AC power requirments |
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AlaskaAviator
Newbie Joined: 25 Jul 2019 Location: N.M. Online Status: Offline Posts: 14 |
Topic: AC power requirments Posted: 04 Aug 2019 at 12:46pm |
So what is the minimum generator requirement to run the AC. Someone told me yesterday he runs his with a 2200 watt generator. I was under the impression it took 3K at least. |
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StephenH
podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6326 |
Posted: 04 Aug 2019 at 2:43pm |
It varies. If you are not running the other appliances (water heater or refrigerator on 120V, then it is possible to run the AC with a 2200 watt generator, especially if you have installed a Micro-Air Easy Start which reduces the peak inrush current needed to get the compressor running. It also depends on if the converter is trying to charge a depleted battery also. If the battery is charged and all the converter is doing is float charging, then it will work. If, however, your battery is low so the converter is in bulk charging mode, then the total load would be too high. Sometimes, you can flip the breaker for the converter if that is the case but then your battery will not be charged. I have had to do that to take the edge off the heat and then turn the converter back on when the 'Pod cools off some. I did install an Easy Start and am using a Generac iX2000 generator. I would like to get the Predator 3500, but am holding off for now as the additional weight and size would be harder for me to maneuver and lift. I would need to get some ramps or a hoist to load it in our pickup for travel. I can lift our iX2000, so we are sticking with it for now.
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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
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AlaskaAviator
Newbie Joined: 25 Jul 2019 Location: N.M. Online Status: Offline Posts: 14 |
Posted: 04 Aug 2019 at 2:59pm |
I have a 2000 watt honda but don't think I'll even try it. Am thinking this is the one I would get
EU3000IH1A Handi 3,000W. A lot more money than the HF model but I would have a hard time trusting it.
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StephenH
podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6326 |
Posted: 04 Aug 2019 at 3:08pm |
That is because the 2000 watt Honda is most likely actually a 1600 watt continuous/2000 watt starting current generator. The labeling of generators with their peak current instead of the continuous watt capability is misleading at best, deceptive at worst. The Generac iX2000 is 2000 watt continuous, 2200 watt starting current generator. That is one reason I bought it. The Harbor Freight Predator 3500 gets high review ratings and, if taken care of, should last. Two key factors are keeping the oil in good shape (use synthetic) and only using non-ethanol gasoline with gasoline stabilizer. Many small engines are discarded when all that is needed is a new carburetor because the owner used ethanol gasoline which gummed up the jets so it does not run. Using non-ethanol gasoline avoids a lot of problems. Edit: I have seen the HF Predators in action with various food trucks. Every food truck owner I have spoken with about them has spoken highly of them. They are the ones that said that maintaining the oil is part of the key to keeping them running well. They are also very quiet while running which is a big plus.
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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
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mcarter
podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 07 Apr 2016 Location: Greenbrier, TN Online Status: Offline Posts: 3419 |
Posted: 04 Aug 2019 at 3:20pm |
Seems like this never goes away. I agree with SH do some research. The question is how much of your capabilities do you want to run. I have been running a Pod AC for years with a Generac IX 2000, the AC and nothing else that is a considerable load. You can't run AC and the Micro, and I found easier if I disable the Converter. So BLUF is depending upon battery charge, I can choose between AC and charging the battery. What did you want to do? If you want it all, you can't do that with a 2K genset. If you are old with a bad back, 3Ks are out of the question. Not an option for me. So I chose a genset that allows me to do what I need and still transport and move it.
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Mike Carter
2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
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podwerkz
Senior Member Joined: 11 Mar 2019 Location: Texas Online Status: Offline Posts: 966 |
Posted: 04 Aug 2019 at 4:02pm |
And if you can get a parallel kit and second identical unit, you could still lift the same weight (twice) and yet have more power available when needed.
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r・pod 171 gone but not forgotten!
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offgrid
Senior Member Joined: 23 Jul 2018 Online Status: Offline Posts: 5290 |
Posted: 04 Aug 2019 at 4:07pm |
Why not try the Honda since you already own it? My Honda 2k runs my a/c fine as long as nothing else is on, including the charger, It would not start the a/c until I installed the easy start. Now it starts just fine. Note that the startup load of the standard a/c compressor is at least 2-3x the run load. The easy start isn't cheap but its a whole lot less than a new genny and won't trigger the need for lumbar disk surgery.
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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
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StephenH
podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6326 |
Posted: 04 Aug 2019 at 6:32pm |
The Generac iX2000 is not parallel capable so a parallel kit is a moot point. On top of that, it is also discontinued.
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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
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podwerkz
Senior Member Joined: 11 Mar 2019 Location: Texas Online Status: Offline Posts: 966 |
Posted: 04 Aug 2019 at 7:07pm |
Well never mind then.... |
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r・pod 171 gone but not forgotten!
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AlaskaAviator
Newbie Joined: 25 Jul 2019 Location: N.M. Online Status: Offline Posts: 14 |
Posted: 04 Aug 2019 at 7:12pm |
The Honda Handi 3000 only weighs 78 pounds. The HF unit is a hundred. I might try my 2000. But it is only 1600 watts continuous. Anyway that clears up my question. Thanks for the input.
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