A/C and generator

[Aardvarkjff]

I did some camping without power and our Yamaha 2400 generator was not enough to start the A/C Unit. I have read that some people recommend a "hard start" capacitor and couple that with a fan delay circuit. Does anyone have any experience with this? It is a Dometic 13.5K from a 2004 T2553. Thanks.

[j52wf]

You need at least a 3000W generator to start AC. I have a 2004 2475 Sunline and the generator is just big enough.

[mainah]

A hard start cap may do it at 2400 watts but it is pushing the limits.

[Aardvarkjff]

Update 1:
I wanted to try some stuff to see if it was possible to still use the 2400 yamaha (it worked on a 2011 Forrest River product). This is what I tried and it did work:

1-shut off all BREAKERS except the main and AC circuits
2-shut off fridge
3-turn on the thermostat to "fan only", not auto and wait a few seconds
4-turn on the AC unit and hope for the best
5-turn fridge back on

This actually worked and I was able to get the AC working. I guess starting the fan first, then the AC split up the starting draw to something more manageable to the generator. I will try this again when it gets warmer out to see if I can reproduce this success. (oh, yes the genny is really huffing, but penguins would be happy in my unit!)

[MACK C-85]

I'm going to assume in an '04 that your fridge is a dual propane/electric unit......run it on PROPANE.........the fridge works on heat absorption...i.e. your running an electric heater in your fridge, running it on propane while boondocking will help with electric load.

BTW- Same thing with water heater, use propane.

Mack

[mainah]

As the outside temp goes up so does the head pressure in the compressor thus making it even harder to start. If you want to try that turn off all the breakers except the AC one that will eliminate all the AC loads once the AC starts turn them back on. They will be 15 amp breakers the only 20 will be the AC. You may also just leave the AC on at low temp to keep it running it is the restart that draws the big current. 2400 watts really is the bottom end on what you are trying to do.

[Aardvarkjff]

Thanks for the info on the fridge. I am learning more every visit. Every watt helps. The only thing that I need to run off the generator is the A/C. I know that is cutting it close but it is the only one I have that I can lift on my own.