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Shiny16 · 08-06-2020, 04:43 PM

Well I can’t speak for the other gen sets but the Honda will definitely power the AC with an easy start installed.

pcskier · 08-06-2020, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill M.

I have run the AC during the day at 95 degrees at 7000 feet on the gas generator (2000). Our AC is a 13,500 Penguin.

That's amazing. My 2000i couldn't do it at 5000 feet and 90s this past June. Compressor would start, and then stall after a few moments. I had every breaker off except main and AC. I just figured that at that elevation, the 10-15 percent reduction in power (2-3 percent per 1,000 feet according to Honda) just wouldn't get it done. 7000 feet at 95 degrees is incredible. No you have me frustrated again!

pcskier · 08-06-2020, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harphunt

I have a 13,500 Dometic and was hoping to use one of the less expensive inverter generators... i.e. WEN 56235i 2,350watt
I could get 1 rv ready or 2 smaller gens for the price of a Honda...
Curt

Some time in the past, Matteo (the engineer at Micr Air who has posted on this forum and has gotten on the phone with people with install challenges) did mention that as far as the Easy Start is concerned, not all 2000w generators are the same. The Honda eu2000i (this was before the 2200 came out) was very reliable he said, but some other brands he tested (taking measurements as well) simply didn't get the job done. I can't remember the technical specifics, but the bottom line was, the Honda had more 'muscle' to get past that peak load to start the compressor, when the others did not.

So if you settle on two generators to pair together...you can certainly save money and skip the Honda, two of just about any brand will get you all the power you need, with or without Easy Start.

But if you want to stick with one, sub 50 lb generator, I would touch base with Micro Air to get some feedback on if they think whatever generator you might consider would be robust enough to get the job done. This is where the extra money for a Honda eu2200i would be money well spent in conjunction with an Easy Start. Depending on your travels, elevation shouldnt matter to you like it seems to for me--especially with a 2200 that has 10 percent more power than my 2000. But then again, there was just comment a few back stating that a honda 2000i with easy start powered his AC at 7000 feet and 95 degrees. So, YMMV.

Bill M. · 08-07-2020, 06:27 AM

When I posted I thought were at 7000. But... we dropped a bit of elevation when we left Sisters so maybe it was more like 4500 to 5000. I do not really know. What is the elevation of Camp Sherman? And I turned off my power converter.

Bill M. · 08-07-2020, 06:32 AM

Why in the world would you want one of the "less expensive" generators? Especially when several of them have been well tested by Easy Start and found lacking.

And do not try to tell me it is just about the money.

Shiny16 · 08-07-2020, 06:41 AM

A thought I just had reading this thread. If you were in a position where running the AC was on edge would putting the battery disconnect to store help? That should be an easy way to turn off the converter which seems to be the main culprit for those having issues. Anyone think of some negatives to this?

Shiny16 · 08-07-2020, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill M.

Why in the world would you want one of the "less expensive" generators? Especially when several of them have been well tested by Easy Start and found lacking.

And do not try to tell me it is just about the money.

This.

harphunt · 08-07-2020, 08:54 AM

It is just about the money and I don't know what brands were found lacking...

Shiny16 · 08-07-2020, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harphunt

It is just about the money and I don't know what brands were found lacking...

If the money saved leads to a combination that doesn’t perform well then it’s not really money saved.
The advice to call and ask MicroAir is excellent advice. Those guys are extremely helpful.

harphunt · 08-07-2020, 10:00 AM

I concur Shiny! I don't want to save money if it doesn't work, but don't want to spend more than I need to. I have an email into Micro Air. No phone number listed.

I may forego the installation for now...

I truly appreciate all opinions. Thanks!

Curt

Shiny16 · 08-07-2020, 11:44 AM

Before you dismiss the Easy Start don’t overlook another great benefit of the installation. The ability to run your AC at home without 30 amp service.

pcskier · 08-07-2020, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shiny16

A thought I just had reading this thread. If you were in a position where running the AC was on edge would putting the battery disconnect to store help? That should be an easy way to turn off the converter which seems to be the main culprit for those having issues. Anyone think of some negatives to this?

Depending on the trailer, some Use/Store switches don't isolate the batteries from the charger. I think this is the case with newer one. Easy enough to change it at the switch though.

To be sure the charger isn't using amps, best bet is to shut off that breaker, leave the Use/Store switch in "Use" mode, so that the batteries will run the 12V stuff, not the converter, and the battery charge will be taken offline.

pcskier · 08-07-2020, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill M.

When I posted I thought were at 7000. But... we dropped a bit of elevation when we left Sisters so maybe it was more like 4500 to 5000. I do not really know. What is the elevation of Camp Sherman? And I turned off my power converter.

I just looked it up...Camp Sherman is just under 3,000 feet elevation. Sisters is just under 3200...so you did drop, about 200 feet.

