Question about a old A/C unit

[riverratmike]

Hi. Not sure where to start here but here it goes. I have a 1971 Prowler 25 ft. trailer It has a old Coleman Mach 2 or Mach 3 A/C unit that still blows cold air and works great. It's still using the old R22 freon. I'm in the market for a portable generator for this A/C unit and would like to find out what the wattage should be to run this unit efficiently.
Here a some photos I took of the A/C unit and the manual I found that is dated 1970.

[Belegedhel]

It looks like your user's manual spells it out for you, with the lines toward the bottom of the page that show the recommended generator size for single and double AC operation. So at a glance, depending on exactly what model you have, you are looking at needing around a 3500 watt generator to run safely/efficiently. If you don't know your exact model, your safest bet would be to go with the 4000 watt unit. The AC might run in a steady state at quite a bit less than 3500 watts, but generators usually aren't rated at their max continuous operating level, and when you are trying to get that AC started, it pulls a lot more juice than when it is running at steady state anyway.

A popular (and expensive) option for RVers is to get a "companion" set of two 2000 watt Honda inverter generators, and connect them together to get a total of 4000 watts.

good luck!

[riverratmike]

thank you sir for the information. Been thinking about a DuroMax 4440 generator that I've seen on Amazon. It had pretty good reviews.

[Belegedhel]

I suppose it depends on where you intend to use the generator. Many of those "construction" type generators are extremely loud, and liable to drive you out of your own campsite, let alone any neighbors that might be hearing the generator noise as well. The selling point on the Honda generators mentioned above is that they hum along at something like 55 decibles, which is about the valume of normal conversation.

good luck!

[BluesClues]

Originally Posted by Belegedhel

I suppose it depends on where you intend to use the generator. Many of those "construction" type generators are extremely loud, and liable to drive you out of your own campsite, let alone any neighbors that might be hearing the generator noise as well. The selling point on the Honda generators mentioned above is that they hum along at something like 55 decibles, which is about the valume of normal conversation.

good luck!

I have been asking myself the question you answered above. Honda (and Yamaha) generators are not cheap. There are lots of well rated generators at a quarter the price. I will compare the sound. Is there anything else about the Honda though that makes it worth the extra money?

[TG Twinkie]

The continuous rated capacity of the Honda and Yamaha 2K watt generator is 1,600 watts or 3,200 watts for 2 running in parallel. Something to keep in mind.
To compare the Honda and Yamaha the only difference is. The Honda setup requires two different models in order to run a parallel setup. Along with an adaptor cord to connect your RV. The Yamaha generators are identical and use a parallel cord with an RV connector.


Sent from my iPod touch using Airstream Forums

[Belegedhel]

I suppose the advantage of having two small generators linked together to double the output vs. one large generator is that you can pick them up and move them around by yourself. This may save you from having to create permanent mounts somewhere on the trailer. You just pull them out of your tow vehicle when you need them.

[Jewel65]

Hey Mike, thanks for posting the photos! I have the old Polar Pal on the top of my 65 Caravel. It has the metal shroud and I hope it still works well. I haven't tried it out yet, but most of these old units I have come across work well. I couldn't find anything on the internet about the coleman's with the metal shroud until your pictures. At least it gives me a model number 6248 and name Polar Pal. Looks like it was one of Coleman's first units about 1967. I guess I should plug the old girl in and see if she works. Hope you find the right generator. I have a large honda, but it's not portable enough to be very convenient. I can run this ac on it thought to try it out.