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Old 08-25-2019, 09:52 AM   #1
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30amp to 110V converter

I have a 2016 Bambi 16RB . I read somewhere that you shouldn't run the AC in the Bambi using the stock 30amp cord with a 30 amp to 110V converter attached . Is this true ? If so , why ? I recently purchased a Honda EU2200i that has only 110 V outlets, and am thinking of exchanging it for the same model with a 30 amp outlet.
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Old 08-25-2019, 10:34 AM   #2
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Yes, This Is True

Your AC will not run on 15 amp, 120 VAC, whether it is from a 15 amp receptacle on you wall or a 15 amp receptacle on your Honda generator.
Your AC draws way more than 15 amps when it starts and cannot be run with a Honda 2200.
That's why the Honda comes with 120 VAC receptacles.
Hope this helps.
P.S. You can add a device called Easy Start to you AC, but you would still be maxing out the Honda and working on the ragged edge of its capabilities.
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Old 08-25-2019, 07:41 PM   #3
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As noted by Alumaholic, the eu2200i won't run it regardless of what outlet you have on it. Output of the generator is the same, regardless of the outlet style. You have three options:

1. Get a second eu2200i and parallel it with the one you have now. That's when many people get the companion model that includes the 30 amp outlet for the shore power cord.

2. Get a bigger (3000-3500 watt) generator. Run your trailer like it's plugged in to shore power. Heavy.

3. Install a Micro Air Easy Start on your AC, and for $300, you can run your AC on just the one Honda, using the adapter like you have now. Search the forum for Easy Start, lots of threads about it. It will work unless at high elevations, and also you usually need to make sure everything else is on propane (water heater and fridge) and possibly flip the breaker for the converter/charger if it's working away charging your batteries.
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Old 08-25-2019, 07:52 PM   #4
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The replies above are correct but I'd like to say some of the information in a different manner...

Airstreams operate on 110 Volts. I am not aware of any Airstreams that operate on anything other than 110 Volts.

Depending on who you speak to the voltage is referred to as 110 volts or 120 volts. Some people even refer to it as 115 volts. Tomato / Tomahtoh. It's all the same.

I think what you are questioning is the amperage capacity of the electrical connection:

1) Most AC (alternating current) outlets around the house are 15 amps. It's questionable whether an air conditioner will operate on 15 amps. Most generators have 15 amp outlets. Some outlets around the house are 20 amps but that's not very common. I'll let you do an internet search to see what the difference in 15 and 20 amp outlets look like. They look very similar and to the untrained eye a person would not know the difference.

2) A 30 amp receptacle is the common outlet used by many Airstreams. Some generators have a 30 amp outlet but may need to be operated as two generators in parallel to actually achieve 30 amps.

This subject could go on nearly indefinitely. While it's not complicated, it can be quite a bit to digest. Hope this helps.
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Old 08-25-2019, 09:20 PM   #5
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110 volts was the standard line voltage years ago. The current terminology is 120V. 30A RV power is designated 120V/30A single phase. 50A RV power is designated as 120/240V 50A single phase. This means 120V line to neutral, 240 volts line1 to line 2. Airstreams only use the power line to neutral, so everything in the trailer that uses shore power runs on 120 volts. Not so with the big 5th wheels and Class A's. Some of them have 240V appliances.

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Old 08-25-2019, 09:46 PM   #6
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The Honda generator puts out about 15 amps. The model with the 30 amp plug is the Companion model. When running by itself it puts out about 15 amps and about 30 amps when running as a pair. I think you know this. You are interested in the plug or outlet. I use the older Honda 2000 with the 30 amp outlet. It takes an adaptor for the trailer plug also. It runs the AC on my trailer just fine. I have the Easy Start installed. With the Easy Start the Honda 2200 will run the AC just fine. If you can exchange at no loss you might like the heavier outlet. I do.
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Old 08-25-2019, 10:14 PM   #7
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we use the victron 3kw multiplus inverter converter.
we also use other victron parts for solar and TV isolation
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Old 08-26-2019, 09:23 AM   #8
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Hi

There are multiple generator options for running an A/C. The gotcha is that they *all* make noise / use fuel / take up space and are a pain to pack and unpack. Another very rational answer is - don't run the A/C on a generator. Go somewhere else. Tomorrow night in Yellowstone the low will be 32F (no that's not a typo). Not much need for A/C in that case.

