Okay, last week I went to my local Harbor Freight and looked at
the Predator 1600 that someone here (George?) suggested. It's a
good bit lighter (and somewhat smaller) than their comparable 2000
W unit, so that makes it attractive.
Yesterday I got the details on the AC unit from the trailer, and
posted it here...
https://panix.com/~theise/AC-plate.jpg
The part number on that brings up this page...
https://colemanmachac.com/coleman-mach-15-ducted-48204-0690-quiet-black-1500btu/
I don't think the unit has the optional heater. The stack of
manuals I got with the trailer did have a sheet on installation of
the heater accessory, but I haven't seen any evidence of one
actually being operational.
At any rate, I'm now wondering if the AC would run on the 1600 W
generator. The spec for the compressor (12.9 A) gives 1420 W
(amps times volts, right?), so that suggests maybe?
On the other hand, the plate also shows 19.0 max circuit amperage
(i.e., 2090 W), so that suggests even a 2000 W generator might not
supply enough to run it.
What advice do more experienced and knowledgeable folks here have
for me?
Okay, last week I went to my local Harbor Freight and looked at
the Predator 1600 that someone here (George?) suggested. It's a
good bit lighter (and somewhat smaller) than their comparable 2000
W unit, so that makes it attractive.
Yesterday I got the details on the AC unit from the trailer, and
posted it here...
https://panix.com/~theise/AC-plate.jpg
The part number on that brings up this page...
https://colemanmachac.com/coleman-mach-15-ducted-48204-0690-quiet-black-1500btu/
I don't think the unit has the optional heater. The stack of
manuals I got with the trailer did have a sheet on installation of
the heater accessory, but I haven't seen any evidence of one
actually being operational.
At any rate, I'm now wondering if the AC would run on the 1600 W
generator. The spec for the compressor (12.9 A) gives 1420 W
(amps times volts, right?), so that suggests maybe?
On the other hand, the plate also shows 19.0 max circuit amperage
(i.e., 2090 W), so that suggests even a 2000 W generator might not
supply enough to run it.
What advice do more experienced and knowledgeable folks here have
for me?
On 2024-08-11 12:39:34 +0000, Ted Heise said:
Okay, last week I went to my local Harbor Freight and looked
at the Predator 1600 that someone here (George?) suggested.
It's a good bit lighter (and somewhat smaller) than their
comparable 2000 W unit, so that makes it attractive.
Yesterday I got the details on the AC unit from the trailer,
and posted it here...
https://panix.com/~theise/AC-plate.jpg
The part number on that brings up this page...
https://colemanmachac.com/coleman-mach-15-ducted-48204-0690-quiet-black-1500btu/
I don't think the unit has the optional heater. The stack of
manuals I got with the trailer did have a sheet on
installation of the heater accessory, but I haven't seen any
evidence of one actually being operational.
At any rate, I'm now wondering if the AC would run on the 1600
W generator. The spec for the compressor (12.9 A) gives 1420
W (amps times volts, right?), so that suggests maybe?
On the other hand, the plate also shows 19.0 max circuit
amperage (i.e., 2090 W), so that suggests even a 2000 W
generator might not supply enough to run it.
What advice do more experienced and knowledgeable folks here
have for me?
No it will not.
First the generators "rating" is peak power, so a 2KW (even
Honda) only produces 1800 watts continuous
Second the peak starting power of every A/C is the higher 19
amp (unless you've added a "soft start" to the A/C)
Third, there are other draws, like the converter and fridge.
Generally -with- a soft start the min generator is 2200 watts,
without 3KW (I prefer two ~2KW as I can carry them)
FWIW, I could run the fridge on propane, but am not sure what you
mean by "convertor."
So here's an update. I went by Menard's yesterday just to look at
what they had, and it just so happened that they had in stock the Westinghouse unit (and no others of similar capacity). Taking
that as a sign it was meant to be, I went ahead and bought it.
Now a bit of dumbassery. After adding oil and fuel, I could *not*
get it to start--despite *many* yanks on the cord. I pulled the
spark plug to see if I'd flooded it, but it seemed fine. Finally
it occurred to me that the red light on the control panel might
mean something. It was the oil light, and when I added more oil
the unit started right up. In fairness, the dipstick goes in
almost horizontally, so it's hard to read. Plus the manual had
many warnings not to overfill.
I took it to the trailer this afternoon, and it does indeed put
out enough power to charge the battery. On the other hand, when I
tried running the AC (with pretty much everything else off) the
overload protection cut in. So I guess if I want to run the AC
I'll need to try a soft start thingy.
On Sun, 11 Aug 2024 07:38:58 -0700,
Ralph E Lindberg <[email protected]> wrote:
On 2024-08-11 12:39:34 +0000, Ted Heise said:
At any rate, I'm now wondering if the AC would run on the
1600 W generator. The spec for the compressor (12.9 A)
gives 1420 W (amps times volts, right?), so that suggests
maybe?
