Honda 2000s Running the A/C

[moosetags]

When running my A/C with my two Honda 2000s, should I use the ECO setting or not?

Brian

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by moosetags

When running my A/C with my two Honda 2000s, should I use the ECO setting or not?

Brian

If the a/c will start with them in eco setting, then yes. If you are planning on the a/c running for a long time before the compressor shuts off, then yes.
If the compressor struggles to start, or the generators won't load on eco throttle, then no.
I have a single 2000 that will (barely) start the a/c on our trailer when not on eco throttle. Once it starts, I switch the generator to eco throttle. The generator then throttles down a bit.

[vajeep]

Brian,
We leave our 2 Hondas in eco mode with no problem when we are running our a/c.

[jayray5]

You use what you need, trial and error. If any struggling is going on--turn off eco--on both units.

[Silvertwinkie]

What Terry said pretty much sums it up!

[Raptorrider2001]

I installed a "Hard Start Kit" on my 11k btu. Made a big difference when using just one gen. Cost around $50 and is an easy install.

[davidz71]

Originally Posted by Raptorrider2001

I installed a "Hard Start Kit" on my 11k btu. Made a big difference when using just one gen. Cost around $50 and is an easy install.

Does Dometic sell the components for the Hard Start Kit or did you pick them up at the local hardware store? I've read about installing a delay for the compressor in one of my RV books but I was just wondering.

[Raptorrider2001]

Yes, it was from Dometic. The place I store mine also has a repair shop and they ordered it for me. I guess they got it from a supplyier because they received in in a couple of days. They talked like it is pretty common to install them so I would be any rv place would be able to get one. The hardest part was getting on top of the trailer to take the cover off. Easy to do yourself. Undo a couple of screws and wires and replace the old with the new. I was glad I didn't pay the shop the $95 flat rate they wanted to install. Basically all it is is a new capacitor. Give it a try, it is not hard.

[iHayley]

Originally Posted by Raptorrider2001

I installed a "Hard Start Kit" on my 11k btu. Made a big difference when using just one gen. Cost around $50 and is an easy install.

Oooo... tell me more about this "Hard Start Kit"?? I'm looking at buying two of those Honda 2000 generators, but they're quite pricey. I was going to start with just one and see how I did, and then go back for the second later. My big question was if only one was going to be enough to start up the AC.

Hayley

[moosetags]

Thanx for all the input. I'm going to look at the hard start capacitor also.

Brian

[Raptorrider2001]

ihayley- I started out with one also. Worked pretty well after the hard start kit. Once I had the a/c going, I would try to leave the thermostat setting on high to keep if from cycling on and off which sometimes in reat hot weather, would kick the gen. into overload. Sometimes on really hot days, I would run the refrig on gas to keep from drqwing current. I would unplug the refrig on the back side and it would then switch to gas. (I think). But you will have good luck with one if your a/c unit is the 11k. The only reason I bought a second one was a friend upgraded from the 2000 to the 3000 on his mini-motorhome and he made me a deal I couldn't pass up. On days I don't run the a/c, I just run one to keep the battery charged and run the tv and microwave. If you do a search, you can find some pics. I posted of how I hook up a 5 gallon fuel can to run one or both of the gens. That gives you more fuel than you will use in a day pulling both gens. I would give you a link but it has been so long since I was on here I don't remember where they are located. OOps, found the link:
http://www.airforums.com/photos/brow...500&userid=646

[Glenn G]

I have 2- 2000's and the AC runs great but I haven't tried to use them in eco mode. I have a problem going from the AC in high mode down to med. It faults out the gens. They work fine while plugged in, it only occurs with the gens. If someone has a thought on this I'd appreciate any suggestions.

[rcmom6]

our air conditioner runs well (the fan) but it does not cool the interior. we were told it is a closed system so it cannot be repaired. replacing is not in the budget. any suggestions?

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by moosetags

When running my A/C with my two Honda 2000s, should I use the ECO setting or not?...

clearly there is some variation based on WHICH ac (size/btu) and WHAT ELSE is drawing electric.

dometic advises 3500 w gensets for the 13.5 and 15,000 btu a/c units.

the local honda sales/service shop advises AGAINST using eco mode with the parallel kit.

i LIKE to run the fridge on electric and other gadgets at the same time the a/c is in use...

and with sudden demand needs (like the a/c) voltage DROPS initially if running in eco mode, according to honda.

so 2 easy checks are...

1. does the 'overload light' on the gensets come ON when the a/c kicks in...
2. does a voltage meter show any drop in voltage and for how long?

i've checked the continuous display voltage meter in my unit and voltage does drop to the 103-105 range briefly is using eco mode.

this drop does NOT happen when eco mode is OFF.

so it may be penny wise, pound foolish to use eco during a/c usage or while in parallel operation with large demand gadgets...

it's not clear how much gas is 'saved' in eco mode/parallel when the a/c is on either, but...

these voltage drops aren't good for the a/c and 'overload' isn't good for the gensets...

if not checking voltage drops and overload alerts, the observation that it 'seems to run ok' may be misleading.

with a smaller a/c this may not be an issue, but checking voltage and overload alerts is still prudent.

cheers
2air'

[TBRich]

Originally Posted by iHayley

Oooo... tell me more about this "Hard Start Kit"?? I'm looking at buying two of those Honda 2000 generators, but they're quite pricey. I was going to start with just one and see how I did, and then go back for the second later. My big question was if only one was going to be enough to start up the AC.

Hayley

Halyley...Check what size AC you have 11,000 btu or 13,500 btu...I believe 11,000 is Safari standard and 13,500 is the Safari SE standard size...but check to make sure...should be in your owners manual/materials... Of course, the higher the btu rating the more oomph you need...

[richinny]

Originally Posted by 2airishuman

clearly there is some variation based on WHICH ac (size/btu) and WHAT ELSE is drawing electric.

dometic advises 3500 w gensets for the 13.5 and 15,000 btu a/c units.

the local honda sales/service shop advises AGAINST using eco mode with the parallel kit.

i LIKE to run the fridge on electric and other gadgets at the same time the a/c is in use...

and with sudden demand needs (like the a/c) voltage DROPS initially if running in eco mode, according to honda.

so 2 easy checks are...

1. does the 'overload light' on the gensets come ON when the a/c kicks in...
2. does a voltage meter show any drop in voltage and for how long?

i've checked the continuous display voltage meter in my unit and voltage does drop to the 103-105 range briefly is using eco mode.

this drop does NOT happen when eco mode is OFF.

so it may be penny wise, pound foolish to use eco during a/c usage or while in parallel operation with large demand gadgets...

it's not clear how much gas is 'saved' in eco mode/parallel when the a/c is on either, but...

these voltage drops aren't good for the a/c and 'overload' isn't good for the gensets...

if not checking voltage drops and overload alerts, the observation that it 'seems to run ok' may be misleading.

with a smaller a/c this may not be an issue, but checking voltage and overload alerts is still prudent.

cheers
2air'

so now my thoughts are wandering ..........

could you use a smaller generator or eco mode IF you had a system with AVR (auto voltage regulation?) to maintain the voltage? yes, a little knowledge IS dangerous.