MicroAir hard start system and a Honda eu2200is?

[ctilsie242]

Has anyone used the MicroAir A/C start system with a 2000-2200 watt Honda to start/run their A/C? I have read that this can allow a higher BTU (13.5k) A/C to start from a smaller generator, as the inrush current is handled by the MicroAir product, and not dealt with by the generator.

In lieu of hauling a 3000-3500 watt Champion inverter generator on a front bumper cargo hitch, would a single 2000 watt generator suffice for most truck campers? This is assuming little to nothing else is running, other than perhaps the converter.

[3_tons]

No matter which route one chooses (soft start or HD capacitor) performance will still be adversely impacted by high altitude and high ambient temps ...

[Kayteg1]

I think this is good point to buy Kill A Watt meter
Great tool to manage your power in TC and at home as well.

[Harleybullet]

Understood... the generator I have now in my AF 1150 (it does not have an outlet it is wired into the TC) is giving me alot of trouble and I do have a Honda 2000 to replace it and I hope it will power the AC I have...what do you think??

Dave

[egarant]

Harleybullet,

If you are referring to how I metered the 15 amp running, I simply plugged in the AmWatt Meter I have referenced in my post into the Honda generator and then plugged in the campers 30 amp power cord into that.

I make sure everything is turned off, charger, fridge, lights so the meter will read only what the AC unit is drawing.

[Harleybullet]

egarant wrote:
I have it installed in a Coleman Mach 8 15,000 BTU AC and ran it with my old Honda 2000 and am currently running it with my NEW Honda 2200.

I would recommend that you figure out a way to turn off the charging part of you campers charger/converter as you do not want the additional draw of the battery charger.

I ran the AC yesterday off of the Honda 2200 with a AmWatt Appliance Load Tester attached. The outside temp was 98º and I was pulling exactly 15 amps with the fan on high. I was able to run the generator in ECO mode as well.

I remind you that was running a 15K AC unit, an air conditioner with lesser BTU's will draw less.

One additional benefit of the Easy Start this that is ramps up the fan/compressor so there is no loud bang of the compressor starting in the middle of the night anymore.....really nice.

How do you check the AC unit....I do not have an exposed plug to put to the meter it is hardwired somewhere ?

[Kayteg1]

Vehicles improved greatly in last years.
Grapevine grade, although only 7 miles long used to have radiator water tanks placed every couple miles.
We extended generator starting capacity topic to generator carrying, but technology changes a lot in those years and if you compare my front mounted Honda to billyray50's monster box, you know you have several options.

[thundercloud]

jimh425 wrote:

Kayteg1 wrote:
Don't know, lot of burned holes on Baker grade shoulder would prove otherwise.

What's a burned hole?

Most breakdowns I've seen on mountains are transmissions burning up or coolant systems going out from high rpms on gasoline engines. The fact is that turbo diesels do that job betternes but cost more.

I am guessing where someone pulled over as they were overheating and the vehicle caught on fire. Burning the pavement.

[jimh406]

Kayteg1 wrote:
Don't know, lot of burned holes on Baker grade shoulder would prove otherwise.

What's a burned hole?

Most breakdowns I've seen on mountains are transmissions burning up or coolant systems going out from high rpms on gasoline engines. The fact is that turbo diesels do that job betternes but cost more.

[billyray50]

Kayteg1 wrote:

ctilsie242 wrote:
That is my worry. Stuff up on the front rack affecting cooling ability, especially in 112-115 degree Texas days.

Stuff on front rack can highlight the cooling system problems, but will not affect good one.
On newer Fords somebody finally improved the dummy gauges.
When my engine starts heating up, at above 178F the numeric display shows above the dummy gauge. I like to push my truck on grades and keeping 60 mph on those 20 miles 5% grades in 124F did raise engine temperature. The highest I remember was 185.
Cools down in just seconds once I come to the top.
Did not research it, but I have 4 or 5 radiators/exchangers behind front bumper.
Intercooler is liquid-cooled and moved inside engine bay.

This is what I carry my Honda 2000 in with other essential items. Tractor supply box on a Bodiak front hitch mounted on tow hooks for last 4 years. Only slight increase in cooling and oil temps.

[Kayteg1]

work2much wrote:


lol. 5% grade is nowhere near pushing to hold 60, or 70, or faster with just a truck camper.

Don't know, lot of burned holes on Baker grade shoulder would prove otherwise.
"pushing" was used as loose description. New truck keeps 1600 rpm.
Still remember driving underpower motorhome there long time ago.
After all the downshifting it would hold 25 mph. I was ready to let the wheel go and go to the rear bathroom as that grade took almost 1 hr to make.

[Oregun]

jimh425 wrote:

Kayteg1 wrote:
I like to push my truck on grades and keeping 60 mph on those 20 miles 5% grades

You know someone has a gasoline truck when they are pushing to keep 60 on a grade. ;). My Explorer is the same. F450 says how fast do you want to go!

That would be me, rarely go over 60 anyway especially up grades. I prefer gas to diesel. V10 + 4.30

[work2much]

jimh425 wrote:

Kayteg1 wrote:
I like to push my truck on grades and keeping 60 mph on those 20 miles 5% grades

You know someone has a gasoline truck when they are pushing to keep 60 on a grade. ;). My Explorer is the same. F450 says how fast do you want to go!

lol. 5% grade is nowhere near pushing to hold 60, or 70, or faster with just a truck camper.

[jimh406]

Kayteg1 wrote:
I like to push my truck on grades and keeping 60 mph on those 20 miles 5% grades

You know someone has a gasoline truck when they are pushing to keep 60 on a grade. ;). My Explorer is the same. F450 says how fast do you want to go!

[Kayteg1]

ctilsie242 wrote:
That is my worry. Stuff up on the front rack affecting cooling ability, especially in 112-115 degree Texas days.

Stuff on front rack can highlight the cooling system problems, but will not affect good one.
On newer Fords somebody finally improved the dummy gauges.
When my engine starts heating up, at above 178F the numeric display shows above the dummy gauge. I like to push my truck on grades and keeping 60 mph on those 20 miles 5% grades in 124F did raise engine temperature. The highest I remember was 185.
Cools down in just seconds once I come to the top.
Did not research it, but I have 4 or 5 radiators/exchangers behind front bumper.
Intercooler is liquid-cooled and moved inside engine bay.