On the other hand, the plate also shows 19.0 max circuit
amperage (i.e., 2090 W), so that suggests even a 2000 W
generator might not supply enough to run it.
What advice do more experienced and knowledgeable folks here
have for me?
No it will not.
First the generators "rating" is peak power, so a 2KW (even
Honda) only produces 1800 watts continuous Second the peak
starting power of every A/C is the higher 19 amp (unless
you've added a "soft start" to the A/C) Third, there are
other draws, like the converter and fridge.
Generally -with- a soft start the min generator is 2200
watts, without 3KW (I prefer two ~2KW as I can carry them)
Thanks, Ralph (and to George and sticks for similar advice).
Regarding generator ratings, I've been checking both peak and
static specs; for example, the Westinghouse unit I linked
earlier is stated as 1800/2500, so I'd think that might do it.
In any case, I'm thinking I may just try that Westinghouse iGen
2550DFc, and if it doesn't work then add a soft start.
On 8/12/2024 7:37 AM, Ted Heise wrote:
FWIW, I could run the fridge on propane, but am not sure what
you mean by "convertor."
Your unit has a "45 Amp Converter/Loadcenter" which I assume is
what charges your house batteries when plugged into AC.
On 8/13/2024 4:30 PM, Ted Heise wrote:
I took it [Westinghouse iGen 2550] to the trailer this
afternoon, and it does indeed put out enough power to charge
the battery. On the other hand, when I tried running the AC
(with pretty much everything else off) the overload protection
cut in. So I guess if I want to run the AC I'll need to try a
soft start thingy.
Yur makin' progress.
Looking forward to finding out if the soft start works for you.
I personally don't know anyone who uses one because of all
having bigger generators.
BTW, I can see where they (soft start) might come in handy at
various camping joints. Some of them have 20/30 amp sites.
Not sure exactly what they mean by that. I'm assuming the
choice of either a regular 110 volt 20 amp plug or the rounded
30 amp plug. I can see where lots of people need 110, but not
a 30 amp service, so it makes sense. But, if the thing
actually works, in a pinch you could stay at a site that only
had the 20 amp service and still use it for your AC.
On Tue, 13 Aug 2024 16:52:59 -0500,
sticks <[email protected]> wrote:
On 8/13/2024 4:30 PM, Ted Heise wrote:
I took it [Westinghouse iGen 2550] to the trailer this
afternoon, and it does indeed put out enough power to charge
the battery. On the other hand, when I tried running the AC
(with pretty much everything else off) the overload protection
cut in. So I guess if I want to run the AC I'll need to try a
soft start thingy.
Yur makin' progress.
Looking forward to finding out if the soft start works for you.
I personally don't know anyone who uses one because of all
having bigger generators.
Well, it occurred to me last night that I'd run the unit only in
Eco mode. My assumption is it wouldn't be any different in full/
standard mode because the gen adapts to the load when in Eco, but
it's no big deal to just try it in standard mode. I doubt it'll
matter, but maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised.
BTW, I can see where they (soft start) might come in handy at
various camping joints. Some of them have 20/30 amp sites.
Not sure exactly what they mean by that. I'm assuming the
choice of either a regular 110 volt 20 amp plug or the rounded
30 amp plug. I can see where lots of people need 110, but not
a 30 amp service, so it makes sense. But, if the thing
actually works, in a pinch you could stay at a site that only
had the 20 amp service and still use it for your AC.
Okay, I'm not quite getting this. One thing I don't think I've
posted is that the AC will run when I have the trailer in my
driveway and plugged in to a 110 V outlet. I think it may be a 20
A circuit. Tripped the GFCI a time or two, and melted the plug on
an extension cord that was not heavy enough gauge, but after
getting a heavier duty cord it seems to run fine.
On 8/13/2024 4:30 PM, Ted Heise wrote:
So here's an update. I went by Menard's yesterday just to look at
what they had, and it just so happened that they had in stock the
Westinghouse unit (and no others of similar capacity). Taking
that as a sign it was meant to be, I went ahead and bought it.
Now a bit of dumbassery. After adding oil and fuel, I could *not*
get it to start--despite *many* yanks on the cord. I pulled the
spark plug to see if I'd flooded it, but it seemed fine. Finally
it occurred to me that the red light on the control panel might
mean something. It was the oil light, and when I added more oil
the unit started right up. In fairness, the dipstick goes in
almost horizontally, so it's hard to read. Plus the manual had
many warnings not to overfill.
I took it to the trailer this afternoon, and it does indeed put
out enough power to charge the battery. On the other hand, when I
tried running the AC (with pretty much everything else off) the
overload protection cut in. So I guess if I want to run the AC
I'll need to try a soft start thingy.
