help! what size generator??

[tjj's63]

new owner here- taking our airstream out for her maiden voyage this weekend- unfortunately, there is no electric hookup to be had where we are going. what size generator should i get? i have a 1963 28' ambassador. i don't need anything fancy- i just want to be able to run the a/c off of it. any thoughts?

[gwsullivan]

There has been much controversy about this subject. According to Dometic's specification sheet you need the following size generator:
11,000 BTU -- 2.5KW Gen
13,500 BTU -- 3.5KW Gen
15,000 BTU -- 3.5KW Gen

I have read of people running their 11K BTU A/C with a Honda 2000 Watt generator but I have not personally tried it.

[bryanl]

interesting, all of these are single circuit appliances (15 amps 120 volts). What I get is that the starting currents are what set the requirements for genset output. And this makes sense.

The way folks power the AC with a Honda 2000i is by magic. First they get an easy start kit for the AC compressor that reduces start load requirements. Second, they make sure the AC is the only thing on the circuit when it starts. Third, they leave the AC on max cold so the compressor doesn't cycle. Even then it seems some need to start the AC only when the genset is cold.

What most people do is to use two honda gensets and run them in parallel, which you can do with some of the more modern inverter based gensets.

The 4kw to 5kw capacity generally serves most RV purposes.

[jtshipp]

.......... "genset?" Translate, please.............

[74Argosy24MH]

"genset?" Translate, please

Generator, because it is set of an engine and generator (or alternator).

John

[garry]

Lots of folks have two Honda 2000i because of ease of handling
(around 50 lbs each) and very low noise.
One 2000w could put a strain on the AC comprssor and even cause damage that's why you don't want the start up load of the AC coming on and off. Some take the chance and run with one.

I have a 3500w with the 30amp 120AC output also 220AC should I need 220. However; it's heavy and not as flexable as the smaller Honda 2000i units.
Then again I paid $650 for mine with a 6hp Honda engine while the 2000i run $800 plus each.

Garry