|
Post by earlelaine on Aug 10, 2022 7:57:42 GMT -5
Darn it B&N now I got to upgrade again : )
|
|
|
Post by spiderbobr on Aug 10, 2022 9:36:03 GMT -5
We supplement with power if available or a Harbor Freight Predator 4500 generator... it's pretty quiet. Check out the YouTubes on it and it's comparison to Honda. I just did check it out and it's only 77 lbs. I'll have to do some more checking. Thanks
|
|
marc
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 15
|
Post by marc on Jan 3, 2023 14:56:47 GMT -5
Appreciate your guys' commentary here. Have been researching for our setup so just leaving some information for anybody else who may have Sonic Lite 169VUD. I imagine we all may have the same AC Unit.
For the record - my wife and I would really only use the generator for our AC unit on a summer day or getting a little extra charge going on our battery after any rainy/cloudy days. We have had our Sonic for 6 months and have never used the microwave or TV. We will eventually watch movies, but no rush to use the microwave, we prefer cooking while camping.
AC Model #: Coleman Mach 8 47203B679 13,500 BTU
Running Watts A.R.I. Standard Condition - 1599 watts Desert Condition - 1913 watts
As Earl stated, the startup on these AC units is what pretty much dictates the power we need from a generator. We're looking for the smallest/quietest option that provides about 3000 starting watts and could run our AC for about 6-8 hours during peak heat hours.
Currently looking at the Generac GP3300i and Harbor Freight Predator 3500. Both seem like good options with good reviews (Amazon reviews for Generac and Harbor Freight for Predator). Predator is cheaper (at time of post), larger tank, and more power. GP3300i is smaller and quieter (based on reviews as Generac doesn't post rating anywhere).
We're leaning toward Generac and if anything goes wrong with it, I'll be back for an update.
If anything is wrong - please correct me. Hoping this saves somebody else hours of research.
|
|
|
Post by earlelaine on Jan 4, 2023 23:50:18 GMT -5
When I had my Honda 2000i I tried to run my 13.5btu A/C everything using power was turn off and the Honda still went into error mode. The next step up from the 2000i I think is the 2200i that would do the trick as long as no other appliances are on.
|
|
marc
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 15
|
Post by marc on Jul 6, 2023 11:44:30 GMT -5
Appreciate your guys' commentary here. Have been researching for our setup so just leaving some information for anybody else who may have Sonic Lite 169VUD. I imagine we all may have the same AC Unit. For the record - my wife and I would really only use the generator for our AC unit on a summer day or getting a little extra charge going on our battery after any rainy/cloudy days. We have had our Sonic for 6 months and have never used the microwave or TV. We will eventually watch movies, but no rush to use the microwave, we prefer cooking while camping. AC Model #: Coleman Mach 8 47203B679 13,500 BTU Running Watts A.R.I. Standard Condition - 1599 watts Desert Condition - 1913 watts As Earl stated, the startup on these AC units is what pretty much dictates the power we need from a generator. We're looking for the smallest/quietest option that provides about 3000 starting watts and could run our AC for about 6-8 hours during peak heat hours. Currently looking at the Generac GP3300i and Harbor Freight Predator 3500. Both seem like good options with good reviews (Amazon reviews for Generac and Harbor Freight for Predator). Predator is cheaper (at time of post), larger tank, and more power. GP3300i is smaller and quieter (based on reviews as Generac doesn't post rating anywhere). We're leaning toward Generac and if anything goes wrong with it, I'll be back for an update. If anything is wrong - please correct me. Hoping this saves somebody else hours of research. Well... it happened this past weekend. We went up to the mountains hoping it would be cooler. Got up to around 90 and I said, screw it, let's officially test the setup. Pulled out the generator, and it couldn't get the AC Compressor going. It was definitely the initial surge that took it out, which makes me wonder, how big of a surge is it? My generator is supposed to be able to handle 3k watts initial and then run at 2.5k. I did notice in the manual that the generator's efficiency does drop when it is above 77°F (wth - why else am I getting a generator??). I think I'll have to install that soft start, which I wish I would've done to begin with so I didn't get as big of a generator... I live and I learn. We have the Generac 3300i. Other than not starting our AC, it's been good. Have to make sure you don't leave fuel in it too long or else it definitely won't like that. Learn from my mistakes.
|
|
|
Post by WrkrBee on Jul 6, 2023 13:38:28 GMT -5
Might have to pack the generator in ice to get it to start the AC.
|
|
|
Post by supersonics on Jul 11, 2023 11:58:50 GMT -5
This is what my 2021 SL-169VMK has for the air conditioning unit.
47203-079 | Coleman Mach 8 13,500 BTU | Air Conditioner | Textured Black (non heat pump)
BTUs: 13,500 Heat Pump: No Power Saver: No Condensate Pump: No Volt rating: 115VAC, 60Hz, 1 Phase Full-Load Cooling Amps: 14.1 Standard Running Watts: 1440 Weight: 92Lbs Height: Low (8.25")
I run this with my Ryobi 1800/2300 Inverter Generator. I have to turn the a/c thermostat to the middle temperature setting when I turn it on. Once it’s running l can turn it back to the coldest temperature setting and it will run without issues. Granted when the weather requires me to use the a/c, I’m outside preparing food on the Blackstone rather than cooking or using the microwave inside adding more heat to the interior and more demand on the a/c. This works for us and keeps the 12v battery charged. This Ryobi only weighs 54lbs and will run continuously for about 10 hours on 1.2 gal tank.
|
|
marc
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 15
|
Post by marc on Jul 19, 2023 15:00:21 GMT -5
This is what my 2021 SL-169VMK has for the air conditioning unit. 47203-079 | Coleman Mach 8 13,500 BTU | Air Conditioner | Textured Black (non heat pump) BTUs: 13,500 Heat Pump: No Power Saver: No Condensate Pump: No Volt rating: 115VAC, 60Hz, 1 Phase Full-Load Cooling Amps: 14.1 Standard Running Watts: 1440 Weight: 92Lbs Height: Low (8.25") I run this with my Ryobi 1800/2300 Inverter Generator. I have to turn the a/c thermostat to the middle temperature setting when I turn it on. Once it’s running l can turn it back to the coldest temperature setting and it will run without issues. Granted when the weather requires me to use the a/c, I’m outside preparing food on the Blackstone rather than cooking or using the microwave inside adding more heat to the interior and more demand on the a/c. This works for us and keeps the 12v battery charged. This Ryobi only weighs 54lbs and will run continuously for about 10 hours on 1.2 gal tank. Out of curiosity - Have you ran your AC at elevation? I was at about 7,000 ft when my setup didn't work. Just wondering if that could've hindered it also. I'm assuming you have ran it above 90 degrees also.
|
|
marc
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 15
|
Post by marc on Aug 17, 2023 15:27:29 GMT -5
So I added a Micro-Air Easy Start 364 to the trailer after the generator wasn't able to start it up last time. I ran the 5 learning starts and now my compressor can kick on with only 13 starting Amps (~1500 watts). Based off of those numbers, we could've technically gotten away with the Honda 2000 generator. A few things I should note in case somebody else does this: - I bought it off Amazon, but it comes from Hutch Mountain which is the link there, it's $20 cheaper than amazon. - This video is extremely helpful - Delta Bravo- Yes, I did get on my non-walkable roof (200 lbs). I basically just crawled around on it to try and not put too much pressure anywhere. It would sink in a little bit, but I didn't see any cracks, we'll be camping in some rain this weekend, so I'll report if I did end up cracking anything and there is a leak.
|
|