What size generator

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I had installed one of these in our (former) RP-179 to allow use with a Generac 2k generator. It is expensive, but worth getting and installing. You will notice a significant difference in AC startup as it doesn't have that sudden 0-100% but ramps up the speed of the compressor so that you barely hear it start. You just notice the cool and that it doesn't bog down the 2k generator.
https://www.microair.net/collections/easystart-soft-starters/products/easystart-breeze-soft-starter

The reason it works is that it cuts the initial current surge that the AC draws when starting up. It won't make up the deficit of a cheap generator, but a quality generator will work.

I have not installed one in our current Grey Wolf because we had gotten a larger generator because I wanted one that could run on propane. If I still were using the 2k generator, I would have gotten and installed one in the GW also.

Caveats:  A 2k generator will still bog down if you try to run too much at once. You can run the AC or the convection microwave, but not at the same time. If the battery is low and the converter is trying to bulk-charge it, that also may be too much draw to run the AC at the same time but if the battery is full enough to use float, then it will work. 

Edited by StephenH - 24 Mar 2025 at 9:15am

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StephenH Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6417	Post Options Post Reply Quote StephenH Report Post Quote Reply Topic: What size generator Posted: 24 Mar 2025 at 9:09am
	I had installed one of these in our (former) RP-179 to allow use with a Generac 2k generator. It is expensive, but worth getting and installing. You will notice a significant difference in AC startup as it doesn't have that sudden 0-100% but ramps up the speed of the compressor so that you barely hear it start. You just notice the cool and that it doesn't bog down the 2k generator. https://www.microair.net/collections/easystart-soft-starters/products/easystart-breeze-soft-starter The reason it works is that it cuts the initial current surge that the AC draws when starting up. It won't make up the deficit of a cheap generator, but a quality generator will work. I have not installed one in our current Grey Wolf because we had gotten a larger generator because I wanted one that could run on propane. If I still were using the 2k generator, I would have gotten and installed one in the GW also. Caveats: A 2k generator will still bog down if you try to run too much at once. You can run the AC or the convection microwave, but not at the same time. If the battery is low and the converter is trying to bulk-charge it, that also may be too much draw to run the AC at the same time but if the battery is full enough to use float, then it will work. Edited by StephenH - 24 Mar 2025 at 9:15am
	StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

_WW_ Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 25 Dec 2021 Location: Mt Vernon, WA Online Status: Offline Posts: 21	Post Options Post Reply Quote _WW_ Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 24 Mar 2025 at 8:37am
	I have a 179 from 2016. My Microwave would bog down a 2000 generator and the AC would kill it. This cured the problem. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C1Q4K2G7?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1
	2014 RAM 1500 2016 R Pod 179

john in idaho Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 04 Nov 2014 Location: Eagle Idaho Online Status: Offline Posts: 613	Post Options Post Reply Quote john in idaho Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 02 Feb 2025 at 11:08am
	It might also depend on the charge status of your batteries when you turn on the AC. If your batteries are down when you startup the generator the AC may not start because of the load from the battery charger.

StephenH Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6417	Post Options Post Reply Quote StephenH Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 31 Jan 2025 at 8:33pm
	If you are careful to not try to run too much at once, a 3,000 watt generator should be adequate. If weight is an issue, two 2,000 watt generators run in parallel will be easier to lift. If you plan on running a dual-fuel generator on propane (which is what I do), remember that it won't generate quite as much power when running on propane. However, it avoids having to carry gasoline.
	StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Leo B Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 13 Jan 2012 Location: Lyndonville, VT Online Status: Offline Posts: 4518	Post Options Post Reply Quote Leo B Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 30 Jan 2025 at 5:20pm
	+1
	Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171

gpokluda Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 11 Nov 2018 Location: NM Online Status: Offline Posts: 393	Post Options Post Reply Quote gpokluda Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 30 Jan 2025 at 10:12am
	It depends on what your power usage will be aside from your AC. If you are only going to use AC and it has a soft start mechanism, you can get by with something as small as a 2000 watt inverter generator. If you are going to be running the AC and microwave and other appliances, you will need a 3500-4000 watt unit. Figure out what your power usage is going to be and size accordingly.
	Gpokluda 2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023) 2022 Escape 5.0TA 2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB Kawasaki KLR650

Gbr1955 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 29 Jan 2025 Location: South Carolina Online Status: Offline Posts: 8	Post Options Post Reply Quote Gbr1955 Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 30 Jan 2025 at 9:40am
	I just bought a 2011 rp177. Has a ac 13500. What size generator do I need?
	George Roth