R-pod Owners Forum : Easy Start on A/C RPod 196

R-pod Owners Forum : Easy Start on A/C RPod 196 http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : Easy Start on A/C RPod 196 Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Fri, 01 May 2026 20:25:16 +0000 Wed, 21 Apr 2021 07:00:25 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=14563 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Easy Start on A/C RPod 196 : Great, do keep us posted. http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14563&PID=141965#141965 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14563
Posted: 21 Apr 2021 at 7:00am

Great, do keep us posted.]]> Wed, 21 Apr 2021 07:00:25 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14563&PID=141965#141965 Easy Start on A/C RPod 196 : Thanks Offgrid, I have ordered... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14563&PID=141960#141960 Author: Old Man Running
Subject: 14563
Posted: 20 Apr 2021 at 10:46pm

Thanks Offgrid, I have ordered a bonding plug from Amazon, trying to solve this problem has been like a scavenger hunt. Although I do not have any special knowledge of air conditioning systems, I do have a basic understanding of electricity and can hopefully think things through, especially with some outside help. ]]> Tue, 20 Apr 2021 22:46:51 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14563&PID=141960#141960 Easy Start on A/C RPod 196 : You need on of these. That should... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14563&PID=141943#141943 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14563
Posted: 20 Apr 2021 at 2:50pm

You need on of these. That should fix the problem with the circuit analyser and most likely the a/c as
well.

bonding plug]]> Tue, 20 Apr 2021 14:50:24 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14563&PID=141943#141943 Easy Start on A/C RPod 196 : I agree that a 2.2kw generator... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14563&PID=141941#141941 Author: Old Man Running
Subject: 14563
Posted: 20 Apr 2021 at 2:25pm

I agree that a 2.2kw generator isn't adequate to start a 13.5btuh a/c. Therefore I did install an easy start kit and verified that it works on shore power. In fact, I also tested the unit with my surge protector, which displays a readout of consumption. With the a/c unit on and connected to shore power, the surge protector shows a reading of 8-amps, then 9-amps, and then eventually 10-amps. This sequence occurs within a 3-5-minute time span. When connected to the 2.2kw generator, the a/c unit will not come on, not even the fan motor, which pulls very little amps. If you are in the rv when you turn-on the a/c, you will hear a very faint click, but nothing activates. That is why I am wondering if this unit has a front-end device, or maybe software modification which reads the source of incoming power and will not allow the unit to activate unless it reads a full 20-amp power source.

Additionally, I also connected the surge protector to the Honda 2.2kw generator to see the amount of power coming from the generator. The strange thing is that the surge protector indicated that there was an open ground and would not transmit power to the rv. This condition only occurs when the surge protector is connected to the generator. BTW, I also did this test using a different surge protector with the same results.

]]> Tue, 20 Apr 2021 14:25:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14563&PID=141941#141941 Easy Start on A/C RPod 196 : There isn't a way for the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14563&PID=141924#141924 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14563
Posted: 20 Apr 2021 at 6:54am

There isn't a way for the a/c to know in advance what capacity a power source is.

A 2.2kw generator isn't adequate to reliably start a 13.5kbtu/h a/c, without a soft starter. Just because you can start one a/c one day doesn't mean it will start a different one (or even the same one) on another day.

First, are you sure the a/c runs correctly on grid power? There are reports on line of the squirrel cage blower shafts freezing up due to corrosion.

Second, what are the exact sequence of symptoms you're seeing when you try to start the a/c on the generator?]]> Tue, 20 Apr 2021 06:54:49 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14563&PID=141924#141924 Easy Start on A/C RPod 196 : . http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14563&PID=141923#141923 Author: Colonel Podder
Subject: 14563
Posted: 20 Apr 2021 at 6:39am

.]]> Tue, 20 Apr 2021 06:39:12 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14563&PID=141923#141923 Easy Start on A/C RPod 196 : Originally posted by Pod PeopleAs... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14563&PID=141919#141919 Author: podwerkz
Subject: 14563
Posted: 19 Apr 2021 at 10:04pm

Originally posted by Pod People

This is the way mine operates from the factory...I have the electronic Dometic thermostat...maybe they built in that version of a 'step start'...at any rate my 3500 watt genset (either one of them) starts my roof unit easily.

]]> Mon, 19 Apr 2021 22:04:46 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14563&PID=141919#141919 Easy Start on A/C RPod 196 : I don't know about the electrical... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14563&PID=141918#141918 Author: Pod People
Subject: 14563
Posted: 19 Apr 2021 at 9:30pm

I don't know about the electrical system on your pod. That may be a question for Forest River. personally, I have never heard of such a limiting device, but I am not the best electrical source.

