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Replacing the AC unit.

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_WW_ View Drop Down
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Joined: 25 Dec 2021
Location: Mt Vernon, WA
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Post Options Post Options   Quote _WW_ Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Replacing the AC unit.
    Posted: 21 Aug 2024 at 10:08am
I have decided that I don't need a 13,500 BTU air conditioner. My 2000w generator won't run it even with the soft start installed and I don't want a bigger generator.

There are some 10,000 BTU rooftop units out there. Has any have any experience with them?
Or is there another solution?
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Pod People View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Pod People Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Aug 2024 at 5:20pm
We also have a 2015 Rpod 179.
We use a Honda Eu2200i and it works the A/C fine on Eco or regular output-we used the soft start and that made a huge difference.
Have you checked the generator? Is it making the correct voltage?
I haven't tried replacing an A/C unit, but my suspicion is that the roof cutout would be a determining factor.
Also, check the required wattages for other units prior to starting such a major project.
good luck! Keep us informed of your progress
Travel often and safe
Vann




Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179
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gpokluda View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote gpokluda Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Aug 2024 at 9:43pm
Folks on the Escape forum are big fans (no pun intended) of the Recpro Houghton AC. They seem to be popular with those wanting to keep energy usage low.
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote StephenH Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Aug 2024 at 12:05am
What "soft start" do you have installed? Is it the Micro-Air EZ-Start or some other version? What generator do you have? Brand can make a difference. Some of them just can't do the surge needed to start an AC. Setting the fan speed to low may help also. Once it is started, you may be able to switch to high speed, but as the unit cycles, it may have problems re-starting.

Even so, with a 2KW generator, you can't run a lot of things in conjunction with the AC. Perhaps the lights, but if the converter is trying to charge a low battery, that may take enough energy that it can't also run the AC. Trying to run the refrigerator on AC or DC is also not something that can be done simultaneously. With that year, you should have a 3-way refrigerator. Run it on propane so you are not using energy needed to run the AC.

One other consideration. Consider either getting a more powerful generator or, if you have one that is capable of running in parallel with another generator, do so. Two smaller, lighter generators run in parallel will let you have the power while not having a unit that weighs so much you can't maneuver it. Plus, it may be less expensive than a new unit plus the installation costs associated with it.



Edited by StephenH - 23 Aug 2024 at 12:06am
StephenH
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