Generator Question for R-196

Soft start should come with the air conditioner to begin with, and in fact does with modern home a/cs which have variable speed inverter based compressor motor drives. No start current surges with those. But Dometic chooses to still make RV roof a/cs using 1970's technology. 

Before finalizing your purchase also consider your fuel source. I think you tow with a smaller SUV. If you have a gasoline generator where are you keeping the fuel? If you get a propane fueled generator you already have the fuel sitting on the rPod tongue. My Honda 2K is set up for dual fuel and I've found I never use gasoline in it. Much cleaner, easier, and less maintenance. Just something else to consider. 

Gypsiejanie-

The 100 watt panel is great. but when we boondock, we also try to limit our power consumption by being very conservative.  We use  a 12v 8" fan for ventilation in addition to the Fantastic Fan(on low), try to use solar lights(Lucy lights) as much as possible, use LED bulbs and do not waste electricity. We always use propane for the refrigerator. We use a manual jack for the A Frame, use our own Ipad/Iphone for music and just recharge from the battery. by lowering your battery(12v) usage, yoou can stay longer.

Another thing to think about is the recharge amount for your batteries.  You should never let the battery go below 50% State of charge(SOC) or it will ultimately harm the battery.   Assume a scenerio where you use the battery to 85% SOC.  The next day you can recharge it-even if not 100 %, assume 95%.  then you use it down to 80% and then recharge back to 90%, then down to 75% and recharge back to 85%, etc, etc.  Each day you use it and the next day it may not be fully(100%) recharged, but still more power available than you will use. so each day you may lose a little, but still have plenty of power over a 6-7 day period until you can get to an electrical source for a full charge back to 100%.

We have done this as long as 12 consecutive days without electricity.  We were not out of power then, but had to move on.

One of the great myths is that your batteries always have to be fully charged to 100%.  Not true-they are still good, still capable of 12v output way below 100% without damaging the battery.

Hope this helps

Vann

We're getting into the weeds a little, but are you saying my generator, rated at 2400 starting watts has more starting power than the Champion, which is rated at 2500 starting watts?  I get what you're saying about rotating mass and weight, but if my genny can start an air conditioner that takes much more than 2500 watts, why is it rated 2400 starting watts?

I think I've heard people here say they can start and run their AC with 2000w generators.

I didn't realize you were speaking of the Champion specifically.

TT

Originally posted by offgrid 2500 starting watts won't be enough, but with an easystart it should be ok. I suggest you call Micro-Air and ask them what their customers' experience is with that generator. They are nice folks to talk to.

Not sure why you'd say that after I just said my Yamaha EF2400iSHC starts and runs my AC.  It's rated 2000w, with a max of 2400w (for dealing with things like starting air conditioners).