Overall, using a Honda EU2200i generator to power one air conditioner is definitely possible. In fact, the majority of 2,000-watt generators can also power an AC unit. A soft starter is the only other tool you will require.
Although it may be tempting to skip the soft starter, it is essential for maintaining your appliances and gadgets in working order and preventing damage.
Your AC unit and the generator’s lifespans will both be shortened if a soft starter is not used for this application.
So, keep in mind how miserable the heat was the last time you planned an RV vacation, and be sure to include an AC unit and a soft starter to your shopping list!
In This Article...
How big of a generator do I need for the air conditioner in my RV?
One of the most beneficial inventions of our time, electricity has been a primary driver of human progress for millennia in fields like medicine and science as well as modern conveniences. Particularly when it comes to the world of camping, that field of greater technology living is not constrained.
But when we comprehend technology, we can employ it to its fullest potential. Sometimes we struggle with where to begin and how to make anything work. This is also true of the air conditioning in your RV. A heated trailer is the worst thing ever! So what size generator should you buy to power your RV’s air conditioning?
For them to start up and stay operating, air conditioners need a lot of electricity. The generator must have a minimum output of 2000–4000 watts in order to run the typical RV air conditioner.
There are many variables that will determine what size generator would work best for you, but for the most part, a 2000 watt generator will allow you to run your air conditioning and other appliances.
Given the wide range of generator sizes available, it will take a closer examination to determine which one would meet your exploring needs. We will examine the AC unit capacities and what is needed to run it because not every RV or travel trailer will require a 4000-watt generator.
Although it’s wonderful to know that you have so many alternatives, this piece will help you by explaining how generators operate in detail. It will also assist you in determining the ideal generator size for your needs and those of your adventure.
For a 13500 BTU RV air conditioner, what size generator do I need?
To run your RV’s air conditioning, you simply need a generator with enough power. A 13500 BTU air conditioner can be powered by a 3000-watt portable generator.
The majority of the time, you’ll also have a few other appliances running in addition to your RV rooftop AC unit.
You may discover my suggestions for the best generator for RV air conditioners at the conclusion, including both rooftop and portable RV AC.
How big of a generator do I need to run a 13500 RV air conditioner?
You would require a starting wattage of approximately 3,000 watts for a 13,500 BTU air conditioner like the Dometic Brisk Air 2. The A-iPower 3,800-Watt Portable Inverter Generators – 3,000 Running Watts – Gas – Manual Start # 289-SUA2000i-2 is your best alternative for it.
How many watts does an RV air conditioner require to operate?
The RV AC will need to be powered by roughly 100 watts of electricity for every 1,000 BTU of cooling output. This is caused by the average RV AC unit’s 10 EER rating. A 15,000 BTU RV AC with a 10 EER rating, for instance, will consume 1,500 watts of power.
Can an RV air conditioner be operated with a 2000 watt inverter?
The usual roof air conditioner for an RV is rated at 13500 or 15000 BTUs; when in use, these air conditioners normally consume 1300–1600 Watts. These ACs can, however, temporarily consume up to 7500 Watts when they are starting.
The inverter’s rated power must be between 3000 and 4000 Watts in order to effectively power an RV air conditioner. However, you would only require 2000 Watts of inverter power if you used a soft starter mechanism.
Does Honda produce generators for RVs?
Honda generators ignite the fun and keep it burning brightly. They’re ideal for camping, RVing, tailgating, and other activities. They are also excellent for backup power in homes. Honda generators are at the cutting edge of portable power technology because they have Honda Engines that are quiet and simple to start along with a variety of cutting-edge features. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that professional athletic events frequently use Honda Recreational Generators as their official generator!
What size generator is necessary to power a 30 amp RV air conditioner?
There are a few factors to take into account while searching for a good RV generator for your small to medium-sized RV. How big should a generator be for a 30 amp RV?
Everything relies on how much electricity you require as well as the devices and equipment you intend to use frequently. You will require more electricity the more you want to use. Simple as that!
A 30 amp RV is often on the smaller end (in comparison to a 50 amp RV), therefore smaller RVs use less energy.
The key piece of advise I would provide is to look into a quiet inverter generator first for lesser power profiles. Compared to their competitors, they do have a somewhat higher price tag, but the noise reduction is invaluable (to you and those around you)!
The best 30 amp RV generators typically have a wattage of between 3,000 and 4,000. (assuming a small AC unit). To determine which options are best for you, look through the details below.
What size generator do I require for a 15k RV air conditioner?
