Can anyone tell me the smallest size generator we can use for a trailer that has an AC on roof in dressing room. Nothing else needs to run off of the generator. Have a friend with a 3500 running watt/4375 starting watt generator for sale but I have no clue how much wattage an AC pulls.
Posted 2016-07-05 9:46 PM (#167484 - in reply to #167441) Subject: RE: Generator size
Expert
Posts: 2957 Location: North Carolina
I would consider a 3500 watt genset to be the minimum size to run a 15,000 BTU a/c unit. When the a/c compressor motor starts, it may draw double the running amps for a few seconds. If your genset can't sustain the load, it will trip its over current protection. A secondary effect is reducing the life of the compressor since a low start voltage creates more heat in the coils. (heat being the enemy of electrical coils) This is especially important running the a/c during hot weather. The heat creates high head pressures the compressor has to start against. An a/c life prolonging tip is to turn off the genset idle control. A genset running at full RPM will sustain a greater start load voltage than one that has to ramp up its RPM when the load is placed on it.
Posted 2016-07-06 8:17 PM (#167508 - in reply to #167441) Subject: RE: Generator size
Expert
Posts: 2957 Location: North Carolina
After reviewing my post above, I would like to change it slightly, Instead of 3500 watts as a minimum, A 3000 watt genset would be adequate. I have a Honda EU3000 that has performed adequately. It has tripped out starting a 15,000 BTU Carrier A/C unit in very hot weather. Turning off the idle control solved that issue.
Posted 2016-07-10 8:35 AM (#167545 - in reply to #167441) Subject: RE: Generator size
I bought a 4000 peak / 3500 running and would not keep my ac unit running. I could tell the compressor was having trouble and did not sound very good. Mine was a cheap brand so I have to wonder what the output really was. I then bought a 10k/8k generator that did great, down fall was it was heavy (265lbs). I now have a onan 4k gas generator on a trailer I just bought and it has no problems running the ac unit as long as I don't use the microwave at the same time.
Posted 2016-07-18 11:24 AM (#167694 - in reply to #167441) Subject: RE: Generator size
Regular
Posts: 72 Location: Hoosierville
How much does the honda 3000 weigh? And is it gas or propane? I would like to have a generator to run a/c and lights. I already have a propane furnace and the frig will run on propane if electric isn't available.
I also would consider getting a generator installed on the roof of the trailer but don't know the best way to go? Pros and cons?? If I had a portable unit then I could use it for more than just camping, that is if I can handle the weight of it! Also, from reading this thread, I certainly don't want to shorten the life of the a/c.
P.S.; we currently have a 33# propane tank and a tank holder for our truck that was used on our last trailer as an additional fuel source for the on-board generator. Thanks for any input/advice!
Posted 2016-07-18 9:38 PM (#167706 - in reply to #167441) Subject: RE: Generator size
Member
Posts: 28 Location: Miami, FL
The Yamaha comes with wheels & is a little quieter than the Honda. There's a model with a 500 boost that kicks in to help start the A/C or microwave. And if you have it on just to charge the batteries & at low speed it can easily go way beyond 12 hours.
Posted 2016-07-26 7:14 AM (#167813 - in reply to #167706) Subject: RE: Generator size
Veteran
Posts: 170 Location: Minnesota
Yamaha 3000 is rated at 53-60 dB(A) and the Honda 3000 is rated at 49 dB(A). This is from Yamaha & Honda websites. Honda 3000 has always been rated the lowest dB(A)
Posted 2016-07-26 4:00 PM (#167818 - in reply to #167441) Subject: RE: Generator size
Member
Posts: 28 Location: Miami, FL
Having no horse in the race, we actually compared (A/B'd - side by side) both the Yamaha 3000 & the Honda 3000 & the Yamaha was 2-3 db's lower than the Honda.A lot of what's written as specs on a company's sheet doesn't match what happens in the real world.Both of these machines are the standard, and you can't go wrong with either one. More people own the Honda so that might say something.The idea of 2 Honda 2000's is great as it avoids the weight difference with the 3000. And Yamaha has come out with something similar syncing 2 of their 2000 units.
Posted 2016-07-29 7:11 AM (#167837 - in reply to #167811) Subject: RE: Generator size
Regular
Posts: 73
Originally written by AZgrulla on 2016-07-25 7:53 PM
get 2 Honda 2000s....
I wanted to do this but what I did was got the 3000 to run my camper witch it does perfectly, it has no problem running the a/c and fridge. If we're dry camping at a horse show with no power I'll bring my 2000 and sync the 3 and 2 together and then I have more power than I will ever need.
Posted 2016-07-30 10:26 AM (#167859 - in reply to #167441) Subject: RE: Generator size
New User
Posts: 1
Location: Southern California
Other posts give good advice. You really should check the load you'll actually need. Powering an A/C in a trailer can be tough on a small generator--especially if it's parked in the direct sun (often) and the A/C will cycle off/on a lot. Look for the nameplate on your unit. If you know the amps, you can calculate the wattage using this formula: Amps X Voltage = Watts. Then factor in a little extra to handle the surge needed when the compressor cycles on. Remember too, nameplates list the "worst case" heaviest load, so use this and you should be fine. Good luck.
Generator size
