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 > What size generator to run AC??

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supercub

Modesto CA

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Posted: 06/09/22 06:34pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Looking at buying a +/-28 foot travel trailer, with one AC unit. What size generator should I have to run the AC and lights, TV, etc?
Thanks

spoon059

Just north of D.C.

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Posted: 06/09/22 07:03pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

A 3500 watt should handle it. If you get a soft start for your AC, you can power a 15K BTU AC with a Honda 2200 invertor. It actually works out cheaper to spend $300 on a Micro Air Easy Start and save $1000 to get the smaller generator (assuming you buy the big name brand).


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bob213

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Posted: 06/09/22 09:43pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I agree with the MicroAir but with the 2200 you won't have much left for anything else. I like the Honda 3500 but if money is an issue many are saying good things about the Predator 3500.


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afidel

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Posted: 06/09/22 10:19pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Champion 2500 dual fuel will run a 15k even on propane, what it won't do is run that and anything else but lights and tv. Your fridge would need to be on propane (with a 12V compressor fridge you'd need solar and to turn off your converter) and no microwave or other big appliances like a coffee maker. You can step up to a 3400/3500/3600 watt unit to alleviate those limits but you pay in weight, cost, and fuel consumption (both max and min burn rates).


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pianotuna

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Posted: 06/10/22 12:09am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Champion 3400 has remote electric start.


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wildtoad

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Posted: 06/10/22 04:10am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Don’t know brands to buy, but do know that while you CAN get by with a 2200, a 3500 range will provide sufficient power and allow more things to be run without issues.


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Trekkar

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Posted: 06/10/22 05:11am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I've had no issues running everything with a Champion 3400 with propane. It is NOT a lightweight machine, but I run it out of the bed of my truck with no problem.


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valhalla360

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Posted: 06/10/22 05:41am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Keep in mind, if you go with the 2000-2200w units, it's going to be running full throttle all the time...the noise estimates are typically based on 25% load. Result expect it to sound like a lawnmower engine.

By going to a bigger generator, it may be quieter even if it isn't rated as quiet as the smaller unit.

You really want something 3000w or higher (more expensive and more maintenance but combining a pair of 2000w generators is also viable)


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theoldwizard1

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Posted: 06/10/22 05:46am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

You can't not argue with the durability of any of the Honda generators, but there are other good units on the market.

Watch this video

Sadly, Honda has yet to release their latest model in the US which would hit the "sweet spot" for 1 AC unit.

theoldwizard1

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Posted: 06/10/22 05:49am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

valhalla360 wrote:

... more expensive and more maintenance but combining a pair of 2000w generators is also viable

Personally, I would go this route instead of the much heavier 3000+W generators !

* This post was edited 06/10/22 05:59am by theoldwizard1 *

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