Keep the generator you have for battery charging when the solar does not keep up ..... don't have solar? Consider that before you buy another generator.

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Old 08-26-2019, 10:53 AM   #9
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All the OP really wanted to know is if the outlet on the generator he has will carry the AC load. It will, if the adaptor is kept clean. But the 30 amp outlet is a bit more secure and is rated to carry more current. I am glad I got the Companion.
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Old 08-26-2019, 11:48 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by farrider387 View Post
I have a 2016 Bambi 16RB . I read somewhere that you shouldn't run the AC in the Bambi using the stock 30amp cord with a 30 amp to 110V converter attached . Is this true ? If so , why ? I recently purchased a Honda EU2200i that has only 110 V outlets, and am thinking of exchanging it for the same model with a 30 amp outlet.
Greetings!

I think you need some clarification on your understanding on what you are saying.

30A is the amount of "power" you need to run anything. An Air Conditioning Unit will take some of that "power" which will then leave you with less than 30A. A microwave, a TV, etc will take some of that "power" and you will have less and less.

110v is the voltage in the United States. That is constant.

In your house, a typical outlet is 15A.

You are confusing your statement:

"I read somewhere that you shouldn't run the AC in the Bambi using the stock 30amp cord with a 30 amp to 110V converter attached "

What you need to say is a 30A to 15A adapter. Which can not run your AC of your rig because the AC on your rig will require more than 15A. If you attempt to do so, it will likely trip your house 15A breaker.
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Old 08-26-2019, 03:23 PM   #11
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The starting wattage for a RV with a 11000 BTU Air Conditioner is 1600w (running 1100w) according to the Honda Wattage Guide.Since my Bambi 2019 Sport 16 has a 11000 BTU AC; available 120v at 20 amps equals 2400 watts i.e. 800w more 1600w.Where I store my Sport I can access (gratis) either 120v at 20 amps or 15 amps.The price of power poker(sorry for the alliteration) goes up considerably with a 13500 BTU AC to 2800w start up.My Honda2200i is 120v @ 15amps =1800w and has/can start and run my Sport 16 AC with only the converter on.
Off topic:during my last travel jaunt 44 days May/Aug from Alexandria Va to Gran Teton Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, Canada,Alaska I never had to use my generator for AC.The two 80amp AGMs, roof top solar 80 amp and TV 100 amp alternator DC charge via 7 pin connector was more than ample for occasional 3/4 day boon docking.My tow vehicle is a 2018 Mazda CX 9 that towed up the hill and with adaptive cruise control down the hill(automatically applies lower gear compression braking) flawlessly,plus 14mpg.At 85years with my youngest daughter,29y and french bull dog delighted and fortunate to have made this Airstream trip.
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Old 08-26-2019, 03:36 PM   #12
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I beg to differ in regards to a Honda 2200 generator. I have this generator and it does run the 15,000 BTU air conditioner on my trailer. To do so though the refrigerator must be on propane, water heater on propane or off, no running the microwave either at the same time.

I installed the easy start, allowing the generator to start and run the AC in eco mode.

According to my kill-a-watt the AC (and other unavoidable trailer draws) on a hot day drew a steady 1700 to 1800 watts, within the continuous output rating of the generator.
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Old 08-27-2019, 06:44 AM   #13
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Hi

Starting current is very dependent on just how you measure it. That's true on any motor. Measured on a cycle to cycle basis something in the 2X to 3X running current is not at all unusual. Exactly how this or that generator responds to a burst like that under this or that set of conditions is very much "that depends".

Bob
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