generator question

[tampaliquors]

hello, how much power do I need from a generator to run, say, the fridge, the air conditioning, and a few lights in my sportsmobile? thanks very much.

[adventureduo]

Most guys use the Honda EU2000i (2000 watts) and it handles those needs well.

[Ford_6L_E350]

Depends on the AC. A typical RV AC takes more power than a Honda 2000i can supply. The fridge and lights don't take much power, but the AC does.

Mike

[tampaliquors]

Thanks guys, mine has the starcool unit that SMB puts in the van. Just want to make sure I get enough generator for hot florida nights! thanks again for the advice, frank

[Greg In Austin]

Originally Posted by Ford_6L_E350

Depends on the AC. A typical RV AC takes more power than a Honda 2000i can supply. The fridge and lights don't take much power, but the AC does.

Mike

This is true, so the real question is not just a generator question, but a generator / inverter combination question.

The Honda 2000 will run the Danhard AC system fine, ...but it will not start the Danhard AC by itself. The Honda 2000 when coupled with the right inverter where it allows powersharing from batteries can also start the AC.

We have the Danhard for the very reason that it can run on batter alone for a while.

We have the Honda 2000 and a Prosine 2.0 inverter so that we can run the AC for an extended amount of time.

[John Kalmbach]

If you have one of the Starcool A/C systems, you will need the Honda 3000 watt generator, or something comparable (be cautious of the "cheap" discount store type generators). It would be best to have one of the SMB locations install a "run-capacitor" box to your existing Starcool system. You'll lower the amount of power needed to operate the Starcool reciprocating compressor by about 20%. This may not sound like a huge power savings, but it can make a big difference to the life of the generator and it's ability to power other items at the same time.

The newer Danhard A/C systems use a rotary compressor which uses less power than the older Starcool A/C systems.

Let me know if you have any questions on the Starcool A/C and I'll be glad to try and help.

John K.