I would suggest that you call Micro Easy Aire and talk with them. give them a specific model number of AC and they will most likely be able to help. They were very helpful when I called them prior to my installation.

As I understand it, the Easy Start will change the sequence of start up so the fan comes on first and has time to rev up to full speed. then the compressor comes on and it takes less voltage to get it going to full capacity. I am not an expert-but I know firsthand that it works on our Dometic 13.5btu AC with the Honda 2200.

I hope you can get this worked out and be able to enjoy your pod

Vann

]]> Mon, 19 Apr 2021 21:30:49 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14563&PID=141918#141918 Easy Start on A/C RPod 196 : Thanks to both "Pod People"... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14563&PID=141917#141917 Author: Old Man Running
Subject: 14563
Posted: 19 Apr 2021 at 6:31pm

Thanks to both "Pod People" and "Offgrid" for your timely reply. I successfully used this generator (Honda EU2200i) on a Dometic 13.5K btu/h a/c, with a different RV, but replace that RV with a 2021 R-Pod 196, which is equipped with the Coleman Mach-3+ a/c. Although the generator will operate other appliances such as the microwave it will not operate the a/c, even in the fan mode. It seems like the a/c system has a front-end device that will prevent the a/c from operating in any mode (fan or a/c) unless connected to a full 20-amp service. Could this be possible, and if yes, is there a work around? Your help would be most appreciated.]]> Mon, 19 Apr 2021 18:31:07 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14563&PID=141917#141917 Easy Start on A/C RPod 196 : I found my Honda 2k to be only... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14563&PID=141882#141882 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14563
Posted: 19 Apr 2021 at 7:56am

I found my Honda 2k to be only slightly less powerful on propane. That generator has to be pretty much at it's full continuous rating (1600VA) to run the a/c. If it was losing even 10% it wouldn't be able to run it.

I use the Century Fuels kit which has an adjustable demand regulator, and I do need to readjust it at higher altitudes.

YMMV depending on which propane conversion kit you get. If you're concerned about losing power it would be a good idea to check into people's results with the kit you're considering.
]]> Mon, 19 Apr 2021 07:56:46 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14563&PID=141882#141882 Easy Start on A/C RPod 196 : Thanks for that extra bit of info... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14563&PID=141877#141877 Author: Dirt Sifter
Subject: 14563
Posted: 18 Apr 2021 at 11:02pm

Thanks for that extra bit of info re propane vs gas power, OG. I've been waffling between changing over my Honda generators, now feel a little less conflicted.
]]> Sun, 18 Apr 2021 23:02:30 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14563&PID=141877#141877 Easy Start on A/C RPod 196 : It should be ok. Looks like the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14563&PID=141855#141855 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14563
Posted: 18 Apr 2021 at 6:39am

It should be ok. Looks like the Coleman Mach 3 is a 13.5k btu/h a/c so should be a similar load to the Dometic 13.5.

But do call Microair and ask them. They are very helpful.

Vann, while the heat of combustion of a gallon of propane is 28% less than a gallon of gasoline, the heat of combustion is actually higher per lb. Diesel has higher heat content per gallon than gasoline but that doesn't mean the diesel versions of an engine have higher power than the gas versions.

The optimum air to fuel ratio for propane is about 24 to 1 so the cylinder is pulling in mostly air, and the power output relative to gasoline will depend on how fast propane is fed into the engine relative to gasoline. So there could be a negligible difference in power. ]]> Sun, 18 Apr 2021 06:39:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14563&PID=141855#141855 Easy Start on A/C RPod 196 : I don't have the same pod... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14563&PID=141853#141853 Author: Pod People
Subject: 14563
Posted: 17 Apr 2021 at 10:34pm

I don't have the same pod or A/C unit. I have the dometic 13.500btu unit that was available in 2015. I installed an Easy Start and use a Honda 2200 that has been converted to propane. It works well at normal(below 5000') but I have not tried it at elevation yet. I know the propane has about 20% less power than gasoline , but I didn't have a good way to carry and deal with gas cans in our enclosed tow vehicle.

The Easy Start install was easy-several videos available and the enclosed directions were perfect, including pictures.

I am happy with Easy Start and Honda 2200.

Vann

]]> Sat, 17 Apr 2021 22:34:23 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14563&PID=141853#141853 Easy Start on A/C RPod 196 : I have a 2021 R-Pod 196 with a... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14563&PID=141852#141852 Author: Old Man Running
Subject: 14563
Posted: 17 Apr 2021 at 9:44pm

I have a 2021 R-Pod 196 with a Coleman Mach 3+ A/C, model 48253-669. Has anyone had experience operating this a/c using a Honda 2200 Generator after installing an EASY START kit on the a/c. ]]> Sat, 17 Apr 2021 21:44:33 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14563&PID=141852#141852