Help!!!! I need generator advice!!!

[IMPD31323]

Ok folks, so after much hem hawing around I finally bought a camper this summer. I bought a brand new 2014 Salem travel lite 26 footer. LOVE IT!!!!! Here is my problem, we are going dry camping next weekend and I need a generator that will run the AC. I have a Yamaha 1000 that will run lights and fan but will not run the generator. I keep finding conflicting info on what i need. Some people say a Honda EU2000 will run the AC, others say I cant do it with less than 4000 watts. Anybody have any personal experience with this matter? Obviously there is a huge benefit to a quiet unit, size constraint/weight is number II. Does anybody have a generator that I could possibly test to see if it will run my camper? I dont want to lay down a chunk of money only to find it wont work..... I live in Indy if anybody in the area is able to help. Thanks for your help folks!

 

[remauto1187]

Is the AC unit a 120vac or 220vac unit? There should be a nameplate on the ac unit that shows how many watts it consumes. You will need to go over that rating(electric motors consume more power at startup then the power consumption will drop to around the data on the nameplate) plus any other lights, etc that you will be running OR just get a 5000w generator and it will be plenty for pretty much everything in the camper (assuming you arent using a microwave oven).

 

[Butch627]

I don't think anyone can give good advice without knowing the necessary startup and running amp requirements for your air conditioner

 

[IMPD31323]

sorry its a 13.5kw ac unit, 120 volt

 

[actaeon277]

sorry its a 13.5kw ac unit, 120 volt

Isn't that kinda a big AC unit?

My portable genny is 4400 watts, or 4.4 kw.

4.4 kw is way less than 13.5 kw.

 

[skulhedface]

Might be 13.5k btu. Those usually run near to 2kw so you may want to consider a 3kw genny or larger to run the ac + lights

 

[Lectric102002]

1 BTU/hr = 0.293 W

13500 BTU x 0.293 = 3956 W

I'd consider a 5,000 W or 5 kW unit, minimum.

 

[GodFearinGunTotin]

1 BTU/hr = 0.293 W

13500 BTU x 0.293 = 3956 W

I'd consider a 5,000 W or 5 kW unit, minimum.

With the evidence given, this seems reasonable. What type of electrical connector do you have to interface with your generator, IMPD? That may be the next issue to resolve.

 

[skulhedface]

The math is spot on, but the numbers on the btu ratings are usually inflated. I think you'll find that it uses around 1.4-1.5 kw running. Higher at start up of course which will push it at or over the capability of a 2k generator. Swagging a little but my guess is it's around 12 amps @ 115 v on the label

 

[Lectric102002]

The math is spot on, but the numbers on the btu ratings are usually inflated. I think you'll find that it uses around 1.4-1.5 kw running. Higher at start up of course which will push it at or over the capability of a 2k generator. Swagging a little but my guess is it's around 12 amps @ 115 v on the label

You're pretty close. Here's a 13.5 unit that draws right at 15 A. COLEMAN 13500 btu RV AIR CONDITIONER with CEILING ASSEMBLY - $508..

The formula I used was not for eKW (electrical watts). This unit would be right at 1,800 W, so a 3,000 watt set would work.

Sorry for the confusion. It's early.

 

[Harleyrider_50]

This'n ought'r do it.....

....it'a run whole gawd**n campground !.....

 

[Hoosierman]

I have a honda eu2000i that you're welcome to try out, but I'm located in Anderson. Shoot me a PM if you want to try and set something up.

 

[skulhedface]

You're pretty close. Here's a 13.5 unit that draws right at 15 A. COLEMAN 13500 btu RV AIR CONDITIONER with CEILING ASSEMBLY - $508..

The formula I used was not for eKW (electrical watts). This unit would be right at 1,800 W, so a 3,000 watt set would work.

Sorry for the confusion. It's early.

I forgot to add the efficiency on it. 75% Would bump it up to 1800 w 15 a. I did the math the same way you did btw. Only difference is I divided the btu by 2sqrt2 before converting to watts

 

[Brandon]

I'm near Washington Square, 6k unit, if you are good at backing you can try it out, my drive way is about 3-350 feet and no place to turn around with that large of a trailer...

 

[IMPD31323]

Thank you so much everyone. It in fact is a 13.5 unit, i am clearly uneducated on BTU's Kwt and Watts!!! I was really looking hard at a EU20001 but saw on another forum that they thopught it wouldnt be enough. I think im going to take up Hoosierman's offer and test it out myself. Thank you again Ingo's, you once again reminded me why I love this group of gun nuts!!!

 

[Butch627]

Years ago when doing research on a generator purchase google searches took me to RV forums which were full of info on guys using generators to power their a/c units. There are some super quiet generators that have short term boost to start up a/c units. I think you would find a wealth of info on those forums. Overstressing another persons genny to test it out could damage the generator.

 

[actaeon277]

If you have natural gas or propane for the camper, you might think about a genny that runs off that, save you from having to worry aboit both gas and gasoline.

 

[Farmritch]

It's not the running current you have to worry about it's the starting current. 4 to 5 K is what I'd be looking at

 

[Lectric102002]

It's not the running current you have to worry about it's the starting current. 4 to 5 K is what I'd be looking at

The starting current of a 13,500 BTU A/C unit is approximately 2.8 kW. A 3 kW unit should be fine.