Air Conditioner/Generator

[70fit2adventure]

Hello, I own a 1995 Roadtrek Dodge 170P van. I have a 2200W portable generator to run a/c. I tried using generator the first time this weekend and once a/c compressor turn on; the generator lasted for a few minutes before it shut down. I've heard about an Easy Start device that might be needed to help the surge. I do not want to purchase a higher wattage generator due to the fact I would then need to haul generator, fuel plus buy a carrier and don't want to add this extra weight to a 17' van.

All recommendations will be mostly appreciated. If an easy start is the answer, what brand and model would work on my van.

Thank you, Cindy

[rowiebowie]

Originally Posted by 70fit2adventure

Hello, I own a 1995 Roadtrek Dodge 170P van. I have a 2200W portable generator to run a/c. I tried using generator the first time this weekend and once a/c compressor turn on; the generator lasted for a few minutes before it shut down. I've heard about an Easy Start device that might be needed to help the surge. I do not want to purchase a higher wattage generator due to the fact I would then need to haul generator, fuel plus buy a carrier and don't want to add this extra weight to a 17' van.

All recommendations will be mostly appreciated. If an easy start is the answer, what brand and model would work on my van.

Thank you, Cindy

You probably have a Cool Cat 9K btu window-type ac unit if Roadtrek was using those units back in 1995. Unless it is getting really hard to start, a 2200W generator should get the job done.

Does your generator have an "Eco" mode or something similar to save gas? If so, you will need to turn that mode off so that your genny is "up to speed" when your compressor turns on. Also, make sure then genny is warmed up (as much as 5 minutes) prior to starting your ac.

If that doesn't work, test your generator on a similar-sized window unit just to determine the genny is not the problem. If it turns out to be your ac, an easy-start may solve the problem, but finding the right unit and installing it may be difficult.

Good luck.

[70fit2adventure]

Hello everyone,
I am trying to find out why my 2200W generator will not run built in Fedders ac (it's either 5000 BTU or 8000BTU. My van is 1995 Roadtrek D170P. The Fedders ac is original to van. I think I have model number of ac since I found this model number AEQ08F2E-B in notes given to me when I bought van last year.

As I mentioned in a earlier that ac compressor will come on but after a few minutes generator kicks off. A recommendation was to put an easy start on ac, another was does ac come with capcitator? Capcitator failed?

I just bought this generator and haul it inside van when driving. I', thinking of replacing the ac. What brand should I buy for built in installation. How do I find what wattage the a/c needs to run.

I'm open to all ideas!!
Cindy

PS. I live in the Kansas City area and wondered if anyone knows a repair shop that would work on a 1995 Class B 17' van.

[mkguitar]

2200 watts give us about 18 amps at 120 volts


MOST generators are rated at sea level


at 5000 feet elevation power many drop to 1500 watts ( guessing) or there abouts and drop farther as you rise
1500 watts is 12.5 amps


what is your air conditioner power draw rated at ?


as far as working on your van


you want an RV specialist for the "rv stuff"


and a old schooly mechanic for the "dodge stuff"- a younger tech will not know their way around your van without referring to books- you are paying them to learn



when calling around tell them how heavy your van is ( GVWR), how tall it is ( probably 8' plus)




mike

[Bud]

Originally Posted by 70fit2adventure

Hello everyone,
I am trying to find out why my 2200W generator will not run built in Fedders ac (it's either 5000 BTU or 8000BTU. My van is 1995 Roadtrek D170P. The Fedders ac is original to van. I think I have model number of ac since I found this model number AEQ08F2E-B in notes given to me when I bought van last year.



As I mentioned in a earlier that ac compressor will come on but after a few minutes generator kicks off. A recommendation was to put an easy start on ac, another was does ac come with capcitator? Capcitator failed?

I just bought this generator and haul it inside van when driving. I', thinking of replacing the ac. What brand should I buy for built in installation. How do I find what wattage the a/c needs to run.

I'm open to all ideas!!
Cindy

PS. I live in the Kansas City area and wondered if anyone knows a repair shop that would work on a 1995 Class B 17' van.

Hi Cindy,

I suggest that you use an appliance that uses about the same wattage. I use an electric heater traveling, 750 and 1500 watts, very inexpensive. I use an electric fan blowing on the heater this time of year or it will turn off the heat (thermal protection). 1500 is more wattage than your a/c. Or maybe you know your generator is just fine.

Bud

[JebTN]

Can't promise it will fix your problem but I installed and EasyStar this Summer and it does spread out the starting current. Also gets rid of the big thump when the AC comes on. This is what I installed. Seems to get better reviews than the competitors.

https://amazon.com/gp/product/B08Q37...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[KanzKran]

Originally Posted by 70fit2adventure

I have a 2200W portable generator to run a/c. I tried using generator the first time this weekend and once a/c compressor turn on; the generator lasted for a few minutes before it shut down. I've heard about an Easy Start device that might be needed to help the surge.

Is the van’s shore power connected to the generator, or is only the A/C unit connected? There can be loads on that generator besides the A/C if the shore power inlet is used, like water heater element, fridge/freezer, and especially house battery charger. Turn everything off at the breakers and try it, or use an extension cord and plug the A/C directly into the generator.

Also, it’s difficult at best to diagnose electrical loads without knowing the current and voltage, so if you don’t have one, buy a clamp-on ammeter with probes for voltage. They’re not expensive, and some come with a line splitter you can insert between the load plug and the receptacle to make it easy to use the ammeter; no need to find exposed conductors.

At least then you’ll know what you’re dealing with, and you can compare the A/C’s current draw against the electrical data that’s somewhere on that A/C unit to see if it’s performing as it should or drawing excessive current.

Being that it takes a couple of minutes before the generator trips out or shuts down, a soft-start unit won’t help.