Recommendation for generator for 11000kbtu AC?

[JasonR]

2K Inverter gensets exist for this exact reason - reasonable power output in a package that averages ~ 50 lbs and relatively easy for most folks to handle. As one who has owned and used the Honda EU2000i to power trailers with a roof mount A/C I've many times recommended the even more capable Honda EU2200i which has replaced the EU2000i. Since you're in Colorado and expect to camp at elevation it's a simple matter to optimize the pilot jet size, allowing the genset to operate as efficiently as possible. Look at this as an investment that is likely to last longer than you are rather than a cheap buy that you hope will work year after year.

Ha, sorry, just saw you provided a hyperlink. Thanks again!

 

[Eskimorob]

Thanks all. It is a dometic penguin ii low profile. The specs I’m seeing are compressor rated load amps 12.3, compressor locked rotor amps 61, fan motor run amps 3.3 and fan locked amps 24. I’m leaning towards the Westinghouse 2500 or the Honda 2200. Interestingly, the Honda motor is a higher cc than the Westinghouse. I get the feeling Westinghouse is probably over promising and under delivering.

Disclaimer...I have not actually run my Jayco ac for an extended period of time on generator power but I did confirm the ac started and ran on a moderately hot day (80f) with a Honda 2000i companion and a Honda 2200i in parallel.

You will need 2 of those gens in parallel to safely start and run your ac. You may find your gens showing temporary overload as the ac starts up. My Honda 2200 is rated at 18 amps output at full power x2 means the gens can handle about 36amps. Running the ac isn’t the issue it’s starting the ac that is the problem.

You will see posts on the web saying that a single unit will start and run the ac, but I felt that was going to hurt the genset or the ac in the long run which is why I have two. You can opt for a single 5k unit but the size/noise becomes a problem with something that big. I felt that 2 of the Honda portables fit better for my use, and works better in the event of a power failure at home having multiple fridges and freezers in different locations in the house.

There are a couple of tricks to get by the startup draw like turning the ac fan on first before setting the temp down to kick in the compressor. You could also look at one of these things to make life easier on your gen(s). Keep in mind, installing one of these will probably void your ac warranty.

https://www.amazon.com/Micro-Air-EasyStart-Soft-Starter-ASY-364-X20-IP/dp/B085468Y9P/ref=asc_df_B085468Y9P/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=416796348214&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14279290980204694059&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9009997&hvtargid=pla-887737024978&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=93124985239&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=416796348214&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14279290980204694059&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9009997&hvtargid=pla-887737024978

 

[JasonR]

Thx; here is an update for anyone who cares; the 2200EU runs the AC fine at sea level and up to about 3500’. It’s not running it in CO at around 6500’. I’ve installed a new jet for altitude and will see if that helps; next step would be microstart

 

[Lisa Moomaw]

Hi Jason, what part of Colorado do you camp in? My hubs and I do Jefferson and Buffalo Creek.

 

[JasonR]

Hi Jason, what part of Colorado do you camp in? My hubs and I do Jefferson and Buffalo Creek.

We live in castle rock and try a little of everything. Rampart is 30 minutes away and is a great quick getaway with the dirt bikes. Buena vista, steamboat, crested butte, and down around telluride are some of our favorites.

 

[JasonR]

Update on the AC and generator. I installed the micro easy start and it works like a champ. My Honda 2200 has no issue with the dometic penguin Low profile 11k btu. I recently tested it at 8500 feet.

 

[GreyFox]

Update on the AC and generator. I installed the micro easy start and it works like a champ. My Honda 2200 has no issue with the dometic penguin Low profile 11k btu. I recently tested it at 8500 feet.

Great testimonial that others who've also matched a Honda EU2200i to a roof mount A/C wired with a Micro-Air Easy Start would agree with! Congrats!