Using Easystart with small generator

[Vulcan]

I have a 13.5K BTU AC. According to advertisements, one can install an Easystart on the AC to reduce starting watts so that a small (2K to 2.2K watt) generator can be used.

Ads are ads and sometimes don't work out in reality. Would like to hear from a fellow RVr who has done this. If this really works would be a wonderful solution for my small Aspen Trail 1900RB.

Also, would like input regarding propane conversion kits for these smaller units.

Thanks!

[Jayro88]

I installed an EasyStart on my 13.5k ac and it runs perfectly off a Westinghouse 2500 surge 2200 running watt generator. I think the company guarantees it will run off a Honda 2200 watt.

I spent a lot of time without hookup and the EasyStart was one of my best upgrades I made.

[Revere411]

Depending on the year the Factory installed A/C may already have a cold start(hard start) kit.

[Vulcan]

Thank you for the great input. My trailer is a 2018 and just replaced the AC, so will have to open lid and look if it has a soft start already.

Glad to hear that the Easystart with small generator is working out. I was hoping so.

Have any of you done the propane conversion?

[donzinger]

I installed them on all three AC units and am able to run all three units at the same time now. The tell tale was watching the dramatic drop in start up amps for each unit from before and after the install.

Pricey, but will be on all my units from here on out.

[Vulcan]

Thank you donzinger for the reply. It would be really great if all new AC units came with this as a standard item.

[videoarizona]

I installed both. The Easy Start is a box that learns how your ac starts. Then ramps up the start to minimize the starting current draw. My Honda 2200 works perfectly. Their web site has a list of different ac units and how to install for each. Contact them for questions.
I also installed the Hutch Mountain propane conversion kit. Again, very easy install and I can run both gas or propane....no issues with either.
Highly recommend both.

[BertF]

I installed the Easy Start on my 13.5K air conditioner, and it starts and runs just fine on my 2000W Wen generator. Unit comes with good instructions, and is easy to install. Performs as claimed.

[Vulcan]

Looks like I am going to install easystart. Now for a followup question:

We are planning on boondocking during moderate temperatures and using the a/c on propane generator for 4-8 hours a day to cool the unit down prior to bedtime. When setting the temperature control to less than maximum, my assumption is that the a/c compressor won't run all the time during that 4-8 hour period.

I am trying to estimate how much propane to bring given these conditions. I know there are way too many variables to give a scientific answer but wondered if anyone has anecdotal experience on how much propane is used given that the compressor won't be running the entire time the unit is on?

[franktafl]

420 pound tank should get it for the week!

[donzinger]

Originally Posted by franktafl

420 pound tank should get it for the week!

[emoji1787][emoji2957][emoji12]

[videoarizona]

Hutch Mountain gives some estimates, if memory serves. Ask them. Check their web site for FAQs.
Also, if you only run the AC, you may be able to leave gen on eco mode... though I doubt it will drop down in rpms. You should only need a few hrs to get rv down to comfortable temps. My Coleman 249 gets cool in about an hour after the sun goes down.

[Jayro88]

I have an EasyStart on mine. My generator is a Westinghouse iGen 2500. Once it is warmed up I run it on eco mode and it starts the AC fine. With the AC running it does run higher, but iirc it is not quite as fast as when the AC kicks on. The big surge is just when the AC starts. Once it is running the draw is a lot less.

[ewarnerusa]

I installed the Microair Easystart on our A/C. It works great, our Yamaha 2400 generator runs it just fine.

[Firstime RVer]

Originally Posted by Vulcan

Looks like I am going to install easystart. Now for a followup question:

We are planning on boondocking during moderate temperatures and using the a/c on propane generator for 4-8 hours a day to cool the unit down prior to bedtime. When setting the temperature control to less than maximum, my assumption is that the a/c compressor won't run all the time during that 4-8 hour period.

I am trying to estimate how much propane to bring given these conditions. I know there are way too many variables to give a scientific answer but wondered if anyone has anecdotal experience on how much propane is used given that the compressor won't be running the entire time the unit is on?

Hi Vulcan, I started with a couple of champion 2000 watt generators. The specs on my AC said I needed a 3.5Kw generator to start it. After two years running two champions in parallel, I decided I needed a change.. I went with an Onan 4500 watt generator. It runs longer than the champions on a tank full (3.5 gallons vs 2 gallons), delivers more power so that I don't have to keep shutting things off, eliminates the need for parallel wiring connections and costs less than a generator plus easystart… the only drawback is it weighs 98 lbs so I made a ramp to get it into my pickup. It's worth a look..

Good luck happy and safe travels

[Jayro88]

Originally Posted by Firstime RVer

Hi Vulcan, I started with a couple of champion 2000 watt generators. The specs on my AC said I needed a 3.5Kw generator to start it. After two years running two champions in parallel, I decided I needed a change.. I went with an Onan 4500 watt generator. It runs longer than the champions on a tank full (3.5 gallons vs 2 gallons), delivers more power so that I don't have to keep shutting things off, eliminates the need for parallel wiring connections and costs less than a generator plus easystart… the only drawback is it weighs 98 lbs so I made a ramp to get it into my pickup. It's worth a look..

Good luck happy and safe travels

I looked at this route with mine. Buy a big generator, of a small one and an EasyStart. It cost me less for my Westinghouse iGen 2500 and the EasyStart than a higher generator that would work without it. It is quiter than the big generator. The biggest thing for me is that is was smaller and lighter than the bigger generator. I haul mine, along with a 6 gallon extended run setup and other supplies, on a cargo carrier mounted to the back bumper of my trailer. I installed braces and a hitch on the back bumper.....can’t remember the brand but they worked perfectly.

[Vulcan]

The noise level is certainly a big thing to consider. When we anchor out on the boat and someone is running a noisy generator it makes for an uncomfortable situation, particularly for the poor people on the boat with the generator. Weight, if you have to move the genset around, would be critical and mounting it makes that go away.

There are many factors at play here and the great input I'm getting is quite helpful.

So, the other issue at play is fuel. I took your advice and downloaded propane use data from the web. Quite helpful. Per gallon, gasoline provides more energy than propane but I am not set up to carry gasoline (SUV pulling trailer). If I had a pickup truck tow vehicle I think gasoline would be a viable option with aux tank in bed. Figure also that in most out-of-the-way places would be easier to get gasoline.

Any thoughts on gasoline storage?

[Firstime RVer]

I have studied and tried a number of scenarios and found out a few of the facts of rv's and generators.

1. Gasoline is cheaper, easier to find, and delivers much more power than propane per gallon.
2. My Onan cost me $1,100 which is less than a Honda, Yamaha or Westinghouse 2,500 watt generator plus a $300 Easy start package plus installation.
3. The Onan 3.5 gallon gas tank delivery up to 18 hours at 25% load, vs the typical 1 gallon tank for the 2500 watt units.
4. The 4,500 watt capacity will still run the ac at higher elevations, where the 2,500 units won't be able to deliver the necessary power.
5. The only compromise I see is that my 4,500 unit weighs 98 lbs vs the 50 lbs of the 2,500 watt units.

Take your time, consider all the factors and match them up with the type of camping you plan to do...

Safe and Happy travels.
Pat