Generator for 11,000 BTU AC

[boutdoors]

I am looking at generators and can't wrap my head around the requirements for power.
We have a 16' sport with an 11,000 btu AC unit.
Will the Honda eu2000 or Yamaha ef2000 work solo or would I need to purchase two in parallel?

[jm2]

you'll likely need two Honda eu2000's in parallel, or

we do nicely with our single Yamaha ef2400is (now ef2400ishc, iirc.)

best,

[Ahab]

Yes, it will but you can't run anything else.

[AirsDream]

When I've used a generator, my 11k unit has run just fine from a Yamaha 2400 ... but I don't try to run much else. Most of my time is spent in Ontario, Mich. and Wis., and I like to boondock on solar power and don't often use the a/c anyway ... I'd suspect that a 2000 watt unit would be stretching it.

[boutdoors]

AirsDream,
We are in the same boat, we mostly just want to use our AC on its own.

How have you liked the Yamaha 2400?

[Naper]

I went to a rental yard that had the type of unite I was thinking about. Rented it for a week end. When I took it back I found out the rental yard was also a Yamaha dealer. They gave me the rental no charge on the purchase of a new 2400.

[AirsDream]

My 2400 has been fine. I've got a larger (6500 watt Yamaha) also, and it has been terrific too.

Got the 2400 from U.S. Carburetion with tri-fuel option so I can also run it on propane or natural gas. It always starts by second pull, usually first, and seems to be trouble free and is notably quiet. Any time I run it and there are folks around, they always comment on how quiet it is. Not true of the 6500; it runs great and makes juice like it's supposed to, but it is not so quiet. ... The 2400 is a little tricky to run on propane or natural gas, but once figured out, also does o.k. there.

I don't think you can go too far wrong with a Honda or a Yamaha. They are pricier than some other brands, but everyone I know who has either is happy. Beware, however, that with either brand, the "industrial" versions are much noisier.

One tip, whatever you buy: be sure that the genset has a fuel cutoff if you ever plan to run it on gasoline ... that lets you run the carburetor and float bowl dry so that it doesn't sit with the fuel going bad / turning to lacquer / sludge in the carb. From what I hear, that "kills" more small engine-powered things than anything else, and it can easily be avoided.

[tr0y]

I have a 13500 btu ac and have been running it fine with my Honda eu2000. They seem to stretch on amps a bit more than the Honda spec, I have seen mine run to close to 3000 watts according to my watt gauge, you may also want to look into a hard start mod.

[Alumaholic]

Can anyone comment on the suitability of the EF2800i?

[AirsDream]

Originally Posted by klevan

Can anyone comment on the suitability of the EF2800i?

According to Yamaha website,

2800i = 60 to 67 db. (1/4 / full load)

2400i = 53 to 58 db. (1/4 / full load)

... so the 2800 is quite a bit louder. You likely should listen to two of them side by side.

But the 2800 makes more current and runs longer on a tank of fuel ... I suspect it will run a 13.5k but a/c, while I suspect that a 2400 will not.

[nilesrob]

I have both a Honda 2000 and 3000, and the 3000 is perfect for running the AC. I also happen to think the 3000 is actually quieter than the 2000. It requires a little more planning because it is heavier and larger, but I just load it in my truck bed and leave it there.

I just bought, but have not used, a product called (I think this is right) STABIL, which is designed to help reduce the problems associated with gas messing with the carburetor. Apparently, the hole for the fuel is really small (like a pin) so any obstruction really can do damage - could have to get the carburetor rebuilt if not careful. I know - I have a lawn mower that I need to have rebuilt.

[jrudd1968]

2 weeks ago bought the 2KW Honda and the 2KW Honda Companion. Had not used until today. A thunderstorm came through and power to the house went off. Went to the AS, plugged it in to the Honda's, they both started on the first pull, were lite enough for me to move around easily, turned on the AC (I think it is 13.5 BTU) and everything worked great. Switch the two generators to "Eco Mode" and they ran fine and did not even seem to be under a "load". I read about, and looked at generators for way to long trying to answer the question of what generator I needed. Wish I had bought this set up a long time ago. Working great right now as I write from the AS and are very quiet!

[Smokin Camel]

Originally Posted by klevan

Can anyone comment on the suitability of the EF2800i?

I have a 2800, got it new for $999.00 last spring. It turns over my AC without a problem and I have amps to spare. I do have a new AC and it is a more power efficient model (carrier mach 1?). the wind profile is a bit higher but over all the power efficiency will pay off. The AC turns 12600 btu's. The Yamaha does just fine and the noise level isn't bad either. You do want to get a run meter for it if you get one.