Running an air condition on generator?

[cpaharley2008]

Myron,
Have you done the manometer pressure? What about fresh propane in a new tank experiment? Could you have a bent/kink in one of your gas supply lines?

[MyronL]

Dave said..."...would a completely separate panel say 170 watt, and dual 6 volt batteries keep a refrigerator like Myron’s below 40 degrees in the same altitude and climate conditions where 110 volt power would?."

I like that possibility. Got 200 watts of portable solar and two 6 v batteries. Would be nice.

Went to look today in Sportsman Outlet in ABQ, at the Firman 3300 generator. Tried to lift it but couldn't. To be fair it was on a shelf about chest high so no leverage, yet though has two built in carrying handles I couldn't budge the thing. Well it does have electric start with a remote. Could just leave in the truck bed.

[Greg A]

That’s an awful lot of gen to run a fridge and occasionally some AC, Myron.
I’ve had a Wen 2000W gen for about 4 years and it runs my trailer fine with a grounding plug. Not heavy, and Woot dumps them every few months for about $380. Side by side no noticeable difference from the Honda.

[Kodakajika]

We have the same Honda 20001. We were camping the past few days at 7,500 feet. The Temperatures were around 87-90 degrees, and mine would not start the ac on my E-21. I hope that information helps.

[MyronL]

I have looked at the Honda 2200 and am tempted but, price, and you're right, Greg, we rarely if ever use the AC. Also, at the Honda store in town I was put off by their salesman who didn't know about propane conversion add-ons, or performance at 9 thousand feet.

Thinking now, since I only want to be able to run my fridge anywhere, (the altitude vs propane mystery) and be able to lift it out of the truck without killing my back, and on rare occasions (if ever) use it for A/C when boondocking, maybe the practical solution is go for second best. Cheaper, maybe only a tad louder, but wiser, read more functional choice, and forget about the need for AC. And, it's there when we have an extended power outage at home.

What's a Woot??

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by MyronL

Also, at the Honda store in town I was put off by their salesman who didn't know about propane conversion add-ons, or performance at 9 thousand feet.

Certainly should have known about re-jetting. If you normally operate from 2,000 to 10,000' ASL you should drop down one size. http://cdn.powerequipment.honda.com/...s/pci54675.pdf

Fuel conversion kits are aftermarket. These are the guys to talk to:
https://hutchmountain.com/

[Greg A]

Myron,
Home Depot popped the WEN 2000 at a really good price.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Super-Qu...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

This should run ur air as well if you do need to run it.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by Greg A

Myron,
Home Depot popped the WEN 2000 at a really good price.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Super-Qu...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

This should run ur air as well if you do need to run it.

With a derating at altitude would the 2250 (1800W peak) or 2350 (1900W peak) be a better choice?

[MyronL]

Just looked over the Wen site and their WEN 56225i, 2250 watts and am very impressed! They sell it for $548.61 delivered. Got to think about this very carefully but see nothing not to like.

[Greg A]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

With a derating at altitude would the 2250 (1800W peak) or 2350 (1900W peak) be a better choice?

Most likely would be. I've only run my 2000 up to 3000’ since I have no need for it camping, so really can’t give an account for over 3000’.

[Mike G]

Originally Posted by Greg A

Myron,
Home Depot popped the WEN 2000 at a really good price.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Super-Qu...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

This should run ur air as well if you do need to run it.

That Wen makes the HF Predator look shabby. Wen is cheaper, lighter to lift, quieter, can be paralleled.... you're making me wish I could justify buying one right now!

[azjack]

Myron, wish I could help, but we are now at 7000' with our 17' and 4 ' refrigerator
and we move between #2 and #3 to maintain 35 * in the fridge and 3 to 5* in the freezer. A week ago we turned the fridge on 120V for a couple of days then FILLED it with items that were already down to 38* from in the house. We drove & stopped in 100* temps for a few hours on propane then back to 120V since.
Last year we were at altitudes up to 10,000 feet and didn't change a thing and the refridge worked fine, we never use 12V, just gas or 120V. Good luck with finding an answer.
AZjack

[MyronL]

The answer will be coming to a Home Depot near me in a few days. Just ordered a WEN from them, Home Depot online including sales tax, free shipping to a store, beat the WEN online price by $170.

(....now the guilt begins.)

[rotorbudd]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

Certainly should have known about re-jetting. If you normally operate from 2,000 to 10,000' ASL you should drop down one size. http://cdn.powerequipment.honda.com/...s/pci54675.pdf

Fuel conversion kits are aftermarket. These are the guys to talk to:
https://hutchmountain.com/

Their kits have an adjustable press regulator that enables you to set the A/F ratio to whatever you want. I run my Honda anywhere from sea level to 10k no problem.

[MyronL]

1. Wen 2350W inverter generator is delivered. Reading manual.
2. Ethanol-free gas, found at any Maverick station but is 86 octane good enough?
3. Best to use 5-30 synthetic oil
4. Surge wattage of 2350 looking very promising - hoping for potential use with 11,000 BTU air conditioner and no need for easy start.
5. All undamaged, looks beautiful but will it run, will I mess up carburetor when I install the altitude kit?
   
   Waiting on high altitude carburetor conversion kit $9.37 from Wen

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by MyronL

Ethanol-free gas, found at any Maverick station but is 86 octane good enough?

Unless the manual says you need premium (high-octane) fuel, or specifies more than 86 octane, yes that's fine. Generators typically have engines with low compression ratio and don't need more octane.

Presumably this is the 56235i; the manual says

ONLY use fresh (within 30 days from purchase), lead-free gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane rating. The generator performs best with ethanol-free gasoline. DO NOT use gasoline with over 10% ethanol.

Yes, I'm sure that 86 is close enough to 87.

I think it's strange that the receptacles are described and specified as NEMA 5-20R, so they have a 20-amp capacity for surges, but allow only the 15 amp pin configuration... they are actually NEMA 5-15R with 20-amp capacity. This works, but keep in mind that if you use a cord that plugs into it directly it should be a 20 amp capacity cord if you are going to push into the surge capacity level.

[MyronL]

That's what I thought. I was in Lowes today browsing their generators aisle and couldn't believe this. One gallon 92 octane for $21 bucks.

A fifty foot 12 gauge cord cost me $62 with the discount.

[gbaglo]

I use Aspen fuel ( probably the same stuff ). Good to store for five years, but pricey. Worth it if you don't run your generator often.

[MyronL]

Azjack, what 3-way 4 cu ft fridge do you have? I want it.

[MyronL]

Wen sent me their high altitude kit for the 2350i but with no instructions how to insert it. I know that little brass jet goes into the carburetor but, does it replace the jet already in there or, as one U-tube video for these jets (but not this one) says, it should go in after the one already in there. What to do? Waiting for a Wen response to this question.