your air conditioner back on. It's hard on your compressor when it tries to start under high pressure and will draw even higher amps to start.

[OpenRoader66]

I like the Hard Start Kit idea but have read online that they shorten the life of your a/c unit and could possibly void your warranty. Any truth to this?

[Doug33]

gates59 wrote:
You can also burn out an ac by trying to start it over and over again with not enough power.

That would be my concern, especially if the AC is cycling on and off regularly.

[gates59]

You can also burn out an ac by trying to start it over and over again with not enough power.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

Are you running the genny with the eco switch on? If so, turn it off.

Warm up the generator for at least five minutes before attempting to run the air conditioner.

[SailingOn]

Indeed one thing which might develop over time would be a bad battery or bad battery connections causing high demand on the converter. Try with the converter switched off, or disconnect the battery.

[hmknightnc]

3kw generator is going to be very marginal for a 15k btu AC in combination with other general loads in the TT as you know from your previous experience of it struggling. You've had your TT a couple weeks now and believe it or not just having the converter running hard to recharge your battery can be close to 1kw making it impossible for 3kw to start the AC.

Turn everything off with a 110 AC breaker and the converter (probably have to get behind a panel to unplug it) then try the AC Unit. If it works you are going to have get a hard start capacator for the AC (might be just enough to work) or get a larger generator.

[K_Charles]

Our AC came with a hard start capasitor and it starts with our 2100. That may be what you need.

[Huntindog]

Also check to see if the fridge and WH are on gas only.

[tvman44]

Don't forget to turn off the converter and may need to add a hard start kit to the A/C. 🙂

[CincyGus]

15000 btu on a 3000 watt genny is going to be marginal. It's the start up that is difficult, once it's running, doesn't draw nearly as much.

A couple suggestions. Google hard start capasitor mod and check and see if your ac has one. If not, add one.

Secondly, use your circuit breakers to kill everything but the ac that has a circuit breaker for 110v. Give it a try then and then once it's running, you should be able to power back on.

You don't say but altitude can make a genny not run at peak power so if you've been camping at higher altitude than when it ran before, that might be part of it. Also hotter weather makes the ac work harder. Mine will start up while plugged into the house in the spring but blow a circuit breaker in the summer because it needs more than the 20 amp circuit can provide it.