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Old 07-24-2015, 06:25 AM   #1
jfaberna
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Generators and Air Conditioning, etc.

Getting reading to go to the Mid-Atlantic MOC Rally and doing some maintenance to help cure my hitch fever. So while I was pumping some fresh water into the tank using the on-board pump, freeze guard connection and the power fill set, I now only had to wait, and wait. Very slow process.

SO I had the Honda E2000UI in the truck and I thought I'd test could it run one of the A/C unit. So I hooked up the generator with the dog bone adapters and main cables, including the N-G plug in the other generator port so the Progressive Industries EMS-HW50C would allow the 120Vs to connect to the Monty power panel.

I've done this many times to charge the battery, run the TV and satellite equipment, etc.

However, when the compressor of the A/C came on, the EMS tripped the power with a E-6 code. I tried Zone 1 and Zone 2 A/C separately, but no luck. As a test I even flipped the switch on the EMS off, since I knew the power from the generator was okay, but that time the compressor made the generator trip with an Overload LED.

No damage, but had to shut off the generator to clear.

So those who run A/C on a Honda Generator must not have an E2000UI. It's a good thing I only stay at FHU sites when it's hot.

 
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Old 07-24-2015, 07:01 AM   #2
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Given that the gen can only supply 13 amps max with 16 amps very very briefly, I am not shocked by your finding. This is EU3000 territory. Don't know how anyone can get away with using this model to fire up an ac... Glad no harm was done by your venture. John
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Old 07-24-2015, 07:18 AM   #3
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You need two paired together
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Old 07-24-2015, 07:43 AM   #4
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Even the electric hot water heater or microwave puts a pretty healthy load on a 1600 watt (rated) genset.
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Old 07-24-2015, 08:44 AM   #5
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Also, remember your not just running one AC unit. The converter is going to want some juice and the tv and satellite receiver all use more amps than you think even when they are turned off. As stated above, you need to have 2.
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Old 07-24-2015, 10:09 AM   #6
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Couldn't run ours with one Yamaha 2400is either. Too high a starting load from the AC.
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Old 07-24-2015, 11:09 AM   #7
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by mtheo

You need two paired together
I was afraid of that. So no boon-docking for me in the summer.

So far I've only needed the generator for running my air compressor to fill tires, but since I now have all my valve stems tight, I have not needed to add air for over a year. G614s are very low maintenance when you have a TPMS.
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Old 07-24-2015, 01:13 PM   #8
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I have heard of some people installing "hard start booster capacitors" on the AC to reduce the start-up amperage draw, and allow a smaller generator to run the AC.
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Old 07-24-2015, 04:59 PM   #9
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Also remember if ANYTHING electric is on, you will pull amps. From my observations, each 12V light seems to draw 1 amp as I watch the meter from the surge protecter. 2 lights = 2 or 3 , etc. This is the converter running things I guess.
In a pinch, I have flipped the fuses on things like converter when I run the A/C on my 15 Amp circuit at home, but I think it only lasts for a few minutes before A/C builds to 16A and pops it. So I used the only 20A circuit in the house. After a while I am pulling 16-17 amps as I had a long drop cord which drops voltage and ups amps.
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Old 07-25-2015, 12:59 AM   #10
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One option that won't empty your wallet is a Harbor Freight 4k/3.4k generator. After adding solar, I sold our two Yamahas as I wasn't interested in lugging both around. LOML insisted on picking up one to use in case we lost power at home (only happened twice in fifteen years!). I'm still amazed how quiet this $300 generator is and it's fine with our Monty's AC. Not as quiet as a Honda or Yamaha, but vastly better than a contractor one. Slightly more noisy than two ganged together, but acceptable - especially at truck stop overnights.
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Old 07-25-2015, 04:52 AM   #11
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Just a observation from our PT -50C with not much running during a normal day maybe a light or two and a TV the PT 50C will show drawing 3 to 4 amps . Normally two or three on one leg and 1 or two on the other. Our 3000 Kipor will crank up and run one A/C then we have 30 amps to play with. These Montana's draw a lot of amps.
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Old 07-25-2015, 05:09 PM   #12
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I have not heard one can 'mix' generators, but besides Honda there are several other less-expensive brands where a couple of 2000 watt generators can be paired together. I bought my Honda years ago when they were the only parallel solution around. Now there are several brands that I've seen doing this including Yamaha, Kipor and Champion. I can't tell you how good they all work, because I only use Honda and that works fine.

The thing I need is a larger auxiliary tank and the required plumbing so that the gennies can run for a full day (16 hours). I have never run them overnight. Right know they last for just under 4 hours on the one gallon capacity, then I refill each Honda a couple of times a day, or just long enough that the temps finally get low enough that I don't need to run the A/C.

Don't forget, if you are connected to shore power there are a bunch of things that are already using power even with the A/C is not turned on. That's why many times when the A/C is turned on, there goes a breaker. To lessen electrical load, I try and run the fridge, and water heater off propane. But this still means that the RV converter which uses AC power is being used to power the 12v stuff. Then propane is used faster, too.
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Old 07-25-2015, 05:20 PM   #13
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Jim, at the rally come take a look at our Honda parallel setups. Honda makes the 2000 and the 2000 Companion. I copied George Person's setup for a cage for security of the units while transporting. In between the two generators is the auxiliary gas tank. It works slick for boon docking.
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Old 07-25-2015, 05:46 PM   #14
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Doesn't Honda make an adaptor for their generators that will let you use an outboard engine gas tank for longer run times? That sounded like a great idea for extended run times. I did see a Yamaha that claimed to be around 2800 watts if I remember correctly. It also was designed to be able to have a longer than usual peak power output so you could run two generators. It was designed for the extra load of first starting the AC's.

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Old 07-25-2015, 08:34 PM   #15
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Honda does not make an extended run fuel system for their generators. There is, however, aftermarket kits that do that. The kit I use is sold by Wise Sales, http://www.wisesales.com/bergs-dual-...enerators.html
I purchased the six gallon tank at Walmart, and plumbed the tank to accept the fitting included with the kit. I can run the two generators continuously for days, being able to add fuel to the remote tank while the generators are still running. You need to remove the Honda fuel caps, which is fairly easy, and screw the Berg caps on after filling the generator tanks first.
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Old 07-26-2015, 04:58 AM   #16
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We also have an auxiliary tank, got it here: http://www.amazon.com/IPI-BERG-Dual-...8771TQQ8JW0RFV
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Old 07-26-2015, 05:57 AM   #17
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A $30. extended run fuel cap will get you through the full 24 hrs. We have the eu3000i Handi.
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Old 07-26-2015, 01:14 PM   #18
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Sounds like the extended run kits are a nice feature for the Hondas.

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Old 07-27-2015, 03:41 PM   #19
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Yes, hoping to get an extended-run fuel setup for my two Honda gennies one day.

Here's another plan. I've seen where one can get a third EU 2000 and with a 3 unit setup, then you can run three Hondas in parallel to get close to 50 amp support (3 at 16.5 amps gets close). Imagine being able to boondock your Monty at 50 amps (don't forget a triple fuel setup from the extended tank). Run two A/Cs, etc.

That's too much for me to think about mostly because I don't want to buy/carry/maintain a third generator. For boondocking I'll stick with dual gennies. But I know there will be some of you might think about investing in that option. Keep in touch and let us know how that works out for you.
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Old 07-27-2015, 03:56 PM   #20
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yep, no A/C with a 2000 watt generator .....

if you want A/C get two 2000 watt generators.
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