hard-start kit for a/c

Jes007 · 07-09-2015, 08:10 PM

Anyone install a kit like this? I have a 13.5k BTU ac unit and want it to work with something like a Honda eu2000 gen set. I still need to talk myself into paying $1k for a generator.

**Lloyd** · 07-10-2015, 06:06 AM

Save your time and money on the hard start kit. I had the same thoughts/hopes. I tried the hard start kit a few years back. My 2000 Honda still didn't like it.

Jes007 · 07-10-2015, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lloyd

Save your time and money on the hard start kit. I had the same thoughts/hopes. I tried the hard start kit a few years back. My 2000 Honda still didn't like it.

Damn. I guess I will just get this and (Mod edit) off the Honda guys with noise pollution.

**Lloyd** · 07-10-2015, 08:27 AM

Well, I don't know about the Honda guys, But I'm sure none of your neighbors you're camping next to will be overly impressed or happy.

TDG · 07-10-2015, 10:12 AM

Buy a Honda. Champion to loud. Honda 3000is. Minimum for 1 AC

mark87 · 07-10-2015, 11:20 AM

Champion makes an inverter generator. 2800 Watts with 3100 Surge Watts. I just bought one, starts and runs my ac, only in driveway so far so no real experience with it. Search for Champion Generator on this site and there are several that have them.

**Lloyd** · 07-10-2015, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark87

Champion makes an inverter generator. 2800 Watts with 3100 Surge Watts. I just bought one, starts and runs my ac, only in driveway so far so no real experience with it. Search for Champion Generator on this site and there are several that have them.

I would be interested in a report on how that 2800 Champion performs when the outside temps are at least around 90 degrees. Also if anyone ever gets into the mountains with one, how it performed in the higher altitudes.

TDG · 07-10-2015, 11:39 AM

Yes. Even with remote start. They work great. But Under load. 72db next to it.
I bought 1. Sold it got the Honda. 66db. Under load.
Online. The Champion 980.00 with remote start.
Honda 1850.00. Key start. Hope this helps.
Just my $.002

Tim D · 07-10-2015, 04:30 PM

Bert bought one of the Champion inverters and posted a real nice video of it running his AC. They would be great for overnights in a rest area or walmart. Unless the entire campground was without power from an event I would not want to listen to any generator for an extended period of time.

ZT211RD · 07-10-2015, 06:21 PM

I did the hard start cap and see improvement in high heat. I run it for my A/C for overnights only. It does fine but is marginal if you want/need anything more.

Several of my camping group have had great luck with one Honda 2000 with 13.5 A/C. Some things must be considered as we tested why some can and some can't.

If batteries are low the converter hits them hard as soon as it gets power and the Honda 2000 can not handle it with the A/C. We found we needed to prevent the converter from running (turn off breaker) until the A/C was working and outside temp went down - OR - charge the batteries before using the A/C.

We offset this using solar, vehicle charging while towing, etc.

Again I only use my Honda 2000 for extremes or when the commercial power fails.

I have added a generator box to the rear of my rig to secure the Gen set and boat tank from theft and weather.

Jes007 · 07-13-2015, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZT211RD

I have added a generator box to the rear of my rig to secure the Gen set and boat tank from theft and weather.

Do you have a pic of that box?

Thanks for all the replies. Unfortunately, it will be a cold day in (mod edit) before I spend almost $2k on a generator. I say that now, but who knows.

The champion looks good to.

Darrell · 07-13-2015, 11:01 AM

This is the exact one I have. It does run my a/c - but I ensure everything else is on gas, or shut off. The ONLY complaint I have is the small'ish gas tank. I have used it a few times to cool the trailer before going to bed, or throughout the day when it gets hot (East Coast Canada hot - NOT - Texas Hot!!!). I have been in campgrounds in close proximity to various running sets - generators are generally louder than inverters. I was not prepared to pay over 1000 dollars extra for a few db savings on my inverter choice. Just as a gentle reminder - you are camping.....

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jes007

Do you have a pic of that box?

Thanks for all the replies. Unfortunately, it will be a cold day in (mod edit) before I spend almost $2k on a generator. I say that now, but who knows.

The champion looks good to.

Jes007 · 07-13-2015, 11:09 AM

I'm sure this comes up a million times in the forums, but I would be interested to see what type of inverter gen sets others use. Aside from Hondas and the champion listed above. May be getting a little off-topic however.

ZT211RD · 07-13-2015, 06:48 PM

The box is designed to run 2 Honda Generators.

I normally run only one. When I have access to a 2nd one I run them in tandem.

The boat tank (6gal) allow approx 20 hrs run time. I can run approx 8 on the 1.1 gal generator tank allowing plenty of time to refill the boat tank.

Two 12" weather sealed fans running on 120vac run anytime the generator is on providing positive pressure inside the cabinet.

Exhaust ports were added to each end using metal dryer vents from Lowes.
Box is from Tractor Supply Company.

Two custom ridge vents were added to the top.

30amp socket added to box allows the trailer to be plugged in easily.

I have used this arrangement for travel and overnight stops.
I have used it for 13 days continuous without issues.

With only one generator I can not use eco mode. With both generator I use eco mode and save fuel.

Some surge guards have issues with invertors so test for that.

Tim D · 07-13-2015, 07:42 PM

Gary, I like that. Are you saying that you leave them in the box with the lid closed while running? I would like to hear more about it. How the box is mounted would be good too.

Bert · 07-13-2015, 11:01 PM

I'm very pleased with my Champion 2800 watt generator. I paid $750 at Costco

johnboytoo · 07-14-2015, 08:05 AM

You can effectively make the hard start a lil easier by turning off everything elec,
turning the ac on low fan only, then step up thru hi fan and finally ac... to lessen the bump at the start...

ZT211RD · 08-01-2015, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim D

Gary, I like that. Are you saying that you leave them in the box with the lid closed while running? I would like to hear more about it. How the box is mounted would be good too.

Yes the generators run completely contained. I just returned from a trip where we ran on the generators for 10 day. 5 of those days were 24/7 in high Florida humidity.

35chevypu · 02-11-2016, 06:10 PM

Honda Generator Model EU3000is - Mayberrys.com

save another 900 and buy a 3000 Honda here. best price I've found new

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