honda 2000 generator

just call the manufacturer and ask the running watts and the start up watts..and compare that to the gen you are pairing it with. I found the 1950 watts for the rooftop model listed...the under-bunk was not...but I'm thinking it is a similar BTU...so a similar requirement.
One thing....I mentioned before that you can install a "soft start" kit...a capicitor on it to make it easier for the gen to start...this is a good idea on any AC...many home units have them now...and most RV places have the kits...pretty simple to wire in...the kit reduces the surge needed to start the compressor by acting like a tiny battery that stores a bit of power, kinda like a compresd air bottle in the brake system, giving the AC compressor an extra jolt of power when it tries to start...this is when the AC may get bogged down for a second or two...it will lengthen the life of BOTH units at minimal cost, and help prevent you from blowing a fuse when the AC turns on if you have other loads plugged in!!
Good luck!!
Please be sure to post your install/set-up!! Many O/O would love to see it...it is a great way to save $$ and stay comfortable for a little $,

 

ZippyNH, I appreciate your input, great info. I'm trying to run small portable A/C unit, Haier rated at 800W ( this one exactly: http://www.walmart.com/ip/7000-Btu-Haier-Portable-Air/9604532 ) feeded from running reefer unit. My question now is, would be buying the soft-start kit beneficial in this case? Or such a unit would have it built in already?

 

The soft start kits are to make them easier to start on a gen....if you have plenty of extra watts available....and don't run other big loads...you don't need it. An 800W unit and a Reefer should have tons of extra omph...
A softstart kit is very common on the RV style units....and many installers install them on home units...that way if it is a hot day, and the Voltage is lower than spec...like when the utilities try to cut usage by dropping the voltage, the unit can still start...without such a kit...the motor sometimes cannot get the surge power needed to start...
Since reefers, are to the best of my knowledge, DC, you will need an inverter...get a big quality one (and some extra thick cable to run the power to the inverter..or better yet the truck batts...so you can use them like a sponge..and if the reefer is running...and your ac kicks on...no problem...and you could use the 12v stuff in the truck too...and I think you would be fine.....one issue...if the reefer alternator dies...you wake up with a dead battery....
I'm sure the unit you are talking about will not freeze ya out, but if the truck is light in color...has good insulation, and maybe has the curtains drawn...It might be the cheap easy way to do it!!
Just make sure you rig up a good exhaust for the heat tube that comes off the back...and empty the water bucket in the AM.

 

This generator is way overkill to run an A/C unit. And heavy too. And LOUD - louder than the average reefer, about 95 DBs. They are made in China which may or may not concern you but the quality does concern me. I have a Coleman Roughneck 13,500 BTU roof mounted RV unit with heat strip. I run it with a Honda EU3000is. The 13500 btu A/C unit is a real load on the Honda. My 1st roof top unit was a Coleman Polar Cub, 9500 BTU. The Honda pulled that one easily but it isn't built for the vibrations of a class 8 truck and it died after about a year. Spend the extra $ and buy the right one 1st. My Honda has probably 3000 hours on it and it's getting a bit tired. I'm thinking hard about buying an Onan or Generac gasoline RV unit of about 3600 to 4000 watts. They are built for this type of application and weigh only 170 pounds. A seller on Ebay offers a Generac packaged with the remote starter, exhaust kit, mounting kit and a service kit for $2099 delivered to your door. Northern Tool sells an 18 gallon gas tank that will fit nicely under my headache rack. This will give me about 55 to 60 hours run time on a fill up. Carry a 2 gallon can of gas for emergencies if/when you run out and I'm always good to go. Many places are easy to pull up to the gas pumps to fill up. I carry 2 5 gallon cans of gas and the 3.4 gallon tank on the gen gives me a lot of time to refill but it is a bit of a PITA and a little dangerous to have to get out there and pour gas in the snow, rain, dark. Pouring gas into a hot genset can spell FIRE very easily. The Honda requires me to get out to start/stop it and you cannot connect it to an external tank without a fuel pump configuration of some kind. The 18 gallon tank directly connected to the purpose built genset will be much more user friendly.

