2000w Generator and Dometic 11,000

[kathytony1985]

I'm having trouble finding specific information to my situation here or on the Internet or at dometic's website. I need to know if a 2000 watt generator is able to start and run the Dometic penguin high efficiency 11,000 BTU AC. The specific generator that we have is the Firman w-2000i 2000 starting Watts 1600 running Watts. I did find that the running watts of the AC unit are less than 1600, but I'm unable to find information regarding if 2,000 watts can start that particular AC unit

[NEWYORKHILLBILLY]

I can run mine on the Honda 2000i. I never tried it above about 6,000 feet so i am not sure if it would work in high elevation . with that said I asked the same question and there seems to be mixed results . some where unable . I think some of those people may have had other things drawing at the same time. of course if you ad a easy start it will work for sure.https://www.microair.net/products/ea...nt=30176048267

[kathytony1985]

Thank you! Will definitely look into that soft start.

[C&G in FL]

Originally Posted by kathytony1985

Thank you! Will definitely look into that soft start.

Make sure it is the SoftStartRV and not just a soft start capacitor. The device is approximately $300, and it will start the A/C at higher elevations on a 2,000 watt generator. I would, however, suggest you spring for a Honda EU2200i to provide a margin of capacity. And if you have the EMS in your trailer, purchase or make your own binding plug which connects the neutral terminal to the ground terminal and plug it into the generator. It “confuses” the EMS into thinking the generator is grounded and the EMS will “recognize” the generator as a clean source of ac power.

[kathytony1985]

We do have the Neutral ground bonding plug.
Our 21NE is in the build process currently. We purchased the Firman based on having the Coleman AC unit with the soft start installed. We were just informed that installation of the soft start will void the warranty on the Coleman. We were offered the choice to go ahead with the Coleman without soft start, choose the Dometic instead, or choose a second Maxx Fan. We are being told that we would not need a soft start for the Dometic but would need a 2200w generator to start it. We have asked if they would install the soft start so we can use the 2000w Firman we have already purchased. We are waiting to hear back. Perhaps it would be just as well to return the Firman to Costco and get the Honda and do without the soft start. I personally don't want the AC, but the hubby says get it.

[Centex]

Originally Posted by kathytony1985

Our 21NE is in the build process currently. We purchased the Firman based on having the Coleman AC unit with the soft start installed. We were just informed that installation of the soft start will void the warranty on the Coleman. We were offered the choice to go ahead with the Coleman without soft start, choose the Dometic instead, or choose a second Maxx Fan. .....

Just FYI, you might want to see this about warranty risks on the Micro-Air website: https://www.microair.net/products/ea...arranty-2-year

It sounds like maybe you are trying to get ETI to install the Micro-Air EasyStart as part of your build 'customization'? If so, I can imagine that might be problematic, you might want to abandon that effort, go with the AC of your choice, and DIY the EasyStart installation?

Noting that of course IF you have a warranty issue with your AC, that'll be between you and the AC manufacturer (and its dealer support network), ETI won't be involved per ETI's own explicit warranty provisions regarding '3rd party warranted components'.

Just for your consideration, Good Luck and Have Fun!

[kathytony1985]

Thank you Centex for pointing out the warranty by Micro-Air. We feel much better about that now. We will install it, just nervous about roof access. Have read much on this forum about getting on the roof. Do you know if we can access the A/C in the area we need to using an extension ladder without actually getting on the roof? I have seen that a 10.5 a wolfwise telescoping ladder is recommended over a traditional A-frame type ladder on other posts.

[Centex]

Originally Posted by kathytony1985

.... We will install it, just nervous about roof access. Have read much on this forum about getting on the roof. Do you know if we can access the A/C in the area we need to using an extension ladder without actually getting on the roof? ....

As an indirect answer to that, I'll just refer you to MyronL's excellent post and video linked therein: Myron's install of The Micro-Air Easy Start

Maybe not the exact AC model you are considering, but IMO still his video a very worthwhile 'watch'.

(There's a guy who knows how to consider his options and Have Fun solving problems! )

[kathytony1985]

�� Very entertaining video and educational too! Sets our minds at ease. We should have no problem installing the Soft start. Now just have to wait to pick up our trailer. Soon...

[Dcboyd]

Just ordered a dual fuel Champion 2500 inverter generator. Hope it runs our new 11,000 BTU unit.

[kathytony1985]

We were looking at that generator, but you can't plug directly into it with your 30 amp plug, you need an adaptor.

[Dcboyd]

I got an adapter off Amazon. Dogbone 30 amp to 20 amp. My Dometic 11000BTU pulls 10.5 amps. That generator does almost 14 on propane and 15 .4 on gas. So..should be ok without spending 300.00 on a soft start kit.

Conntek 14826 RV Generator Adapter with 20 Amp Straight Blade Male 5-20P Plug To RV 30 Amp Female Connector

[kathytony1985]

What did we do before Amazon?

[rmitch]

I have a Champion Model # 100402 It is dual fuel 2000 watt gas, 1800 watt propane. I run it only on propane. I have the Dometic 11,000 air conditioner, and have installed the Micro Air soft start system. This generator powers the system fine, you do have to make sure the fridge is set to gas not auto. At the end of our 24 day tour of California we were staying with a friend in Paso Robles last week. My weather station is not perfect but you can see the temps, 113 outside, 83 inside. That's a 30 degree difference! I think that's pretty good. The generator overloaded in eco mode, but when I switched the eco off it ran and kept the trailer cool for hours. I have also used this generator at Lone Pine campground in the Sierras at 5,900 feet.

[kathytony1985]

Thank you rmitch! This is great news. Right now our plan is to use the generator for A/C only, so the fridge Will be on propane.

[Effie]

Question to propane generator users, how much propane is used in an hour running the air conditioner? I currently use my Honda on gas only but considering the propane conversion kit.

[kathytony1985]

Got this in an email from Linda @ ETI:

"It is my understanding that when the older 2000 watt generators are used to run the Dometic air conditioner, it would be necessary to turn the battery disconnect switch off. This way the generator will not be also trying to charge your batteries. Once you turn the disconnect off, the A/C will typically run, as you are not charging the batteries with the disconnect switch in the off position."

If we install the soft start, as we are planning to do, will we have to do what she is describing?

[NEWYORKHILLBILLY]

Originally Posted by kathytony1985

Got this in an email from Linda @ ETI:

"It is my understanding that when the older 2000 watt generators are used to run the Dometic air conditioner, it would be necessary to turn the battery disconnect switch off. This way the generator will not be also trying to charge your batteries. Once you turn the disconnect off, the A/C will typically run, as you are not charging the batteries with the disconnect switch in the off position."

If we install the soft start, as we are planning to do, will we have to do what she is describing?

No and you may not have to with out the easy start depending how low you battery is and if you have solar . I would suggest you wait before you install anything and see how it works. Thats what i did and have not needed to install the easy start. also installing the easy start will void your air condition warranty

[kathytony1985]

Thank you newyorkhillbilly. We will wait to see what works before installing anything. Our generator is brand new and has never been used, we bought it specifically for our trailer which we will be receiving in September. We ordered two solar panels and two lithium batteries so it will be interesting to see what we get from that set up.

[thumper-tx]

The 2000i or the 2200i will not run the a/c in our 2016 - 21ft escape