You will need a larger generator if your camper, RV, or vehicle has air conditioning!
These days, 15,000 BTU air conditioners are standard equipment in most recreational vehicles. This size of unit needs 3,500 watts of power just to turn on. The device requires just about 1,500 watts once it is operating. You will want a generator with at least 3,500 “surge watts if your RV only has one air conditioning unit.
As an alternative, you could change your air conditioner by including a “soft start. As a result, the device only needs 1,800–2,000 watts of power to kickstart. 1,500 watts will still be required to keep it functioning. After installing a soft start, many boondockers have claimed to be able to run a 15,000 BTU air conditioner with a 2,200 watt Honda generator. The most well-known soft start, named “Easy Start,” is produced by MicroAir (See them on Amazon).
Obviously, you will need a larger generator if your RV has two or more air conditioners. If you have two units, you will want a generator with a minimum surge power output of 5,000 watts. This is due to the fact that you still need 3,500 watts to kick start the second air conditioning unit after the first one has started and settled down to using only 1,500 watts. You still have another 2,000 watts available to power other equipment, watch television, and run a microwave once both units have dimmed to a combined 3,000 watts.
Can a 13500 BTU air conditioner be powered by a 3500 watt generator?
The air conditioning system in your RV consumes the most power. A typical 15,000 BTU air conditioner needs roughly 3,500 watts of power to start up and 1,500 watts to stay running. A 15,000 BTU air conditioner is typically used in RVs. A 13,500 BTU unit, which uses a little bit less electricity, is appropriate for small RVs and trailers.
A 15,000 BTU air conditioner should be startable if you have a 3,500 watt generator. You will still have another 2,000 watts of generator electricity available once it is operational for additional appliances. Even a 1,000 watt microwave can be operated. A 1,500 watt hair dryer or toaster will still work. Most of these other appliances run for no more than two to ten minutes.
A 13500 BTU RV air conditioner uses how many amps to run?
Using 120VAC, RV air conditioners operate (standard alternating current used in homes). While some of the larger and more varied RVs have two, the majority just have one air conditioner. They are graded according to their BTU-based cooling capacity. Although some are 15,000 BTU, the normal size is 13,500 BTU.
The Coleman 13500 btu rv ac, which is rated at 13.3 amps, and the Dometic 13500 btu rv ac, which draws 12.413.3 amps, are two extremely popular versions. All campgrounds, save for the worst ones, will have enough electricity to run at least one RV air conditioner of this kind.
Note: If you have a 15000 BTU RV air conditioner, you’ll need additional power at the campsite or from your RV generator because its amp draw is a little higher—13 to 15 amps.
For a 50 amp RV, what size generator do I need?
Two independent 50-amp feeds are commonly included in an RV with a 50-amp shore power hookup. Compared to a 30-amp RV with a single 30-amp feed, this is different. 12,000 watts of electric power can be handled by a 50-amp RV with a 120 V electrical feed. Thus, your top option may be a 12,000 or 12,500 watt generator.
The bullet points in the opening paragraph of this post, under “What size generator do I need for my RV header,” might also help you determine the generator you require.
Now that you are more aware of the amount of generator you require, make sure to research where to buy a quiet generator for your RV.
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How much time can an RV’s AC run on batteries?
The size of your battery or battery bank, as well as the size of your RV AC unit, will determine how long a lithium battery can power your AC.
For instance, a standard 15,000 BTU RV AC unit may run for roughly 30 minutes on a 100 Ah lithium battery. Running your air conditioner for 30 minutes won’t likely make a significant difference in your comfort if you’re RVing in a hot climate. However, it would operate for around four hours if you had a bank of eight 100 Ah batteries. This can be just enough time to avoid the sun’s rays when it’s the hottest of the day.
Since it doesn’t need an inverter and can often run for a few hours on one battery, a 12V air conditioner is much more efficient. These are, however, much more diminutive units. Similar to custom mini-split designs, conventional RV roof mount units are frequently far less effective and have a shorter lifespan. Both solutions can often power an AC overnight on a four or six Battle Born battery bank without any difficulty.
Additionally, keep in mind that using your AC will probably totally discharge your battery bank. You will have to wait until the sun rises the following day to recharge your batteries if you rely on solar power to charge them and they run out by the end of the day. If you rely on your batteries to run overnight necessities like household refrigerators or CPAP machines, keep this in mind.
In many cases, you may extend the energy stored in your battery bank for an even longer run time if you have a hybrid inverter that mixes generator power with solar electricity.