Roof top AC

[ComfortKing]

The time is here and everybody is asking about engine-off air conditioning for vans - all makes and models. The big trucks, it's easy. There are alot of ready made products ready to be installed.
I have some clients that have been told that a 2000 watt Honda will power a Dometic "Penguin" ( 11,000 btu). I say No Way! Dometic recommends a minimum 2500 Watt. Camping World "thinks about 3500 watts". So i have come to the EO Forum to see what you Guys and Ladies are REALLY doing in order to keep cool. What size roof top and what size generator are you using?

Yes, we could go the battery power route, using only renewable energy (batteries), but it too has to be well thought out. More on that later.

 

[LDB]

I have a Cold Air V rooftop 13.5k btu Carrier along with an electrical panel with inverter etc.. I have an Onan microlite 2800. I have a 2 bulb fluorescent fixture with 12" bulbs that I think are 7w each. I have a 100w inverter that plugs into the 12v socket and powers my laptop. I have a 12v fridge the size of a 40qt cooler. Everything but the a/c runs off the hotel battery. When the a/c compressor kicks in there is a definite load and drag on the Onan. It seems as if the Onan is plenty at 2800 but that it isn't all that far above minimum needed.

 

[tbcabs]

I have a 13500 btu a/c i use a 3500 watt generator to run it after looking at the price difference and normal run hours on all the generators I bought the cheap chinese made generator.... It was 3 times cheaper and will last at least half as long as the honda.

 

[chefdennis]

13,500..no i don't think a 2000i honda would do it...but that unit is also available in a 11,000 btu unit and that a 2000i Honda should power it....

I have a 12,000 btu single room edgestar standup roll around unit that i run off a 2000 honeywell generator...and it also powers a 10,000 btu window shaker....