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Truck Camper Forum _ Boon Docking _ Air Conditioning vs. Generator Question

Posted by: NCWanderer May 11 2012, 08:32 PM

I have a small truck camper and want to run an air conditioner with my Honda 2000 generator. What size (btu's) can I run with my Generator (the 13,500 currently on the camper is too much). I am hoping to go to a small compact air conditioner but don't know much about them.

Posted by: atvfd28 Jul 11 2012, 03:31 PM

Great question. I am a newbie and currently sorting out what brand camper to get. Regarding the AC, the little bit i have haerd is that the new units "start" easier than older ones. That I guess explains how some are powering the smaller roof tops with the EU2000. Hope you get some more feedback.

Posted by: NCWanderer Jul 12 2012, 09:32 AM

QUOTE(atvfd28 @ Jul 11 2012, 03:31 PM)
Great question.  I am a newbie and currently sorting out what brand camper to get.  Regarding the AC, the little bit i have haerd is that the new units "start" easier than older ones.  That I guess explains how some are powering the smaller roof tops with the EU2000.  Hope you get some more feedback.
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Thanks. I have changed my ac out for a 9200 btu unit and have bad success with the Honda 2000 so far.


What campers are you looking at?

Posted by: Oscar Dec 9 2012, 02:54 AM

I have powered a 13.500 easy start with my 2000EU. First turn off EVERYTHING 110AC in the camper, including the fridge. (Mine has to go to "gas only") Then turn off the eco throttle on the Honda. Turn the AC Fan to "on" first, so it keeps running and it's startup load is out of the picture. Then turn the compressor part of the AC on. YMMV.

I have since gotten the 2000EU companion and a cable to tie the two together. It is the answer to the problem.

Posted by: Sailor Jan 23 2016, 11:00 AM

QUOTE(NCWanderer @ May 11 2012, 08:32 PM)
I have a small truck camper and want to run an air conditioner with my Honda 2000 generator.  What size (btu's) can I run with my Generator (the 13,500 currently on the camper is too much).  I am hoping to go to a small compact air conditioner but don't know much about them.
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Somewhere your paperwork for the generator should tell you the Run & Peak amperage output. Generally a 2K watt gen can put out about 16.6 Amps. Here's the formula for figuring that:

Power (watts) = I (current/amps) x E (electricity).....PIE biggrin.gif

If you remember how to transpose numbers all you'll ever need is this one formula.

When you get a chance, go through your camper and make a list of all the things that use electricity, AC & DC. Next to each unit write down how many amps it draws, (i.e. hair drier= XXA.) and don't forget to include the converter. You'll be amazed how much current your family uses. This is especially important if your camper is limited to 30 Amps.

You are wise to be concerned with the A/C unit. Low voltage is especially bad on compressors.

For the sake of your camper, you should always check the condition of the campground's power pole and the amount of available electricity.

Happy camping!

Posted by: JADE RACING Jan 23 2016, 11:43 AM

QUOTE(JADE RACING @ Jan 23 2016, 12:28 PM)

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Most truck campers that are sold with a built in generator are based on a 2500 W unit. Our unit is a 2006 unit and has a 13,500 roof air and our generator, an onan 2500/propane runs it without shutting down small draws, like the converter and fridge, but that is just our unit. Our past units all had higher wattage generators that were built in and were 5th wheels.

Posted by: hedge Feb 20 2016, 06:05 PM

you can't go by BTU as there are 13,5 a/c units that use less power than my 9200 unit. You need to find the amp draws.

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