1998 Casita Freedom Deluxe & Generator for AC?

[Sitah]

Greetings Eggsters,

I am planning on an extended summer trip with the Casita. There may be times when it will be pretty hot out, so I may want to use the AC unit; however, I will be pretty much boondocking the whole time. Any suggestions on a quiet generator that would power the AC unit? It's a LG, but I do not know how much power it requires.

Thank you!

Chris
Portland, OR

[John in Santa Cruz]

A 2200 or 2400 VA inverter generator should be sufficient. The 3000s are too heavy. I prefer Honda or Yamaha, parts are always available, but plenty of folks swear by their favorite budget off brand.

[justa25thTA]

Originally Posted by Sitah

Greetings Eggsters,



I am planning on an extended summer trip with the Casita. There may be times when it will be pretty hot out, so I may want to use the AC unit; however, I will be pretty much boondocking the whole time. Any suggestions on a quiet generator that would power the AC unit? It's a LG, but I do not know how much power it requires.



Thank you!



Chris

Portland, OR

I bought a champion duel fuel inverter 2000 generator. Should be able to run your ac. Decently quiet and runs on propane.

[Sitah]

So, is it enough to power your ac unit?

[John in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by Sitah

So, is it enough to power your ac unit?

depends on the AC unit. Saying you have an LG is about as useful as saying you have a Chevrolet. Is that a Vega or a Corvette ?

and, on propane, a '2000VA' generator is more like 1500 VA. I have an offbrand 2000VA generator here that will only output a sustained 1300 watts, while others like Hondas will output a sustained 1600 watts. Mine most definitely will not run the Coleman Mach on the roof of my Escape.

[justa25thTA]

Originally Posted by Sitah

So, is it enough to power your ac unit?

Don't have my camper yet, but I plan on putting a soft start on the AC when I do get it, so the generator SHOULD be ok.


Per Champion:


When using a 20-pound propane tank, it produces 2000 starting watts and 1530 running watts and will run for up to 34 hours at 25% load.

[Sitah]

Thanks for the information. Yeah, it's a small, window unit ac that's located at the front of the camper. I have decided to go with a Champion dual-fuel 2500. It's light and quiet and should do just fine for my needs. Thanks again!

[John in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by Sitah

Thanks for the information. Yeah, it's a small, window unit ac that's located at the front of the camper. I have decided to go with a Champion dual-fuel 2500. It's light and quiet and should do just fine for my needs. Thanks again!

what does the power plate say the maximum wattage or amperage is ?

On propane that generator, https://www.championpowerequipment.c...fuel-inverter/
the specs say: Running: 1665 watts, 13.9 amps.

note the quoted 34 hours on 20 lbs of propane. thats at 1/4 load, so full load is likely less than half that.

[computerspook]

Might see if you can find manufacturing specs. The value you will want is starting and/or inrush current. Then check this value for the proposed generator.



Remember to take good care of it. Change the oil at least as often as specified. I generally change each time I head out and expect to use it if it has been sitting for a while. OH and always start it a few days before leaving to make sure you will not have a problem when you get there.


One hint I have found is to allow it to warm up a few minutes before hitting it with a load like a generator. Like 5 minutes or so. And then I do have some load on it at all times. They say this is not needed, but I find it seems to make it work better. I generally have a fan also running in the camper and that will do it.