Generator Question

[brick1]

Willa single Honda EU2200 run one A/C (no easy start)? Considering purchasing one for roadside stops when traveling. Could run the smaller 13.5K unit, if it is that close.
brick

[lsbrodsky]

No, not without an Easy Start.

[DryFly]

If you install a hard start capacitor it will.



https://www.rvpartscountry.com/Domet...Capacitor.html


Way less expensive than the Easy Start and for your purposes should accomplish what you need

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by brick1

Willa single Honda EU2200 run one A/C (no easy start)? Considering purchasing one for roadside stops when traveling. Could run the smaller 13.5K unit, if it is that close.
brick

The problem with trying to skimp is the other loads you're not thinking of. You mention a road side stop, like for lunch. Are you counting the converter, which supplies 12v. for your fridge controls (even on propane), the lights, the radio, etc.
There's a lot to recommend about the Honda 2200, but there is too about larger gennies that cost the same.
Or look for two Hondas used and run them in parallel.
(Craig's list?)
The downside of a Honda is it has a small gas tank, and is pull start only.
Someday, you'll overnight and want the TV, A/C and maybe some hot water.

[JoeHTP]

I find that for the Honda EU2000 to handle the load, even with the Easy Start, I have to cut off power to the converter. Anyone else have this issue?

Not sure if the 2200 would do better.

Our unit runs on propane, which is nice because it can easily go all night if you need the AC.

[brick1]

Sounds like it would make more sense to get two eu2200’s. Assume a pair will still only run one a/c?
Brick

[rocco52]

It will not run one even with Easystart at any altitude over 3000 feet. I have tried. I even re-jetted the carb. You need two of them running in parallel.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by brick1

Willa single Honda EU2200 run one A/C (no easy start)? Considering purchasing one for roadside stops when traveling. Could run the smaller 13.5K unit, if it is that close.
brick

My experience "trying" the new Honda 2200 last summer with the propane conversion from Genconexx. My friend traveling with me brought it along, so we tried to run both my AC's while in Banff at 4,500 ft. I do not have an EasyStart, but he does have one. I typically use my Champion DualFuel and it runs either one of my AC's plus other appliances including my MW just fine. I can not run both AC's simultaneously, but that's not an issue for me when boondocking anyway.

Now to the Honda 2200; The Honda is light weight at 45lbs. I plugged it into my 28' AS and fired it up. I started the 13,500 AC no problem and ran it with cycling on/off and it ran fine in our test. I then switched off the 13500 AC and fired up the 1500AC; it did start but the generator was straining during start up; it did run once started, but I did not like the strain on the Honda during the start up. We did not run th1500 one long before shutting off.

If "money were no problem", and I owned one of these units (and I might still purchase one) I would likely get the EasyStart on at least on of my AC's. If I owned 2 of these, which would still be easier to move around then my Champion at 95lbs, I would not get the EasyStart on the 13500AC. Now, that's just my testing...your mileage may vary!

Keep in mind, the Honda 2200 is about same price for gas version, as my Champion 3400 DualFuel. By the time you add propane conversion, your around $1400 or so...the Easy Start is around $250ish or so?? If your dead set on a single Honda 2200, if it were me, I would likely go without the Easystart and see how well it preforms. If not working acceptable, I would consider a second Honda 2200 or add the Easystart. But, that's just me...when your retired, you can play around a bit.

[SteveSueMac]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

The problem with trying to skimp is the other loads you're not thinking of. You mention a road side stop, like for lunch. Are you counting the converter, which supplies 12v. for your fridge controls (even on propane), the lights, the radio, etc.

There's a lot to recommend about the Honda 2200, but there is too about larger gennies that cost the same.

Or look for two Hondas used and run them in parallel.

(Craig's list?)

The downside of a Honda is it has a small gas tank, and is pull start only.

Someday, you'll overnight and want the TV, A/C and maybe some hot water.

Re: skimping - you’re right. Installing an Easy Start or other capacitor would be required to get a 13.5 AC going with one Honda 2000 or 2200 - and those who’ve done it say it works fine. I don’t know how much capacity you have left for anything else at that point though.

I have two 2000s, converted to propane, so I have a lot of flexibility, from a single for quick charging to the double if I need AC and anything else at the same time.

Small gas tank can be solved a few ways. Again, mine are now propane ready and run off the port from the trailer (I also can run them direct from one or both the 30# tanks if I prefer).

Before I converted them, I had an auxiliary 5 gallon gas tank with dual feeds to both gennies - never tested the full output but could likely run overnight and much more if needed....I may still have it if anyone’s interested.

[rmkrum]

Do keep in mind the MicroAir EasyStart device is not a simple capacitor upgrade.

It’s an intelligent motor current management device with a microprocessor controller that also provides low voltage, lockout timing, and over current protection to the air conditioner compressor.

[Bill M.]

I have a 13.5 btu AC, and Easy start installed, and a 9 year old Honda 2000. It ran the AC at 6000 feet. I did cut off the power converter, But I do not know the answer to your question. I have not used a 2200. Maybe you could find someone to let you try one?

[brick1]

Thank you all for your input. I think I will go with a pair of EU220i’s AFTER the Honda recall issue is resolved.
brick

[nryn]

Originally Posted by brick1

Thank you all for your input. I think I will go with a pair of EU220i’s AFTER the Honda recall issue is resolved.
brick

Brick, are you going to keep them as gasoline units? According to Genconnex the propane units are not affected.

[daleyocum]

One other datapoint for those thinking about upgrading to a hybrid inverter, I’m able to run my 15,000 BTU AC without Easystart with a Honda 2000 converted to propane. The hybrid inverter, a Victron Multiplus 3000 in my case, supplements the generator power with energy from the battery as needed.

You wouldn’t do all that upgrading just to run the AC but if you are already going down that path just know no Easystart is necessary.

[wulfraat]

Originally Posted by DryFly

If you install a hard start capacitor it will.



https://www.rvpartscountry.com/Domet...Capacitor.html


Way less expensive than the Easy Start and for your purposes should accomplish what you need

Um.... the penguin I and II come equipped from the factory with a hard start capacitor in addition to a run capacitor.

A 13.5btu with hard start capacitor will not reliably operate with a 2000 or 2200 genset as the power source. Have you had a different experience? Maybe it’s just me living at 5,500’ elevation and having owned / operated 13.5 and 15k btu penguins.....

[wulfraat]

Originally Posted by brick1

Thank you all for your input. I think I will go with a pair of EU220i’s AFTER the Honda recall issue is resolved.
brick

Great option. Both are portable and will provide you with ample power. You can get by with a single 2200 + easy start but while the aaC is running you don’t have any additional overhead for other AC draws.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by wulfraat

Um.... the penguin I and II come equipped from the factory with a hard start capacitor in addition to a run capacitor.

A 13.5btu with hard start capacitor will not reliably operate with a 2000 or 2200 genset as the power source. Have you had a different experience? Maybe it’s just me living at 5,500’ elevation and having owned / operated 13.5 and 15k btu penguins.....

Did you see post #8? 13.5AC test we ran a new 2200 at 4500ft in Banff last summer seemed to work fine for our test. I live at 4700 in Lincoln, MT and it worked there too...we did not run for more then a 5 min as it was just a test, but we did cycle on/off few times with no issues. Not sure about your elevation??