15,000 BTU A/C, EasyStart, What Generator?

[Bluto]

I have a Dometic 15,000 btu a/c unit that I want to run off of a generator.
I have a easy start 364 soft start on order and now I'm thinking about being able to step down a size in generators. I currently use a Yamaha 3000 and it has plenty of power to spare. I am considering a Yamaha 2400 once I install the easy start in my A/c unit to save space and lessen the weight in my TV.
Should I also consider the Honda or Yamaha 2000 or, is that a little too small to run the big a/c unit (say at least 8 hours/day) even with the easy start?
What do you think?
Thanks

[thiel]

It will run on the 2000.

[trumpetguy]

The issue is in startup ..not running. The Easy Start solves this and a Honda 2000 runs my Dometic 15000 just fine. Even on propane.

[Rpatrick16]

Originally Posted by trumpetguy

The issue is in startup ..not running. The Easy Start solves this and a Honda 2000 runs my Dometic 15000 just fine. Even on propane.

Could you explain how you got the Easy Start installed? Was it at a dealer, a AC Heating specialist etc.? I asked my dealer about the Easy Start product and they were "turning themselves inside out"....trying to figure out what it was. Those that I spoke with had never "heard of one". Found that very odd since there is quite a few vids on YouTube explaining the tech behind the product and if necessary how a "competent DIY" person could install such.

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by Rpatrick16

Could you explain how you got the Easy Start installed? Was it at a dealer, a AC Heating specialist etc.? I asked my dealer about the Easy Start product and they were "turning themselves inside out"....trying to figure out what it was. Those that I spoke with had never "heard of one". Found that very odd since there is quite a few vids on YouTube explaining the tech behind the product and if necessary how a "competent DIY" person could install such.

RV sales and service places typically just want to replace an AC unit that's not working these days. New ones aren't designed to be serviceable, so beyond a couple of standard issues there's no reason for them to have much AC expertise.

[thiel]

Originally Posted by Rpatrick16

Could you explain how you got the Easy Start installed? Was it at a dealer, a AC Heating specialist etc.? I asked my dealer about the Easy Start product and they were "turning themselves inside out"....trying to figure out what it was. Those that I spoke with had never "heard of one". Found that very odd since there is quite a few vids on YouTube explaining the tech behind the product and if necessary how a "competent DIY" person could install such.

I installed it myself. Took about an hour and I am not knowledgeable about these things!

[wulfraat]

Get a Honda or Yamaha 2000. Either one will run your AC and @ just ~45lbs your back will thank you!

[trumpetguy]

Easy Start provides a step by step instruction sheet. The hardest part was getting onto the roof without denting the metal. You can do it.

[Bluto]

Thanks all.
You've been very helpful.
Now I can shop for a small gen and reduce the weight in my truck and gain some extra space for other stuff.

[AnnArborBob]

Originally Posted by Bluto

Thanks all.
You've been very helpful.
Now I can shop for a small gen and reduce the weight in my truck and gain some extra space for other stuff.

Just a couple of caveats that may or may not apply to your situation.

Be aware that if you convert your genny to run on propane you need to de-rate it by 18%. Also, you lose about 3% of the rated capacity for every 1,000 feet you go above sea level. So if you run your genny on propane (as we do) and camp at altitude (as we do) you would be surprised how quickly your 2000 watt generator becomes a 1200 to 1300 watt generator!

[kscherzi]

I've personally tested both the Honda and Yamaha 2000's successfully on my 15,000 Dometic AC modified with the easy start.

Understand though, that's about all those small generators can handle at once. So make sure the fridge is running on propane, the water heater off or on propane, and no microwave use at all.

I also heard that if your trailer batteries are discharged the converter may siphon off too much power dealing with that, and also have enough left over to run the AC too. However I've not confirmed this.

[WindyJim]

Relative to the last post, I have the Yamaha 2800 Inverter gen (about 8 years old), and no soft start. So, if the batteries are partially discharged I open the breaker to the converter, then start the air conditioner, then re-close the breaker. Everything runs fine then. (unless I decide to try and run the microwave at the same time as the Air conditioner).

[thiel]

Originally Posted by AnnArborBob

Just a couple of caveats that may or may not apply to your situation.

Be aware that if you convert your genny to run on propane you need to de-rate it by 18%. Also, you lose about 3% of the rated capacity for every 1,000 feet you go above sea level. So if you run your genny on propane (as we do) and camp at altitude (as we do) you would be surprised how quickly your 2000 watt generator becomes a 1200 to 1300 watt generator!

This is close but not quite right. LP propane derates it by about 2%. Natural gas derates it by more like 15%.

[Asherstanton]

What about a good hard start, 15k a/c, and a 2000 genset. This is a question not a suggestion. Anyone tried this? I'm trying to decide on a course of action myself. Plusses are cost. What are the minuses even if it will work.
Will a 3K class genset start a a 15k a/c. You know what they say about cubic inches, could be the same about watts.

[lsbrodsky]

The newer Penguins come with a good hard start, but some find they can start on a 2k genny, others not. The Easy Start is a sure thing for a 2k genny.
Larry

[jimfa440]

Westinghouse builds a good looking gentleman, 2400. Lightweight and ample output. It is and inverter/converter to protect your electronics. The price is great, do some looking.

[Troutboy]

I have used Honda 2000 in altitude (Colorado) with propane, nonissue. Works fine. I agree with Theil, it's derated by 2-3% max on propane. Natural gas is where you see a big derate.

[larryglarson]

I would have 2 Honda 2000 or one Honda 3000. I have two air conditioners so I run 2 Honda 3000. I built a ramp to load them in my pickup. Works wonderful.

[tjdonahoe]

The 200 watt Honda is a light weight generator , these weren't built to run a 15500 but ac 8 hrs a day....it will be short lived....

[lewster]

Originally Posted by tjdonahoe

The 200 watt Honda is a light weight generator , these weren't built to run a 15500 but ac 8 hrs a day....it will be short lived....

Running a 15K A/C unit is not the problem.......STARTING IS and the Easy Start alleviates this issue completely.

Typical full load amps of a Dometic 15K BTU RV roof A/C unit is in the 14-16 amp range.....well within the stated operational characteristic of either a Honda or Yamaha 2000 watt generator.

The Easy Start reduces the transient load of compressor initiation to well under 20 amps (more in the 16-18 amp range), which is also well within the initial load capacities of these units.

I really don't see how using a properly rated generator within it's stated operating limits will negatively effect the longevity of the unit. In a year from now....we'll see if anyone has burnt them out (which I seriously doubt!).

....and by the way.......if one looks at the U Tube video that Micro Air has posted on one of the threads on this Forum, you will see that the additional a 'hard start kit' has NO EFFECT on the locked rotor amp draw of a Dometic roof A/C. Dometic already includes a hard start capacitor and PTCR in every unit they make and Matteo's video is proof that an additional hard start kit has no effect!. Check it out yourself!!