Yur makin' progress.
Looking forward to finding out if the soft start works for you. I personally don't know anyone who uses one because of all having bigger generators.
BTW, I can see where they (soft start) might come in handy at various
camping joints. Some of them have 20/30 amp sites. Not sure exactly
what they mean by that. I'm assuming the choice of either a regular 110 volt 20 amp plug or the rounded 30 amp plug. I can see where lots of
people need 110, but not a 30 amp service, so it makes sense. But, if
the thing actually works, in a pinch you could stay at a site that only
had the 20 amp service and still use it for your AC.
On Tue, 13 Aug 2024 16:52:59 -0500,
sticks <[email protected]> wrote:
On 8/13/2024 4:30 PM, Ted Heise wrote:
I took it [Westinghouse iGen 2550] to the trailer this
afternoon, and it does indeed put out enough power to charge
the battery. On the other hand, when I tried running the AC
(with pretty much everything else off) the overload protection
cut in. So I guess if I want to run the AC I'll need to try a
soft start thingy.
Yur makin' progress.
Looking forward to finding out if the soft start works for you.
I personally don't know anyone who uses one because of all
having bigger generators.
Well, it occurred to me last night that I'd run the unit only in
Eco mode. My assumption is it wouldn't be any different in full/
standard mode because the gen adapts to the load when in Eco, but
it's no big deal to just try it in standard mode. I doubt it'll
matter, but maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised.
BTW, I can see where they (soft start) might come in handy at
various camping joints. Some of them have 20/30 amp sites.
Not sure exactly what they mean by that. I'm assuming the
choice of either a regular 110 volt 20 amp plug or the rounded
30 amp plug. I can see where lots of people need 110, but not
a 30 amp service, so it makes sense. But, if the thing
actually works, in a pinch you could stay at a site that only
had the 20 amp service and still use it for your AC.
Okay, I'm not quite getting this. One thing I don't think I've
posted is that the AC will run when I have the trailer in my
driveway and plugged in to a 110 V outlet. I think it may be a 20
A circuit. Tripped the GFCI a time or two, and melted the plug on
an extension cord that was not heavy enough gauge, but after
getting a heavier duty cord it seems to run fine.
On 8/13/2024 4:52 PM, sticks wrote:
On 8/13/2024 4:30 PM, Ted Heise wrote:Most all campgrounds have separate 50 amp, 30 amp and 120v outlets. Not
So here's an update. I went by Menard's yesterday just to look at
what they had, and it just so happened that they had in stock the
Westinghouse unit (and no others of similar capacity). Taking
that as a sign it was meant to be, I went ahead and bought it.
Now a bit of dumbassery. After adding oil and fuel, I could *not*
get it to start--despite *many* yanks on the cord. I pulled the
spark plug to see if I'd flooded it, but it seemed fine. Finally
it occurred to me that the red light on the control panel might
mean something. It was the oil light, and when I added more oil
the unit started right up. In fairness, the dipstick goes in
almost horizontally, so it's hard to read. Plus the manual had
many warnings not to overfill.
I took it to the trailer this afternoon, and it does indeed put
out enough power to charge the battery. On the other hand, when I
tried running the AC (with pretty much everything else off) the
overload protection cut in. So I guess if I want to run the AC
I'll need to try a soft start thingy.
Yur makin' progress.
Looking forward to finding out if the soft start works for you. I
personally don't know anyone who uses one because of all having bigger
generators.
BTW, I can see where they (soft start) might come in handy at various
camping joints. Some of them have 20/30 amp sites. Not sure exactly
what they mean by that. I'm assuming the choice of either a regular
110 volt 20 amp plug or the rounded 30 amp plug. I can see where lots
of people need 110, but not a 30 amp service, so it makes sense. But,
if the thing actually works, in a pinch you could stay at a site that
only had the 20 amp service and still use it for your AC.
all have 50 amp but unless the campground is older than dirt, it will
have 30amp.
You will need that heavier extension depending on the length. I run one
of my ACs on a 15amp circuit at home pretty often. However, at 90+ deg
F, it will trip the breaker. If I really need AC on super hot days, I
just run the generator <grin>.
In article <v9ipms$hn7m$[email protected]>,
George Anthony <[email protected]> wrote:
You will need that heavier extension depending on the length. I run one
of my ACs on a 15amp circuit at home pretty often. However, at 90+ deg
F, it will trip the breaker. If I really need AC on super hot days, I
just run the generator <grin>.
Also, a long not-heavy-enough extension cord will have a voltage
drop. My WatchDog sometimes trips due to the voltage hitting 104.
