Can Generators Run Both AC's While Boondocking?

[Flht2k]

Hello members
Just traded in my 2015 FC 25 twin for 2017 FC 28 with 2 ac. Quick
question, does anybody run both ac's at the same time using shore power? Or if boon docking, can​ you run them with 2 2200 watt generator s?

Thanks

[lewster]

Originally Posted by Flht2k

Hello members
Just traded in my 2015 FC 25 twin for 2017 FC 28 with 2 ac. Quick
question, does anybody run both ac's at the same time using shore power? Or if boon docking, can​ you run them with 2 2200 watt generator s?

Thanks

RV air conditioners typically operate at 14-16 running amps. A pair of Honda 2000s would just be passable for operation of 2 A/Cs, but they will not have the overhead capacity to provide for the 50+ amp transient starting load required by the compressor of each unit.

You would need a pair of 3000s for running 2 roof A/C units, or a robust lithium bank and 3000 watt hybrid inverter with a pair of 2000s. I would think that the 3000s would be significantly less expensive that the lithium system.

And yes, your 50 amp shore connection will enable you to operate both A/Cs at the same time from a proper 50 amp shore connection. You could even run a third if you had one.....just like the large diesel motor homes do every day here in FL

[turk123]

Originally Posted by lewster

RV air conditioners typically operate at 14-16 running amps. A pair of Honda 2000s would just be passable for operation of 2 A/Cs, but they will not have the overhead capacity to provide for the 50+ amp transient starting load required by the compressor of each unit.

You would need a pair of 3000s for running 2 roof A/C units, or a robust lithium bank and 3000 watt hybrid inverter with a pair of 2000s. I would think that the 3000s would be significantly less expensive that the lithium system.

And yes, your 50 amp shore connection will enable you to operate both A/Cs at the same time from a proper 50 amp shore connection. You could even run a third if you had one.....just like the large diesel motor homes do every day here in FL

Check out Micro- air's easy-start. One 2000w gen per AC. Lowers initial demand. Designed originally for the marine industry.

[turk123]

Check out the thread " should I keep my 2x Honda generators "

[joshjack]

Originally Posted by Flht2k

Hello members
Just traded in my 2015 FC 25 twin for 2017 FC 28 with 2 ac. Quick
question, does anybody run both ac's at the same time using shore power? Or if boon docking, can​ you run them with 2 2200 watt generator s?

Thanks

Shore power - you'll need a 50a hookup or it's dicey. The manual says no, but it could be done as long as both weren't starting at the same time and other loads were minimal (think fridge and water heater on propane).

If I'm planning a campground stay I look for 50 a hookups because I like it cool.

[EarlM]

I use a Honda 7000 I generator and run both air conditioner

[SailorSam205]

x2 on the Micro-Air Easy Start. One big downside - installing will likely void your AC warranty.

[turk123]

Talk with Matteo at micro air. He will go to bat for you with dometic. I believe dometic uses a similar system on a commercial unit they make.

[EarlM]

Here we go again, let's cheat the system micro air instead of a correct sized generator???? "He will go to bat for you " means what after you ac's are damaged possibly your holding the bag. My thought would be to take Lewsters advice and skip trying to beat the system

Earl

[joshjack]

Originally Posted by EarlM

Here we go again, let's cheat the system micro air instead of a correct sized generator???? "He will go to bat for you " means what after you ac's are damaged possibly your holding the bag. My thought would be to take Lewsters advice and skip trying to beat the system
Earl

Actually this is just thinking smarter rather than working harder. It's kind of ridiculous to have to size generators 50% bigger than you need just to handle the transient startup draw that lasts less than 1 sec. Here's a guy who's figured out a safe way (which by the way actually increases component life by easing the startup cycle from such an abrupt, jerky start) to reduce the transient requirements - and he's done such a good job that the manufacturers have taken notice and are even offering his solution as a factory option in some cases.

Having him willing to go to bat - and knowing his relationship with the manufacturers - gives this solution a lot more credibility that most hacks.

