Can now use A/C while boondocking

[Bobbo]

Today, I installed my MicroAir EasyStart 364 into my Dometic Penguin II 13.5 btu air conditioner. Not too hard if you are handy. (I was hyperventilating the whole time on the roof as that is NOT my favorite thing.)

I plugged it into the 30 amp outlet I have in my garage, and did the 5 starts that MicroAir says to use. After finishing the fifth time, I started up my Honda EU2000i generator, and moved the shore cord from the 30 amp outlet to the Honda.

Low and behold, the A/C started and was cooling the Flying Cloud wonderously! (Of course, I had nothing else running on 120v at the time except the converter/charger.)

The wife is now happy.

[Hans627]

Keeping the wife happy is a most worthy goal! Congrats if you achieved it.

Having the Micro-Air EZ Start makes a big difference. I have it on both of my A/C's and my Honda 2200 will run either.

[JECTJC]

Sept. 2022 on the Olympic Peninsula:
Regarding boondocking on hot days, your specific information on the use of a whisper quiet Honda generator is great. My husband & I bought a 2018 new Airstream International Serenity 30 foot in 9/2018, and only used it in Washington State. The June 30, 2021 hot blast at the ocean near the mouth of the Columbia River found everyone experiencing 100 plus degrees, on the Coast!! We were glad to have 50 amp service, but imagined how we could run an air conditioner while not on shore power. Since then we purchased a Honda EU3000i, which we found in Astoria, Oregon. The pull start versus the electronic start was small enough that the two of us could lift it into the truck bed and use it off the end of the tailgate. That version was much less expensive than the electronic start, and lighter.
ANYWAY, now I know to get the MICRO AIR EZ Start adaptor to use the generator for an air conditioner.
Thank you for your discussion on the subject. My husband passed away in January this year, but I hope to keep using the trailer, remembering how he enjoyed it. He commented that it would have been great to have the set up while traveling the Utah National Parks in 110 plus heat 10 years back.
Keep posting on this subject, if possible.
Happy Airstreaming

[GOUSC]

JECTJC,

Sorry to hear of the passing of your husband. I’m sure he would appreciate your plans to continue your adventures in your airstream. We try to travel in the shoulder seasons where we don’t have to rely on heat or A/C. But, sometimes nature has other ideas and the generator is a good option to help you get thru those unexpected moments. Boondocking or CG’s with no hookups provides some of the best scenery nature has to offer. I wish you many good adventures in the future.

[BigAl]

I am able to run my 13500btu penguin on a regular 15 amp residential circuit. Even before installing the easystart. The easy start makes the air conditioner much quieter on start up.

[PizzaChop]

Originally Posted by BigAl

I am able to run my 13500btu penguin on a regular 15 amp residential circuit. Even before installing the easystart. The easy start makes the air conditioner much quieter on start up.

You know, you really should find a "qualified" electrician or contractor to do that sort of work (to say nothing of the "danger" of walking on your Airstream roof).

Just added a Micro Air to my Houghton low profile A/C-Heat Pump...starts up with ease with my Yamaha 2200 generator!

Houghton A/C Micro Air Installation


Was great to see you at Alumalina and hope to see you next year!

[Thiss]

Seriously, this should just be standard equipment. Does it void the AC warranty or something and that is why the factory or dealers just have it installed? Or better yet why doesn’t Doemetic just make it part of their technology. Buy the patent or the part and just do it as Nike says? Oh well enough why and what if, I will just be doing this modification myself this summer! Thanks for the insights all!

[PizzaChop]

Originally Posted by Thiss

Seriously, this should just be standard equipment. Does it void the AC warranty or something and that is why the factory or dealers just have it installed? Or better yet why doesn’t Doemetic just make it part of their technology. Buy the patent or the part and just do it as Nike says? Oh well enough why and what if, I will just be doing this modification myself this summer! Thanks for the insights all!

Somewhere I read that the owner of Micro-Air had a "working relationship" with Dometic (and probably others) so eventually, it might actually happen.