On Tue, 13 Aug 2024 16:52:59 -0500,
sticks <[email protected]> wrote:
On 8/13/2024 4:30 PM, Ted Heise wrote:
I took it [Westinghouse iGen 2550] to the trailer this
afternoon, and it does indeed put out enough power to charge
the battery. On the other hand, when I tried running the AC
(with pretty much everything else off) the overload
protection cut in. So I guess if I want to run the AC I'll
need to try a soft start thingy.
Yur makin' progress.
Looking forward to finding out if the soft start works for
you. I personally don't know anyone who uses one because of
all having bigger generators.
Well, it occurred to me last night that I'd run the unit only
in Eco mode. My assumption is it wouldn't be any different in
full/ standard mode because the gen adapts to the load when in
Eco, but it's no big deal to just try it in standard mode. I
doubt it'll matter, but maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised.
On Wed, 14 Aug 2024 13:02:46 -0000 (UTC),
Ted Heise <[email protected]> wrote:
On Tue, 13 Aug 2024 16:52:59 -0500,
sticks <[email protected]> wrote:
On 8/13/2024 4:30 PM, Ted Heise wrote:
I took it [Westinghouse iGen 2550] to the trailer this
afternoon, and it does indeed put out enough power to
charge the battery. On the other hand, when I tried
running the AC (with pretty much everything else off) the
overload protection cut in. So I guess if I want to run
the AC I'll need to try a soft start thingy.
Looking forward to finding out if the soft start works for
you. I personally don't know anyone who uses one because
of all having bigger generators.
As I'll explain below, I may have to go that way. Problem is I
would hate to go to the trouble and expense and have it not
work. I wonder if the soft start company someone linked could
give me a guess on how likely it is to work.
On Thu, 15 Aug 2024 01:05:56 -0000 (UTC),
Ted Heise <[email protected]> wrote:
On Wed, 14 Aug 2024 13:02:46 -0000 (UTC),
Ted Heise <[email protected]> wrote:
On Tue, 13 Aug 2024 16:52:59 -0500,
sticks <[email protected]> wrote:
On 8/13/2024 4:30 PM, Ted Heise wrote:
I took it [Westinghouse iGen 2550] to the trailer this
afternoon, and it does indeed put out enough power to
charge the battery. On the other hand, when I tried
running the AC (with pretty much everything else off) the
overload protection cut in. So I guess if I want to run
the AC I'll need to try a soft start thingy.
Looking forward to finding out if the soft start works for
you. I personally don't know anyone who uses one because
of all having bigger generators.
As I'll explain below, I may have to go that way. Problem is I
would hate to go to the trouble and expense and have it not
work. I wonder if the soft start company someone linked could
give me a guess on how likely it is to work.
Okay, here's an update. Yesterday I climbed up top of the trailer
and accessed the wiring compartment of the AC, finding the wiring
diagram approximately where the SoftStartRV website said it would
be. I sent an inquiry to them with the AC and generator specs and
got a reply promptly this morning that sounded confident it would
work for me. So I went ahead and ordered it, should be here later
this week. I try installing it this weekend <gulp> and let you
all know what happens.
Planning a trip to the Ozarks in early Oct, and may well not even
need the AC. Heh.
Ted Heise wrote:
On Thu, 15 Aug 2024 01:05:56 -0000 (UTC),
Ted Heise <[email protected]> wrote:
On Wed, 14 Aug 2024 13:02:46 -0000 (UTC),
Ted Heise <[email protected]> wrote:
On Tue, 13 Aug 2024 16:52:59 -0500,
sticks <[email protected]> wrote:
On 8/13/2024 4:30 PM, Ted Heise wrote:
I took it [Westinghouse iGen 2550] to the trailer this
afternoon, and it does indeed put out enough power to
charge the battery. On the other hand, when I tried
running the AC (with pretty much everything else off) the
overload protection cut in. So I guess if I want to run
the AC I'll need to try a soft start thingy.
Looking forward to finding out if the soft start works
for you. I personally don't know anyone who uses one
because of all having bigger generators.
As I'll explain below, I may have to go that way. Problem
is I would hate to go to the trouble and expense and have
it not work. I wonder if the soft start company someone
linked could give me a guess on how likely it is to work.
Okay, here's an update. Yesterday I climbed up top of the
trailer and accessed the wiring compartment of the AC, finding
the wiring diagram approximately where the SoftStartRV website
said it would be. I sent an inquiry to them with the AC and
generator specs and got a reply promptly this morning that
sounded confident it would work for me. So I went ahead and
ordered it, should be here later this week. I try installing
it this weekend <gulp> and let you all know what happens.
Planning a trip to the Ozarks in early Oct, and may well not
even need the AC. Heh.
Hey. Look at the bright side - you'll have all of late fall,
winter, and early spring to work on the problem.
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