Which Generator??

[Mattirs]

Originally Posted by jamlarcara

we just bought a 2017 Air Steam 25FB and looking at the 3400 watt champion generator and was wondering if this unit will run the 15K AC unit without modify AC for hard starting?

Maybe someone is already using one.

thanks

Mine runs the A/C fine on propane.

Only had trouble once last summer when it was 105+ and it was too hot for the 20lb tank to form vapor fast enough. This was done as a test in the driveway.

[Vantair]

Originally Posted by jamlarcara

we just bought a 2017 Air Steam 25FB and looking at the 3400 watt champion generator and was wondering if this unit will run the 15K AC unit without modify AC for hard starting?

Maybe someone is already using one.

thanks

Our 2800W Champion Dual Fuel starts our 11000 BTU (without an easy start cap) while on Econo mode effortlessly. Imagine yours should kick a15K over.

[gypsydad]

The Dual Fuel is our second Champion and we are very happy. I have dual AC with 1500 and 1300 units. The Dual Fuel runs either unit with no issues; will not run 2 however, but I have only used 2 while plugged into shore power. I have been at 8k feet in the Rockies camping and I have been at sea level in 100+ heat in FL camping. I have only run propane. That's why I purchased it. Mateo was the one who told me I would not need the Easy (3400), and he was right! It works fine. I also don't have any problems loading or unloading with the handles and the wheels. I also have a longer fuel hose (15') so I can run from bed of my truck or move to any location. It's quiet, starts right up, and reliable.

[Pete B55]

Originally Posted by jamlarcara

we just bought a 2017 Air Steam 25FB and looking at the 3400 watt champion generator and was wondering if this unit will run the 15K AC unit without modify AC for hard starting?



Maybe someone is already using one.



thanks

I have that setup and It work great

[Reeltimer]

Originally Posted by mythbuster88

A single Honda 2000 can run a single AC modified with an Easy Start.

Do you have enough watts left to run lights, TV, etc. while the AC runs?

[gypsydad]

I believe with the EasyStart, your fine with the Honda 2000, but if you have not purchased it yet, look at the new Honda 2200 for extra 200W; same price and other specs of the 2000. The surge of starting is the biggest draw, but the Easy Start eliminates that issue. Guys I have talked with using the Honda's2000w said it fires up the other electronics, TV with no issues. Not sure about microwave, however. You should contact Mateo at MicroAir...he has a lot of data here.

[Rocinante]

If your trailer is 30 amps, don’t try to run the microwave at the same time as your heat pump, even on shore power. [emoji6]

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by Rocinante

If your trailer is 30 amps, don’t try to run the microwave at the same time as your heat pump, even on shore power. [emoji6]

Good point...I use my propane furnace only while on the generator, if heat needed. But, wouldn't have considered the heat pump and microwave...lots of draw there I suspect!

[billrector]

Originally Posted by mythbuster88

I run my Honda generator off the low pressure port all the time.
In fact the GenConneX Honda is designed to run off the low pressure port and has another internal pressure regulator to lower the pressure even more.

And I installed a 3/8" quick connect and I can run two Hondas and two ACs.

Agree with this. They even make a hose that will connect both generators to the low pressure port.

My vote....buy the Honda's and convert to gas.

Also, be careful comparing sound specs. Honda uses something like 7-9 feet to measure sound and Champion uses something like 20 feet.

[graysailor]

Yamaha has a new generation of a 2000W generator. That is my choice.

[Rocinante]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

Good point[emoji41]...I use my propane furnace only while on the generator, if heat needed. But, wouldn't have considered the heat pump and microwave...lots of draw there I suspect!

Yup, the heat pump alone draws about 1700 watts while operating, roughly 18 amps. The microwave consumes roughly 1000 watts, or 10 amps. Simple math says that while operating both devices simultaneously, you’d need at least 28 amps, just for those two alone. Other things in the trailer could easily, and unexpectedly, draw well over 2 more amps, which would pop your 30-amp breaker. Startup amps for the heat pump would also be closer to 20, even with Easy Start.

One lesson here is that in a 30-amp trailer you could easily find your systems pulling more than 30 amps and popping breakers if you aren’t paying attention.

[Boxite]

Originally Posted by Rocinante

Yup...
One lesson here is that in a 30-amp trailer you could easily find your systems pulling more than 30 amps and popping breakers if you aren’t paying attention.

The only breakers that will likely "pop" will be on the power-pedestal in the RV park or on your generator for attempting to overload it. The trailers' breakers will not have a problem as those breakers are rated for the wire-size in the trailer.

Our little Sport is a 30Amp system and we have no problems running the AC and the microwave simultaneously if we'er in a RV park or on our 3000 watt generator. However, if the wife simultaneously starts to dry her hair after stepping out of the shower.... POP!... goes the power-pedestal or gen-breaker.

[rmkrum]

Keep in mind your breakers are sized to protect wires from overload, and you get to manage power consumption manually in most cases....

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by billrector

Agree with this. They even make a hose that will connect both generators to the low pressure port.

My vote....buy the Honda's and convert to gas.

Also, be careful comparing sound specs. Honda uses something like 7-9 feet to measure sound and Champion uses something like 20 feet.

OK; so how far have you had your generators from the LP port on the AS? I made up a 20' hose, and at 4000' altitude, it works fine with the extra LP manifold installed that came with the Champion; in Austin, I can start it, but not keep running... going...crazy..

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by billrector

Agree with this. They even make a hose that will connect both generators to the low pressure port.

My vote....buy the Honda's and convert to gas.

Also, be careful comparing sound specs. Honda uses something like 7-9 feet to measure sound and Champion uses something like 20 feet.

Do you mean "gas" or LP? And, which Honda's...the 2200? Do you need "EasyStart" with the 2200?

[afk314]

Yes, you'll absolutely need an EasyStart to run a 13.5/15k BTU with a 2200 Honda. It'll give a bit more headroom than the 2000w models but it won't start it.

-Adam

[Rocinante]

Originally Posted by Boxite

The only breakers that will likely "pop" will be on the power-pedestal in the RV park or on your generator for attempting to overload it. The trailers' breakers will not have a problem as those breakers are rated for the wire-size in the trailer.

Our little Sport is a 30Amp system and we have no problems running the AC and the microwave simultaneously if we'er in a RV park or on our 3000 watt generator. However, if the wife simultaneously starts to dry her hair after stepping out of the shower.... POP!... goes the power-pedestal or gen-breaker.

Yeah, not so much. Because of how things are wired inside the trailer, you also have to pay attention to the risk of exceeding 20 amps on any one circuit. It’s even easier to pop one of those breakers if you’re not paying attention. [emoji6]

[billrector]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

Do you mean "gas" or LP? And, which Honda's...the 2200? Do you need "EasyStart" with the 2200?

Yes, gas is the wrong word to use. LP would be better! I have the 2000, but would have considered the 2200 had it been out when I purchased!

[capt_ron777]

love the idea of the champion 3400 but many reviews on amazon say it doesn't run a 15,00btu ac, yet others do. Which is it? How can it be hit or miss. If I still have to add an easy start might as well get a ymaha/honda.

[rmkrum]

Air conditioner start current varies a bit depending on ambient temperatre when you try to start it.

I'd also bet some of those folks had other stuff running, like the converter, when they tried it...

Generator output (from the engine) will very depending on altitude and temperature as well.

IMHO, having an easy start buys you some additional protections against low voltage and high current draw if the compressor has issues, plus a timed lockout in case of power failure...