Inverter/Generator

It will need to produce much more than 2500 watts momentarily to start the a/c, unless you have an Easystart. More like 5-6 kw. Some small inverter generators can do it, some cannot. Without actual testing involving multiple starts under “hot and high” conditions it is just guesswork.,

Probably there isn’t one and if there was it likely wouldn’t start the a/c. . It’s the weight that allows the larger generators to spin up the a/c compressor.

Think of it this way: the energy stored in the rotating mass of the generator is transferred electrically to the compressor. The engine can’t throttle up fast enough to do it, it’s all over in a fraction of a second. So the energy has to already be stored in the generator before the compressor is connected. That takes spinning mass.

There is a proven way to do what you want, get an Easystart for the a/c. That greatly reduces the power needed by the compressor by ramping it up more slowly, giving the generator time to throttle up. Then you can use a 2kw-ish generator that is light weight and still get the compressor started.

Thanks for the info and explanation. I can understand this a little better now. 

Originally posted by podwerkz Even IF the EasyStart voids the warranty (not sure that it does and you can always remove it...just sayin) I would generally assume that an EasyStart would probably extend the useful life of an A/C unit simply because it gets the moving parts moving with less 'jolt'. In electronics we sometimes use 'inrush' current protection to extend the life of sensitive components. I would be very surprised if a test was conducted and the EasyStart did not extend the life of a compressor, start capacitor, and associated relays and such. Of course, it's cost is around a third to a half of a new rooftop A/C so the argument might be moot.

+1. Just take out the Easystart and return the a/c to its original status if you have a warranty claim. The Easystart itself will make things “easier” for the a/c not harder. As for the price tag on the Easystart, if your back doesn’t want to deal with a 100 lb genny (whose does?) and you want a/c boondocking then you need it and it’s worth it’s price. Dometic could solve this problem themselves by updating their a/c to a modern high efficiency variable speed compressor system like everyone else uses now but they choose instead to stick with 40-50 year old technology. If that creates an opportunity for MicroAir to be paid to meet an unmet need in the market it’s certainly not their fault (I have no affiliation with them BTW other than that I like their product).