The '77 Argosy I am buying has AC - amp draw unknown to me at this time. I am thinking that I will buy a Honda eu2000i generator. BUT... I think the AC is the highest draw and wanted to calibrate for loads before buying a generator (or generators).
Anybody hazard a guess as to the amp draw of AC running on 120V? I think I can figure out the rest of the amp load, but need AC help.
I tried to use my EU200i to run the AC on our Caravel once. When the compressor kicked in the poor generator almost did a snap roll in the driveway. It was not happy. I am not sure what the power requirements are for the AC but it was obviously too much the little Honda.
Tom
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"Badges? We ain't got no badges. We don't need no badges. I don't have to show you any stinking badges!"
The Honda will run our 12,000 btu roof air--barely. The generator grunts and groans, the a/c compressor does the same, thent he compressor leaps to life, and the generator relaxes a bit. It is not recommended because of the chance of burning up the compressor, generator, or both. Everyone has pretty much agreed a single 3000 is too awkward to schlep around, and 2 2000's will give you a total of 4000 watts for about the same money as a single 3000. It's easier to tote around a pair of 2000's,one at a time, than lugging the hernia-producing 3000 by yourself.
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Terry "I'd rather wake up in the middle of nowhere, than any city" Steve McQueen
AIR#2611
We use two EU2000i running in parallel and it handles both the air and other smaller electrical draws with no problem. As was reported earlier, the startup of the A/C is the major draw.
Most roof A/C units pull about 12 amps for the compressor and another 4-5 for the blower motor (depending on the ambient temps). That is NOT counting compressor start-up....which can draw a momentary 25-30 amps!
Yamaha states that their EF2400iS will run a 13.5K roof air, and there are several folks on these Forums that have done so successfully with said unit.
Yamaha states that their EF2400iS will run a 13.5K roof air, and there are several folks on these Forums that have done so successfully with said unit.
That extra 400 watts helps. Really.
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Terry "I'd rather wake up in the middle of nowhere, than any city" Steve McQueen
AIR#2611
Thank you all. I thought the little Honda was not up to the task, it would probably be running at 3/4 speed and making more noise as well. I thought of dual Hondas, which has a lot of advantages, but the Yamaha EF2800i would do the job with less work, and it weighs only 20 lbs more - and less than my outboard engine.
Everyone has pretty much agreed a single 3000 is too awkward to schlep around
Well, almost everybody.
Mike there are reams of pages on this subject and everything else you may ask about Generators; their use, their weight, Honda vs Yamaha, how to put wheels on the 3000 on the cheap, Lots of facts, lots of opinions.
Click on the link below for a bunch of generator threads found with a search.
Dave
Thank you all. I thought the little Honda was not up to the task, it would probably be running at 3/4 speed and making more noise as well. I thought of dual Hondas, which has a lot of advantages, but the Yamaha EF2800i would do the job with less work, and it weighs only 20 lbs more - and less than my outboard engine.
Obviously need to study a bit more.
Thanks again.
Mike,
Be careful about which Yami you pick. The EF280i is a construction site type rig....very noisy when compared to either the EF2400iS of the Hondas.
We use a Yamaha 2400is with a 13.5BTU and it works very well. It has enough power to run the AC, TV (27" Bravia), surround sound and satellite receiver. I usually turn the fridge to gas and avoid any other power drains. This little gen is very quiet, easy to handle (I think about 68#), and has been flawless in it's operation.
Best of luck with your genset search, and enjoy your day!
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