Generators & AC

sallyf · 06-25-2008, 09:21 PM

I recently bought a Honda EU2000i in hopes of being able to run the AC
in my 2008 FF 160 while dry camping. This weekend I set it up and
plugged the TT's electrical cord into it. The AC turned on, but
immediately stopped running. Any idea what the problem is? I'm a
novice with trailers, so I'd appreciate any help.

keyser soze · 06-26-2008, 08:10 AM

Hi Sallyf,

From what you have described, it is hard to say not knowing a little more info. Honda states that generator produces 120 volts, 2000 watts, which means it has 16.6 amps max and I believe the AC unit draws 20 to 22 amps of 120V power. I would check to see if any circuit breakers tripped, both on the generator and in the trailer. If a circuit breaker on the generator tripped, I would say the AC unit is drawing to many amps for that generator and you should see about trading up to a larger unit.

Remember Volts x Amps = Watts. 120 volts at 20 amps = 2400 watts. You can use this to determine how big a generator you require. If the AC unit draws 2500 watts at start up, then 2500/120 = 20.8 amps. To run your AC you need a 25 amp 120 volt power source. For a 12,000 btu AC unit, you should have 2500 watts of 120 V, minimum for compressor start up, and 1700 watts at 120 V for AC operation.

If a circuit breaker tripped in the trailer, reset it, turn everything off in the trailer and then try the AC again. You might have just experienced a spike of high current draw that tripped a breaker.

If all breakers are fine, you have an AC issue and need to take the trailer in for service.

I believe the problem is with the generator. I wanted a Honda for their quiet operation, but one that would run 30 amps was very expensive. I went with a 3500 watt Champion RV generator. It is rated up to 30 amps, but the thing weighs 100 pounds, not real quiet either, but it powers the trailer with ease.

I really hope I have not confused the issue, good luck!

chupp21 · 12-08-2008, 12:46 PM

Hello,
I have a 2008 189FBR. I rented a Honda EU2000i to test with my AC before buying. I found it would barely run the AC. I had to turn off the eco throttle. then turn on the AC blower and wait for it to stabilize, then turn on the cooling. The EU2000i runs at max with the AC on and is really loud. You also should wait several minutes before restarting otherwise the AC will not start. I think the compressor needs to bleed off pressure. I decided to buy a Yamaha EF2400is instead. It has no problem starting the AC and is still quiet. It also runs the microwave with no problem. At 70lbs, the Yamaha is about 23lb heavier and a couple hundred more than the Honda but well worth it. I bought mine through Wise Sales for about $1100. I keep it under the dinette when traveling and chain it to the frame when camping.

smithbo · 05-15-2009, 02:47 PM

I recently talked with a FunFinder 21 owner who had a Honda EU2000i running his AC, and he explained that when he purchased the trailer he asked the dealer to switch the AC unit, DuoTherm/Dometic 13.5K BTU, to a 9.2K (Coleman?), and he said the 9.2K unit cools his trailer just fine and the Honda 2000 operates the 9.2K AC just fine also.
If an AC unit swap is not possible at purchase time, the smaller ACs are selling for about $500, and are user installable except for getting a 150 lbs up on the roof. I do not know what one does with their original AC, sell on Ebay???

Jim T · 01-09-2011, 07:43 PM

Has anyone had experience with the Honeywell? I will need to pick up something for this summer. Anymore suggestions?

TCP · 01-09-2011, 10:27 PM

I have a kipor that is rated at 2300watts continuous and 2600watts peak. Powers up the AC on our 189FDS as long as you take it out of eco throttle mode. Not quite as quiet as the honda 2000, but has a bit more juice as well.

http://www.kipor.com/prouducts_detail.asp?info_id=152

it's still an inverter generator so the output is nicely regulated and it's
db noise rating is good.

**LJAZ** · 01-10-2011, 07:23 AM

As others have stated above, 2000W isn't quite enough to run the AC. You would need to have 2 hooked in tandem. I know you can do that with Honda, not sure about Honeywell.

I have the Honda 3000 which runs the AC on the ecothrottle setting no problem and can go all night without running out of fuel. And it's very quiet. The only drawback is that it weighs over 100 lbs, so its not easy to lug around.

Whatever you decide make sure it's an inverter type. They provide more stable power and much, much quieter. You can get 3000W open frame generators for a few hundred bucks but they are LOUD.