Honda Generators for Air conditioning

SoundGuy wrote:
....snip......
If one isn't willing to do that then the alternate solution is a larger genset that can handle, without stumbling, the significantly increased load when the A/C compressor starts ... seems obvious to me. :S

TomG2 wrote:
Good points. Most people, me included, have always followed the path of "If 200 hp is good, 300 hp is better". I don't think the Honda 2000i is up to handling air conditioning needs under all possible conditions, but with a little work and experimentation it might do for some. I like your fan switch idea and when operating my unit, I do not let it cycle by setting the thermostat at its lowest position.

colliehauler wrote:
I just can't understand why someone would want to deal with something so marginal at best. Hard start capacitor, turning fan on before compressor, turning A/C down so it doesn't cycle, putting in different thermostat all to be able to use a underpowered generator. What if a person wants to use a microwave, toaster or hair dryer, you have to go through the rigmarole to start the A/C back up.

I like the two people who built trays to take a large generator that can run everything. One was 6500k another was 7000k generator both quiet models.

I understand taking a small generator along if you just want to charge batteries.

To each his own.

Hey, I personally don't bother trying to power A/C with my own EU2000i and instead only use it for recharging the battery and occasionally providing power to the trailer so we can use the toaster, coffee maker, wife's hair dryer, etc. However, the OP did ask and since I've been through the process of understanding just what is involved I merely detailed what I've found are "technicalities" that will significantly improve the chances of this working ... whether the OP is interested in doing so is entirely up to him.

BTW, adding a hard start capacitor isn't just a genset related issue, rather any A/C will start more readily even on shore power if so equipped ... I recently added one to my current Dometic Brisk II, just as I did a few years ago to the Coleman Mach 3+ we owned at the time, and for the minor investment involved I see no reason not to add one. As for the fan, you've got it backwards - you want to set it up so the compressor starts first without the fan, then switch the fan on after the compressor stabilizes. Installing a different thermostat has nothing to do with running the A/C on a genset ... I do it because the digital models I've installed control temperature swings much more accurately than any stock bi-metal thermo and in the case of the Honeywell I'm currently using is much easier to see with it's backlit screen. As for those so-called "quiet" gensets you referred to - there is no such thing as a "quiet" generator, they all make noise foreign to a campground. :E