Generator size needed to run 1 AC Unit

[PSU1981]

How large of a generator is needed to run 1 AC unit + some lights, TV ?

What unit brand/model is your favorite & why?

Thanks,

Glenn

[RandyNH]

With or without an easy start installed on the AC?

You say run, but it's the starting you have to deal with

[rowiebowie]

You also need to know what amps your current a/c draws. Can you get the number from your power system monitor?

As RandyNH said, starting amp requirement is the biggest issue, but all other things being relative, the less your a/c takes to run, the less your startup should be.

One more thing, I just installed a 15K btu a/c that runs at 2 amps less than my old 7-year old 13.5K unit. So if you have newer a/c and install a start kit, you could get by with a smaller (and maybe quiet generator). I think you'll probably be fine with a 3000 watt generator if you want reliable power for to power an a/c.

[vintagemotor]

I use a Honda 3000i with the appropriate adapters and have no problem with 1 AC, Fridge, Converter. Just don't try to use a coffee maker or hair dryer at the same time, Hahahah.
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...iABEgK8l_D_BwE

[DKB_SATX]

How much room do you have in the back of the truck? My Yamaha 3k generator has no problem with the AC, but doesn't fit under my tonneau cover and takes 2 people to lift into the truck (it's a SWEET generator though... quiet, low RPM, good on fuel and super reliable.) I've switched to carrying a pair of the Briggs & Stratton 2200s which also carry the trailer's electrical load handily and are easier to load/unload but have less runtime between fills.

I confess I don't use both of them in parallel all that often because I prefer to use the truck to cool things off when boondocking (by towing the trailer somewhere that AC isn't required!)

[Bill M.]

Roughly a 3000. I do not have one. Have seen the Honda’s in action and they are very nice. I carry a Honda 2000 and with the easy start it will run just the AC. We camp where it is cool or with electricity in the hotter climates.

[uraljohn]

We have a 2017 23D. No soft start on A/C. Our Champion 3500 Dual Fuel powers everything and then some. I run it only on propane. No gas ever! We can crank up the A/C, hit the lights, TV, ect. Never had it kick out. I do run the water heater on propane if I need to heat water when on Gen power. Decently quiet, a bit heavy (comes with nice handle and wheels) and has RV receptacle. Paid $1050.00 on sale at Camping World (yes, I know some folks that will not shop there). Oh, ELECTRIC START! Very nice to have. Safe travels.

[AFTER TAXES]

honda 3000.....all the way, you will not be sorry

[1973Argosy]

Yamaha 2400 runs my trailer without a soft start and does it as quiet as a Honda 2000.

[GammaDog]

To answer the original question you need to account for the AC start load, run load, converter, etc.. you should also know that the names used in the generator (e.g. 2000, 2200, 3000) are the maximum output watts of the generator. Sustained watts are lower.

For my 15,000 BTU Dometic, aftermarket Progressive Dynamics converter, etc. I use two Honda 2000s (sustained output 1600 watts). When running AC I also keep fridge and water heater on propane to reduce the demand for 120v electric.

[jimfa440]

I have an Airstream with one AC unit. I happened upon a 3000 watt inverter generator, black & decker, new on eBay for $750 delivered. That's much less than the Honda or Yamaha 2000 watt. If you install an Easy Start, a 2000 watt will start and run it. Although my generator has an extended handle and wheels and is easy to move around, it is still about 100 lbs. The 2000 watt Honda and Yamaha generators and much lighter and easier to carry around.

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by jimfa440

I have an Airstream with one AC unit. I happened upon a 3000 watt inverter generator, black & decker, new on eBay for $750 delivered. That's much less than the Honda or Yamaha 2000 watt. If you install an Easy Start, a 2000 watt will start and run it. Although my generator has an extended handle and wheels and is easy to move around, it is still about 100 lbs. The 2000 watt Honda and Yamaha generators and much lighter and easier to carry around.

Black & Decker, really? Or Briggs & Stratton?

[booma]

Had a Honda 3000i, but I could not get it into the bed of my truck and even if I could, the lockable tonneau cover would not close. I can lift them, one at a time, they fit under the tonneau cover, they are super quiet. Need two to handle the star up surge.
I have an extended run tank kit. They will run all night if need be.
Ditto on the high draw accessories (microwave,hairdryer, coffee pot.

[Goonies]

I agree with booma but all I could find was 2 of the Companion for my FC 20’. The parallel kit comes with the adapter for my shore power. If I don’t think I’ll need AC I only need to bring one of them with me to charge the batteries. So quiet.

[guskmg]

Don't be confuseded by the terms Hard Start and EasyStart by MicroAir. All later model Dometics have Hard Start. That only helps the Dometic get started. It does not reduce the starting load like MicroAir. Typically a 3/4 reduction, thus a smaller genny required. Nor, does it improve the condition of the AC line curent coming into your A/C. With MicroAir your A/C will last much longer and clunking will be eliminated. My two are 14 seasons old and running like a champ.
guskmg

[jimfa440]

Originally Posted by DKB_SATX

Black & Decker, really? Or Briggs & Stratton?

I'm sorry it is a Briggs & Stratton.....my bad.

[shb2777]

My Honda 2200i runs my 11yr old 13,500 Dometic and a small circulating fan just fine. Oh I forgot to say I installed a soft start on mine.

[hstone]

Purchased the Champion Duel fuel 3400 and ran it only on propane this summer while boondocking. Worked great! Very quiet.

[RamRider]

A 3000 would be ideal, but at around 100 lbs they are too heavy for most individuals to move around easily, The Honda 2000 (or equivalents) are around 45 lb each. The other benefit is during cooler non ac months I can leave one home. Also we have a one acre yard and I find the 2000 very easy to move around when I need electric power in the far reaches of our yard.

[ElliotA]

I had a MicroAirsoft start kit installed on my 2006 28' S/O at the Escanaba rally and it operates perfectly now with just one Honda 2200W generator.