I feel a bit better now about my situation at 5,000 feet. 3,000 feet elevation would give the generator 5 or 6 percent more power than 5,000 feet, which certainly could be enough to make a difference! EDIT: I just looked up where I was when my Easy Start and eu2000i couldn't run the AC in the 90s...the elevation is actually just under 6000 feet, not 5,000 feet! So now it's really making sense why it wouldn't happen for me at that high temp...just too much power loss of 12-15%. Now I feel even better!

pcskier · 08-07-2020, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harphunt

\ I have an email into Micro Air. No phone number listed.

(609) 259-2636

harphunt · 08-07-2020, 05:51 PM

Awesome. Thanks!

guskmg · 08-08-2020, 11:02 PM

MicroAir's EasyStart works well with with quality built generators. If you are going to altitude in the summer don't forget to add the effects of day time heat. It adds to the problem. If its high enough ant hot enough you may have to go to 3000 watts. In aviation its called field pressure altitude (density altitude) which is a combination of both altitude and heat. Look up Koch Chart. Note: The EasyStart does condition the line voltage similar to that of an inverter generator. The inverter's generator generates AC and converts it to DC and then inverts it back to AC so it produceses near perfect AC. All this refinement improves your A/cs
performance over the long run. Both my Dometic are finishing their 16th season.
guskmg

harphunt · 08-09-2020, 07:38 AM

Looking at the 2,800/3,100 Champion now. Will call Micro-Air tomorrow and get their opinion/input. So many options. Thanks.

peace

rjack · 08-09-2020, 10:33 AM

I appreciate the good and technical comments; however am moved to add “how we do it”. First, we have an ARE cab high pickup shell cover with opening side access windows. Lots of capacity. In the front of the bed, rarely used, is a floor jack, a tire/wheel, a 67# Honda 3000i wheeled generator, a 1/2” rechargeable impact drill with accessory sockets, and a box of spare parts. 125K miles in tough conditions..many state and NPs..Alaska, Newfoundland, Canada, boondocking, etc. a total use experience of three uneventful usages. In the “easy access” area: Small bag of hand tools, 18v drill, Water/electric splitters, Water Thief, 45# Honda 2200 generator, handful of fuses, and an iPad. Our technical skills are minimal. Easy Start equipped. My point is THERE IS NO REASON TO BE INTIMIDATED, NOTHING VERY BAD OR INSURMOUNTABLE CAN OR WILL OCCUR.

TurkeyRun · 08-09-2020, 01:47 PM

I did not read through every reply in this thread. But since we have a Novakool and a 15 y.o. Carrier air conditioner that probly draws more than your Dometic, our experience may be useful.
Using AC power, the Novakool draws less than 1 amp.
The draw from the ancient carrier is 9-10 amps once humming along. Which is why the Micro Air is key. Without it, the Carrier surges to 15 amps at startup, and that trips the 2200.
So yes, we run both AC and fridge on a Honda 2200. And we also run the inverter which draws a couple more AC amps to keep the batteries and other 12v stuff humming. I agree with the poster who suggested the eu2200 companion, as the 30 amp outlet on that model means no adapter, and every adapter adds a bit more resistance.
Last comment.
I just left a campground in the Smokies where a neighbor was raving about what a great deal his Harbor Freight generator was. FWIW, my wife raged all weekend about how loud his generator was compared to our Honda. So if you are on you own, maybe a Predator is ok. If you care about your neighbors, not so much.

rickcaz · 08-09-2020, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harphunt

Looking at the 2,800/3,100 Champion now. Will call Micro-Air tomorrow and get their opinion/input. So many options. Thanks.

peace

You might also consider a (3000W peak/2300W running) 150 cc Craftsman (or equivalent GENERAC with more electronic monitoring features). They have "power rush" built into the generators which seems similar to "easy start" and a 30A twist style RV plug. Dry weight is 59.5 pounds. The gasoline seals and vents work well; We run it dry then haul it in our SUV (in a plastic container) without leaks or vapors. Fuel efficiency is OK. I compared noise levels with a 192 cc Champion 3400/3100 and a 120 cc Honda 2000/1600 and I was pleased, especially at the 1200 to 1600 watt output band that I typically use in the morning while charging batteries and using the microwave.

The Craftsman works with our 13.5K BTU A/C (without easy start) at 6000' elevation. It stumbles at 7500' during A/C current surges and requires that the convertor and refrigerator be turned off while the A/C is operated exclusively on low. I haven't tried a carb jet tweak for high altitude.

The Champion, two Hondas or a re-jetted Craftsman might be needed for reliable high altitude A/C use. One Champion, two Craftsmen or two Hondas might be good options for running the A/C and microwave concurrently. For moderate altitudes and occasional A/C use a single Craftsman is nice even without re-jetting the carb or installing easy start.