Honda EU 2200i Generator

[Steveblt]

I need some help on an issue with my Coleman Mach AC on my escape 21NE. Just got the escape a month ago. Live in Florida so an AC is a must here. I bought a Honda EU 2200i generator. When I first ran the AC using the generator I had no issues. The last few days I ran the AC using the generators and it stopped running within 5 minutes. This happened a few times with the generator indicating an overload problem. The AC has a soft start.

Can someone tell me what I am doing wrong. I used the power cord that came with the unit and attached the three prong adapter to plug into the generator. I have read that the outlets are 15 amps and a 30 amp might be needed. Any assistance is greatly appreciated

 

[Kingfish]

Make sure your water heater is not switched on.

 

[Chamberman]

Is this a 13.5k BTU AC? What other AC appliances are operating, i.e. WFCO inverter, Fridge, etc?

 

[Steveblt]

I do have it on. I will turn it off. Thanks so much

 

[Steveblt]

I did have the water heater turned on the outside panel. The refrigerator was not running the initial time it did it. I have tried it with the refrigerator on propane only and same thing happened. Maybe I should have the water heater turned off..

 

[Steveblt]

It is a 13.5 AC with soft start. EMS was bypassed and inverter was on. Nothing was plugged in. I did have the external water heater switch on

 

[Iowa Dave]

The 2200i that I have will not Run both the water heater and the AC at the same time. Pulls too many amps.
Iowa Dave

 

[Steveblt]

Thanks Dave

 

[Steveblt]

So probably a dumb question. If I need to take a hot shower, I cannot run the AC off the generator if I am not hooked up to shore power and the hot water heater is turned off from the hot water heater panel?

 

[7Gentex]

You don't need the full 30 amps for the a/c. Your gen should do the trick.

I can run my 11k unit (no soft start) on a propane converted Honda 2000 just fine....

Might be the onboard WFCO battery charger / convertor is pulling a lot of current to top off the batts. ETI wires the refridgerator and converter on the same breaker with a pigtail

Many, myself included, have changed that out to a tandem breaker (same width, two separate breakers) so you can run either, or neither....;D

I usually run the refridgerator on propane when using a gen for the a/c and cut off the WFCO converter/charger (have solar as well) and run 12v off batts. Water heater on propane only as well.

Gens also run on propane Via the low pressure port, after some minor mods (Honda 2000 or a Champion 2500/1850)

And just in case..... You do have the Honda gas cap vent to "open"?
Don't ask how I know about that.

Also, get, or make, a plug to make to convert your Honda to not be a "floating nuetral" so you can leave your EMS on - gens can go wacky as well.

Good luck - Enjoy! A/C season is here in Texas!

 

[HABBERDABBER]

Propane

Can't you switch to run the water heater on propane?

 

[7Gentex]

So probably a dumb question. If I need to take a hot shower, I cannot run the AC off the generator if I am not hooked up to shore power and the hot water heater is turned off from the hot water heater panel?

Run the water heater on propane....this approach is also much more efficient than burning fuel to run a gen to make electricity to run a resistance heater in the water heater.

 

[Iowa Dave]

No, if you flip the switch on the outside of the trailer that shuts off electricity to the heating element, you can run the AC. The switch inside of the trailer is for ignition of the propane burner “side” of your water heater. You can run both the propane and the electric on the heater at the same time for rapid warm up and rapid recovery but not when the AC is on. The only time I run the water heater on electric is when I have shore power. I tried running both the AC and the water heater on electric once, just to confirm it would not do it and it kicked out my EMS pretty quickly.
That’s my experience.

 

[Selkirk]

If you have the optional Progressive Industries EMS, it can be a really handy tool to monitor 120V AC current draw in real time, especially if using a smaller generator or limited shore power.

You'll need a neutral bonding plug to avoid getting an open neutral error when using the EMS with a generator though.

 

[Steveblt]

All of you are really awesome for helping me out. I guess I did not have an understanding of the hot water switches. I will leave the outside panel switch off and turn the inside panel hot water switch for propane. I did order a neutral plug so I can run the generator without by passing the EMS.

 

[Steveblt]

Quick question on propane conversions. If I convert my Honda 2200i to propane. How long will it run on one 20 pound propane tank?

 

[7Gentex]

Quick question on propane conversions. If I convert my Honda 2200i to propane. How long will it run on one 20 pound propane tank?

Depends on the load.............it will run on a full tank of gasoline (.95 gallons) for between 3 hours (100% load) and 8 hours (25% load)

Running the A/C off the gen will be in the upper range of load.

A "full" #20 bottle (not an exchange with #15) holds about 4.7 gallons of propane. The 2200 has a .95 gallon fuel tank. So a full #20 will last about as long as almost 5 fill-ups of gasoline, ball-park estimates here............