Generator Power

[KenNSabine]

Hi everyone - most of you will think this is a dumb question I'm sure - but at my age I don't get embarrassed anymore !
We have recently purchased an AS Classic which has one AC unit in it - we intend to boondocks and i therefore dug out a generator I have in the garage - it says it is 1850 (don't know what but maybe WATT) there are two 15AMP outlets on the generator - does that mean I can connect them together to make it put out 30AMPs , if so how and will it start my AC. If all the above is NO - then I intend to buy a genny - seems everyone raves about the Honda - Ive looked on line and again 2 15 AMP outlets on the front - so how would this plug into the AS ?
Thanks for any advise anyone wants to give. Cheers

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by KenNSabine

Hi everyone - most of you will think this is a dumb question I'm sure - but at my age I don't get embarrassed anymore !
We have recently purchased an AS Classic which has one AC unit in it - we intend to boondocks and i therefore dug out a generator I have in the garage - it says it is 1850 (don't know what but maybe WATT) there are two 15AMP outlets on the generator - does that mean I can connect them together to make it put out 30AMPs , if so how and will it start my AC. If all the above is NO - then I intend to buy a genny - seems everyone raves about the Honda - Ive looked on line and again 2 15 AMP outlets on the front - so how would this plug into the AS ?
Thanks for any advise anyone wants to give. Cheers

That is probably not enough generator, even with an EasyStart system installed on the AC unit.

Assuming 1850 is a rating of the generator's peak output, that's TOTAL, not per plug.

People claim successful operation of single AC units with a Honda 2k generator using the EasyStart system... if they have the regular one instead of the Companion version they're just using a 15A-30A adapter, there's nothing to be gained from bridging the 2 15A receptacles. What brand/model/age is the generator you're looking at?

There are LOTS of generator threads on here, some people like pairs of 2k generators, some like heavier 3kw units... some like the big names (Honda or Yamaha) and some like the smaller prices (Champion, Briggs & Stratton, etc.)

[Adventure.AS]

Please don't take your construction (open frame) generator with you camping. They are much to noisy.

[Daquenzer]

Originally Posted by KenNSabine

Hi everyone - most of you will think this is a dumb question I'm sure - but at my age I don't get embarrassed anymore !
We have recently purchased an AS Classic which has one AC unit in it - we intend to boondocks and i therefore dug out a generator I have in the garage - it says it is 1850 (don't know what but maybe WATT) there are two 15AMP outlets on the generator - does that mean I can connect them together to make it put out 30AMPs , if so how and will it start my AC. If all the above is NO - then I intend to buy a genny - seems everyone raves about the Honda - Ive looked on line and again 2 15 AMP outlets on the front - so how would this plug into the AS ?
Thanks for any advise anyone wants to give. Cheers

No. You will need a bigger generator to run the AC. You need at least a 3000 watt generator to start an AC unit and do anything else. You might be able to get to 3000 watts if you run 2 generators in parallel, but I doubt it with your size generator. I have two small hondas that are 2000 watts a piece and when I run in parallel I get to 30 amps.

As to type of generator there are all kinds of opinions. Hondas are the best but cost the most, but they are pretty quiet. Many use Champion and swear by them. Host of others. You can get 2 generators or 1 big generator. Depends upon how you want to use them. I have 2 small hondas only because they are easier to lug around.

Some people put "easy start" systems in their AC units. Most of the amps are required to start the AC unit. The "easy start" system reduces the amps needed to start AC.

Happy Camping.

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by KenNSabine

We have recently purchased an AS Classic which has one AC unit in it - there are two 15AMP outlets on the generator - does that mean I can connect them together to make it put out 30AMPs

No, they're just 2 outlets on the same source.

If all the above is NO - then I intend to buy a genny - seems everyone raves about the Honda - Ive looked on line and again 2 15 AMP outlets on the front - so how would this plug into the AS ?

Most gennys with sufficient power will have a 30 or 20 amp plug. I'd look for something in the 3000 watt range. Look at Champion, or even the Harbor Freight Predator. Always look for a "inverter generator" that produces clean power and is quiet.
I have a Honda EU3000is that I found on Craig's list, but pristine ones are harder to find.

As far as plugging the Airstream into a 15 amp outlet you'll buy a 'dogbone' that has a 30 amp female and a 15 amp male. Just remember, you still only have 15 amps.

[kscherzi]

Bear in mind, all the 3000 watt generator's discussed above are in the 100 plus pound weight range. If that's an issue, many folks get two smaller generators, like the Honda 2200, and using a special cable link them together for 4,000 watts. The smaller 2,000 watt generators generally weigh around 50 lbs.

[Daquenzer]

Originally Posted by kscherzi

Bear in mind, all the 3000 watt generator's discussed above are in the 100 plus pound weight range. If that's an issue, many folks get two smaller generators, like the Honda 2200, and using a special cable link them together for 4,000 watts. The smaller 2,000 watt generators generally weigh around 50 lbs.

My Honda’s weigh just over 40lbs. That’s why I got 2 to run in parallel. the new Hondas have a bit more wattage (2200). The advantage is that if you aren’t boondocking and want to take one along just in case (like the time the electricity in the campground went out) it’s easy to carry, start, and hook up. I also use mine for around the house to plug in power tools if needed. 40lbs is easy to move around. Of course the disadvantage is you need to take 2 when you go camping. BUT a bit of a backup. If one goes out for some reason you have another one.

Also Hondas are very quiet. When I ran mine for a friend he was amazed at how quiet.

If you are going to boondock a lot then you want reliable generators. The nice thing about Hondas is you can get them fixed all over.

But they ARE NOT CHEAP.

Also you can get LP converters to use LP tanks. Pros and cons to that, but gives another option.

[rmkrum]

Have a look at the “Which generator” thread for tons of discussion on the subject. I use a 3400 watt Champion Dusk fuel inverter generator modified to run off the Airstream tanks and regulator.

It’s quiet, convenient, does not stink in storage because I do not use gasoline in it, and it easily powers my 30-amp Airstream’s single air conditioner. It has a built-in 30 amp connector. It does live in the bed of my truck because it is a bit heavy, but I’m over 70 years old, and it’s not that hard to get it up there.