Honda 2000i for AC only?

[Airstream Dad]

Hiya Folks,

I'm boondocking twice this summer, and a quick question:

Is the 20A outlet on the Honda 2000i enough to run just the AC unit on a 2005 28' International? If I keep the microwave off and no other high wattage/amp appliances (maybe just some lighting and the audio system), so it's AC blowing low only.

I'm thinking it might be nice to run the generator and AC for maybe an hour or two in the evening before the customary 10pm shut down just to cool the trailer down from the daytime heat (and charge the batteries), then let mother nature darkness and fans keep us cool overnight.

This would spare me from having to buy a second expensive 2000i as a companion. Less to schlep, too.

Cheers,

Jim

[Phoenix]

Some have said that this will work if you add a special start capacitor to your air conditioner. However, I think this may be marginal for this application. Honda 2000i is not rated for this; so if anyone has used this setup successfully, I'm sure they will add details to this thread.

Yamaha has a 2400 or 2800 (not very familiar with Yamaha) that several have reported they use with the air conditioner. This might be a better option, if you don't wish to parallel two generators. Or, you can go to a larger Honda 3000 or numerous other brands, although these are much heavier.

Personally, we have two Honda 2000's to run the air conditioner in the desert heat, and we have been very satisfied. In cooler seasons, we pack only one generator. If you do NOT have a heat pump and use the "optional" internal resistance heater in the air conditioner (installed as standard in our Bambi), one Honda 2000 will suffice in the winter.

If you decide to buy only one Honda 2000, I'd suggest you get the one with the 30 amp RV plug, since prices are always going up. I think the inverter has more capacity (even though it will not supply more current if not paralleled). This model costs only a little more, and you'll be ready to connect a second Honda 2000, if you decide to purchase one later.

[nick6930]

I run 2 - 2000's as well. I have tried the 1 -2000 and there was not enough power (about 99-101 on the meter) to run my AC on my 1979 28'. I would recommend buying a cheap window unit and setting it up if you want to do only 1 -2000 generator. Many people I camp with have been doing the window unit on the vintage trailers, because they live up north and only need AC once or twice a year.

That or just get 1 larger unit. Personally I like the 2 generators, I can only run 1 to charge the batteries or use around the yard.

Good luck

[JamuJoe]

I tried the Yamaha 2000i (slightly better specs than the Honda) for the 13,500 BTU A/C unit in our 2011 FC23FB and it would not run the A/C - the generator went into overload. Returned it and bought the Yamaha 2400i and it carries the load without strain. It's heavier and larger, but actually quieter at load and has several nicer features, such as a proper oil dipstick and drain. Very nice unit.

[Stmpjmpr]

I've got a 2008 25FB and 2 Honda 2000s. One is plenty for anything except the A/C; the A/C by itself will overload it. The only reason I ever use the 2nd one if for A/C.

[Bill M.]

The 20 amp outlet would be enough if it actually put out 20 amps, but it does not. The honda 2000 is in reality a 1600. That gives you around 13-14 amps through the 20 amp outlet. Probably not enough. I will not even try it with mine. I have heard of people getting it to run a small AC by keeping it turned up so high it does not cycle.