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Old 04-03-2017, 05:08 PM   #1
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2017 International 28' (2 AC units) - Best generator setup?

Hi everyone! Just got our first airstream on friday! we love it! one of the main questions I have is what size generator/generators would be needed to power the ac's? It has a 50amp plug(2 dometic ac units). I'd like to go with the Honda generators but also would like to keep the weight manageable so that it could be loaded into the back of a pick up. Thanks!
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Old 04-03-2017, 05:38 PM   #2
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We have the same 2 AC setup, and here's what we did.

We used two Honda 2000EU generators (converted to propane by Genconnex) running in parallel to run either of the two ACs using the front LP port on the Airstream. This setup worked very well and the weight of the Hondas was manageable for us.

Then, with the warranty on oir two ACs expired, we had an Easy Start "soft starter" installed on each AC. The EasyStarts permit us to run either AC with just one Honda generator (we sold the other one, lightening our overall load).

On top of that benefit, with EasyStart, we can run both ACs simultaneously at any 30AMP campsite; without EasyStart, to run both ACs, we needed to find the rarer 50amp sites at state park campgrounds. This has turned out to be as valuable a benefit as the elimination of one generator for us.

Hope this helps.

Joe
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Old 04-04-2017, 07:50 AM   #3
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Thanks for the help. Who did you have install the easystart? Also, are you able to store the generators in your trailer while traveling? I obviously did not want to use a regular gas generator and store it in the trailer due to fumes and possible leakage. And we drive an SUV so storing it in the back of the truck isn't an option. Does a propane powered generator leave any fumes or leakage or does it only have the propane in it when it is hooked up to propane? If I went and bought a gas generator could I later convert it to propane? Sorry for all of the questions.
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Old 04-04-2017, 09:25 AM   #4
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I carry my honda & a 1 gallon gas container in a sealed Rubbermaid tupperware container. No problem with fumes etc. I travel in a Suburban.
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Old 04-04-2017, 01:39 PM   #5
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I travel with two Honda 2000s that I converted to propane upon purchase (there has never been any gasoline in them... ever). While they ride under the tonneau of the truck when we travel, I frequently store them in the trailer between trips and I would not hesitate to travel with them in the trailer. Aside from about a half quart of motor oil in each one, there is nothing in them that requires venting for smell or safety reasons.
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Old 04-04-2017, 03:44 PM   #6
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Generators

I have 2 air conditioners and have 2 honda 3000 that run together. The work great. You need the ones with wheels and I built a ramp to get them in the pickup.

Expensive, but will cool the trailer from 95 in 30 minutes.
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Old 04-04-2017, 04:16 PM   #7
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Generators- jayceejay, post #2 has it right!

Post #2 above is best solution. You can get by on one 2000W generator along with the EasyStart installed in each AC, which is great! Loading a 45-55#, 2000W generator is much easier than a 3400W 95#+ generator for sure, even with a ramp. There is a long thread currently going on this including EasyStart testimonials, arguments, and gas vs propane:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449...ml#post1929878

Good luck!
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Old 04-04-2017, 06:50 PM   #8
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I have a 2017 28' International with 2AC units. I admit, just getting started but I did purchase two propane Genconnex Eu2000is. They are very quiet, efficient, easy to move around, no odors when not operating and do just fine running our AS. I haven't installed the easy start but will. I have the solar package so I really only would use the generators to power the AC and convection microwave
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Old 04-15-2017, 01:40 PM   #9
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Has anyone considered using a 50 AMP cheater box and plug each plug into two separate Honda 2000 generators? I have used the cheater box at an old camp ground plugging one into a 30 AMP circuit and the other into a 20 AMP circuit and being able to run our prior 40' class A. In this example I'm not suggesting the two generators would run a 50 AMP RV but it would run two AC's with easy starters. I'm going to give it a whirl unless anyone thinks there will be an issue. .
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Old 04-15-2017, 03:32 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jtermini30 View Post
Has anyone considered using a 50 AMP cheater box and plug each plug into two separate Honda 2000 generators? I have used the cheater box at an old camp ground plugging one into a 30 AMP circuit and the other into a 20 AMP circuit and being able to run our prior 40' class A. In this example I'm not suggesting the two generators would run a 50 AMP RV but it would run two AC's with easy starters. I'm going to give it a whirl unless anyone thinks there will be an issue. .


Hi there. We have a 50 amp unit with two ACs, each with an EasyStart installed. We can run both ACs together using two Honda 2000s connected in parallel. We just plug our AS power cord into one of the connected Hondas with a simple adapter or dog bone - no cheater box needed. (And if your have EasyStarts installed, at a 30 amp campsite you can run both ACs as well - again, no cheater is needed.). Best, Joe
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Old 04-15-2017, 07:34 PM   #11
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Joe
Thanks so much for sharing your results. I'm going to give it a try.
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