Generator size

[acstokes]

With the RV AC's you have the fan motor as well as the compressor trying to start at the same time.

Not necessarily. If it's hot enough for me to be using my AC, I leave the fan set to ON so the genset is not having to power up both at the same time.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by acstokes

Not necessarily. If it's hot enough for me to be using my AC, I leave the fan set to ON so the genset is not having to power up both at the same time.

Very true.

Andy

[CDONA]

My '13 EB with a 15k AC, the fan starts first then 10 seconds later the compressor starts.
On shore power I have tried the AC + micro, no issues with breakers. The refer, 12v converter, and water heater were also 120v powered but I can't say if they all were actually drawing power to operate collectively.
This is the first I have seen reports on the 2K genny pairs running a 15K unit. I figured 30 amps is 30 amps and cutting power to the refer and water heater would give me some amps slack to run the AC.
I have had a Yamaha 2K now for a year, it will run the water heater and the converter barely during my load testing. The TV, sat box, converter, possibly (can't remember) the refer, will run in eco mode easily.

[Pat Cassity]

I have recently learned that Cummins makes a generator that can be installed in an Airstream. In fact, there is a RV dealer in my area that is recommended by Cummins to do the installation. I will talk to them later today or tomorrow but was wondering if there is any one out there that has done this, and if so what has been your experience. They are specifically recommending the Cummins 4.0KY-6747.

[Bigskyrider8]

I have a Mitsubishi A/C system in my home that has a VFD variable frequency drive that allows for lower power starts on the compressor, I've also seen VFD's on boats during my time in the Coast Guard. Now I see that Dometic makes a VFD of sorts called the "Smart Start" on it's marine app. A/C units. I don't understand why Dometic and Airstream don't get together and add this to the RV A/C line?

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by acstokes

Not necessarily. If it's hot enough for me to be using my AC, I leave the fan set to ON so the genset is not having to power up both at the same time.

My fan starts...then about 5 seconds later the compressor starts.

[awiegel]

Quote:
Originally Posted by bgoldberg "I just bought my first airstream. It has a 15,000 btu ac. the Honda site says the 3000 is good to 13,500 btu. What size do I need to power the 15,000? I see a lot of people say the 3000 but honda says no?
Hi B. Goldberg"

You will find there is a very big difference in size and weight when you go from Honda 2000 to 3000 or bigger. This is why a lot of folks suggest using two of the Honda 2000 units together. They work in tandem and can do the job you are trying to do.

There are several ways you can do what you want. A big heavy genset, two smaller ones, or only have A/C when on shore power, etc.

Since I intend to run primarily off inverter power most of the time and want enough storage to do that, I have 220 aH of AGM batteries and will buy a good inverter charger to work with them. I already have the Honda 2000 and have no wish to deal with anything heavier. So, I have been looking for a way to get the Honda 2000 over the hump on running the A/C without having to carry any extra equipment to do it.

It is starting look like this can be done with a "generator helper" inverter. These are available from both Xantrex and Magnum. It is a setup popular in the marine community. The inverter supplements the current in response to demand, for example when the compressor kicks in. Some can put out as much as 5kW. When the A/C goes to fan mode, the Honda can catch up and actually be charging the batteries until the need for big juice to start the compressor again.

Good luck,

Andrew