 

Onan gensets, and other RV gens are conventional gens...but to make them more quiet, and more durable, they are run at about 1800 RPM, and have the genorator head wired up to match. IF you can afford it...the Onan's are great...just be sure you are getting the RIGHT one...some cheap versions have been showing up at COSTCO that are incensed copy's that are just Chinese 3600 rpm crap with a cheap gen-head...a waste of money for a hardcore user that will run it more than 600 hrs.
IF you buy the RIGHT HONDA 3000...the INVERTER BASED ONE, it is about as quiet as the 2000, or the 1000....about the same noise level of an idling car, IF you buy the wrong one...the 3600 RPM one, the conventional gen with the GX motor, it will be 70 decibel ish pretty loud...about the same as a lawnmower!!
I admit, if you can get the ONAN for that price, great....just check to be sure it is the Super quiet 1800 RPM version.....

as for the HONDA's
This is the RIGHT ONE.

EU3000iSA
3000 watts, 120V
Power for your furnace, fridge, microwave, most 13,500 BTU RV AC units, and more

• Super quiet
• Convenient electric start
• Fuel efficient - up to 20 hrs on 3.4 gals of gas
• Inverter - stable power for computers and more
• MSRP $2,279.95*

AC Output 120V 3000W max.(25A) 2800W rated (23.3A) Receptacles 20A 125V Duplex, 30A 125V Locking Plug DC Output 12V, 144W (12A)


Quiet Operation
Honda's original two-tiered noise dampening system and Eco-ThrottleTM ensure quiet operation. Honda's EU Series generators operate at 49 to 59 dBA. This makes them ideal for camping, supplemental RV power and any other activity that requires quiet operation.



Now i someone is cheap...they get this one....

EB3000cKAG

• 3000 watts, 120V
• Lightweight - only 68 lbs.
• Honda commercial OHV engine
• Exclusive CycloConverter technology
• GFCI receptacle
• 12V DC charging
• MSRP $1,679.95*

AC Output 120V 3000W max. (25.0A) 2600W rated (21.7A) Receptacles 20A GFCI 125V Duplex, 30A 125V Locking Plug DC Output 12V, 144W 12A

Sounds similar...but it is a lawnmower motor...and makes - 68 dB....MUCH LOUDER!!!!! It also is rated for less power...burns more fuel...

 

My Honda is the good one and it works great and is very quiet. I enjoy getting out to show it to drivers when they ask about it and starting it and seeing their reaction to how quiet it is. It's just getting a little old with a lot of hours on it. After 2 years with it I think there are better and safer ways to set up an APU alternative.

FYI - the Honda will shut down if the air filter gets any amount of oil on it and mine does regularly. I buy the replacement filters at Wallyworld.

The Onan or Generac gasoline RV sets are 3600 RPM units and they are genuine products. I found the right 3600watt Onan with 170 hours on it on my local Craigslist this morning for 1200 bucks. I'm gonna offer him a grand... that's half price for 170 hours.

 

I think the key number for 13,500 BTU's is going to be 3000 watts....heck the honda 3000 above is advertised as running MOST 13,500 watts AC units.

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/listings/forum/39.cfm

Tons of folks that RV really like the YAMAHA...cheaper than a Honda, and a bit more omph...
I bet it could run pretty big window style AC unit mounted in a hole in the back of the sleeper like a bunch of pics floating around.....I think you would have to look at the exact AC unit you are thinking of...and run the #'s. That having been said...it is usually smart to get a unit a big bigger than you need...so it is run lightly, and will have a long life, and increased reliability. Plus, if you AC is running, and you can't turn on your laptop, or watch your TV on a reset...it would suck!!

 

After looking at both Yamaha and honda generators; I'd say the Yamaha 3000 series is on par with Hondas. However Yamaha offers more of a selection than Honda. A 2000 from Honda or Yamaha wont do it for a class 8 truck considering most A/C units require a 3000 watt inverter. Its going to have to be a 3000 series or better to run a 3000 watt inverter or better.

Mark,

You have any pics of your set-up?????

KH

 

A friend of mine has used the Honda 2000 for 2 years with his air conditioner.