[SCOTTinNJ]

I'd ask weather your really need to run both air conditioners.

[VaTravelers]

I have two a/c units on my 2017 28' Serenity and have run both on my Honda 2000s. They were not started together and I had both my refer and hot water on propane. However, once I proved that it could be done, I shut down one. Honestly, I did just fine with running one a/c unit off the generators. It kept my AS cool.

[turk123]

I'll be installing mine (one AC ) and documenting it here somewhere in the forum. Micro air is offering $50 off ($250) through the summer.

Joshjack is right. Dometic already has a startup capacitors in their unit. This is the way most manufacturers handle this issue. Problem is there is still a micro second burst that overpowers the generator causing it to shut down. Its hard on the AC and hard on the generator. If the Easystart eliminates most of the "punch" and slowly engages the generator, it has to be better for all devices concerned. The easystart also has a 6 second delay to allow a 2000i generator to get out of eco mode and get to full speed. Nice touch!

[thiel]

Originally Posted by joshjack

Actually this is just thinking smarter rather than working harder. It's kind of ridiculous to have to size generators 50% bigger than you need just to handle the transient startup draw that lasts less than 1 sec. Here's a guy who's figured out a safe way (which by the way actually increases component life by easing the startup cycle from such an abrupt, jerky start) to reduce the transient requirements - and he's done such a good job that the manufacturers have taken notice and are even offering his solution as a factory option in some cases.



Having him willing to go to bat - and knowing his relationship with the manufacturers - gives this solution a lot more credibility that most hacks.

Agree. Carrying twice the genny is costly and inefficient especially when most of us carry a genny solely for AC.

[turk123]

The Easystart also monitors voltage and will shut down for a 5 minute period if voltage were to drop. The delay also allows for the pressures to equalize before starting the AC again.

[Dennisr]

Originally Posted by Flht2k

Hello members
Just traded in my 2015 FC 25 twin for 2017 FC 28 with 2 ac. Quick
question, does anybody run both ac's at the same time using shore power? Or if boon docking, can​ you run them with 2 2200 watt generator s?

Thanks

You can run two 3,000 watt Honda generators
but you must have a parallel.
Champion also makes a 3,000 watt gen. That are half the price.
Camping world sells them.

[MelGoddard]

Originally Posted by lewster

RV air conditioners typically operate at 14-16 running amps. A pair of Honda 2000s would just be passable for operation of 2 A/Cs, but they will not have the overhead capacity to provide for the 50+ amp transient starting load required by the compressor of each unit.

You would need a pair of 3000s for running 2 roof A/C units, or a robust lithium bank and 3000 watt hybrid inverter with a pair of 2000s. I would think that the 3000s would be significantly less expensive that the lithium system.

And yes, your 50 amp shore connection will enable you to operate both A/Cs at the same time from a proper 50 amp shore connection. You could even run a third if you had one.....just like the large diesel motor homes do every day here in FL

Wouldn't the two gennys have to be paralleled?

[franklyfrank]

Originally Posted by thiel

Agree. Carrying twice the genny is costly and inefficient especially when most of us carry a genny solely for AC.

I have a Champion 3100 Watt Inverter generator we use to run the 2 ACs on our 30' International for two years now. I bring the AC units on line one at a time and normally set them at slightly different temperatures.
I have yet to overload the generator even using the microwave and other misc. appliances. The two AC units run just fine at the same time and generator purrs right along.
I consider lifting the 85 lbs unit in an out of the truck part of my work out routine. :-)

[sburrw]

We also use the EasyStart from Micro Air to run our A/C with a 2000 watt Yamaha. They should be standard so that everyone can use a lighter, quieter generator.

http://www.microair.net/main/products/product.php?id=20

[A W Warn]

Originally Posted by lewster

>> snip>> You would need a pair of 3000s for running 2 roof A/C units << snip<<

I'm wondering how to hook up the 50 amp power cord to two Hondas so they would run two AC units. I did not know they could be paired in this manner.