So what is the minimum generator requirement to run the AC. Someone told me yesterday he runs his with a 2200 watt generator. I was under the impression it took 3K at least.

 

It varies. If you are not running the other appliances (water heater or refrigerator on 120V, then it is possible to run the AC with a 2200 watt generator, especially if you have installed a Micro-Air Easy Start which reduces the peak inrush current needed to get the compressor running. It also depends on if the converter is trying to charge a depleted battery also. If the battery is charged and all the converter is doing is float charging, then it will work. If, however, your battery is low so the converter is in bulk charging mode, then the total load would be too high. Sometimes, you can flip the breaker for the converter if that is the case but then your battery will not be charged. I have had to do that to take the edge off the heat and then turn the converter back on when the 'Pod cools off some.

I did install an Easy Start and am using  a Generac iX2000 generator. I would like to get the Predator 3500, but am holding off for now as the additional weight and size would be harder for me to maneuver and lift. I would need to get some ramps or a hoist to load it in our pickup for travel. I can lift our iX2000, so we are sticking with it for now.

A lot more money than the HF model but I would have a hard time trusting it.

That is because the 2000 watt Honda is most likely actually a 1600 watt continuous/2000 watt starting current generator. The labeling of generators with their peak current instead of the continuous watt capability is misleading at best, deceptive at worst.

The Generac iX2000 is 2000 watt continuous, 2200 watt starting current generator. That is one reason I bought it. The Harbor Freight Predator 3500 gets high review ratings and, if taken care of, should last. Two key factors are keeping the oil in good shape (use synthetic) and only using non-ethanol gasoline with gasoline stabilizer. Many small engines are discarded when all that is needed is a new carburetor  because the owner used ethanol gasoline which gummed up the jets so it does not run. Using non-ethanol gasoline avoids a lot of problems.

Edit: I have seen the HF Predators in action with various food trucks. Every food truck owner I have spoken with about them has spoken highly of them. They are the ones that said that maintaining the oil is part of the key to keeping them running well. They are also very quiet while running which is a big plus.

And if you can get a parallel kit and second identical unit, you could still lift the same weight (twice) and yet have more power available when needed.

Why not try the Honda since you already own it? My Honda 2k runs my a/c fine as long as nothing else is on, including the charger, It would not start  the a/c until I installed the easy start. Now it starts just fine. Note that the startup load of the standard a/c compressor is at least 2-3x the run load. The easy start isn't cheap but its a whole lot less than a new genny and won't trigger the need for lumbar disk surgery. 

Originally posted by podwerkz And if you can get a parallel kit and second identical unit, you could still lift the same weight (twice) and yet have more power available when needed.

The Generac iX2000 is not parallel capable so a parallel kit is a moot point. On top of that, it is also discontinued.

Well never mind then....

Greetings:

I'm a ham, so I use my Honda 2000 inverter a lot.  It's about 12 years old and still runs great.  I change oil after every use and use synthetic.  I have been looking at the Harbor Freight 3000 inverter.  It won't last as long, but I'm not going to live forever either.  I have worked with small engines.  Changing oil is the key to making them last.  Inverters run quiet which is important when I dry camp.

I would buy a set of lightweight ramps and have a small come-a-long to get it back into the truck if I buy the 3000.

Crankster78  R-179