Just got to ask.
As almost anyone knows, the onboard 1989 Onan air cooled propane fired onboard generator is noisy as he**.
We bought a portable 2500W inverter generator for Christmas just so we could keep the batteries charged while boondocking.
So here is my question: If I start the onboard Onan generator and let it run long enough that I can turn on one roof AC, then while it is running, could I fire up the portable generator (hooked up to the shore power cord) and then turn off the Onan? Would the AC keep running?
And don't say we should buy a "soft Start" Coach is too old, we are too old, our time with the coach is counting down so payback doesn't compute.
Does the compressor on your A/C unit cycle on and off (to control the set temp)? If so, it won't matter if you start the A/C on the Onan and then switch to portable, or just start out from scratch on the portable. Every time the compressor cycles off and then back on the portable generator will need to support the max lock rotor amp (LRA) load.
2500w is about 20 amps at 120 volts. You should be able to look up the rated LRA draw of the A/C unit somewhere. More than 20 amps? Anything else (120v powered) running at the same time?
What I would do: try it and see what happens. Either it will work, or it won't. Probably pop the circuit breaker on the portable generator if too much load. Not likely to let smoke out. You hope.
Not likely your AC keep running, just not quick enough change over. 2500 watts likely will but start your ac. One way to find out give it a try, won't hurt anything.
I'm not sure what size AC units you have but if I recall correctly, a Honda EU2200 that is properly jetted for it's elevation will get a 13k BTU going without a soft start. I have heard that the Hondas and Yamahas reach a higher true output than some of the cheaper generators though so take that for what little it's worth. I agree with bbeane, give it a try and see what happens.
Last year we were running our roof ac on the Honda 2200 BUT batteries had to be charged. If I started the ac and much of anything and I mean anything else was drawing power it would kick out.
I had to make sure the batteries were charged but if they were mostly charged the Honda would run the ac and keep up. No microwaving or hair drying either.
What I really wanted to do was hard plumb the Honda into the nose of the GV but ended up getting solar panels and lithium instead. Batteries always up now.
Guess I am going to have to wait until we get the coach home to try it.
First--cataract surgery.
Then L4 back epidural treatment.
Then--right eye cataract surgery.
Thanks everyone for the suggestions and recommendations.
I am sure looking forward to giving them a try.
When we are the only ones up north in a deserted CG I still hate to hear that Onan howling three city blocks away thru the woods.
I know that feeling. I can step out of a building a hundred yards away from our coach and know if the DW has started the geny. It has a particular hum/growl. And that is when there's a few other genys running also.
It won't switch fast enough not to initiate a start load and with air conditioning the load may possibly be even higher than a normal start do to head pressure. Modern air conditioning units if they see a power loss will lock out for a minute before they restart just for that reason.
Scott
My 5.5 is quiet . It is marked as Cummins- Onan RV QG. it is in a sound reducing case . Very nice . I'm guessing that it is about 2010 vintage as most of the systems were updated then .
Maybe you can retrofit the enclosure .
It is NOT the enclosure. I tore out the old sound insulation and replaced it with newer stuff. The noise comes from the air intake for cooling. Just plain loud.
I heard Triple Nickel's 1989 Foretravel GV generator (same as mine) and it is just as loud.
Apples versus Oranges. When the Onan Emerald* series were produced, they were fantastically quiet, at 30 feet the loudest thing you could hear was the cooling air. Right now we're doing our monthly 1-hour run and with the front air-conditioner on high, Lynn asked "Are you still running the generator?" Compared to the latest and greatest, however, they're noisy.
*Onan opposed 2-cylinder air-cooled engines, driving Onan alternators, with Onan electronics. Lots of room for improvement.
Cummins Onan RV QG 5500 2 RV QG5500 EVAP - 5.5HGJAB-7103 - 5.5kW RV Generator... (https://www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com/Cummins-Onan-RV-QG-5500-2/p9070.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjw4cOEBhDMARIsAA3XDRjpkP6xl34SjwabxpRI8EiL14VnHpBtYJuOeVjSRQNjrUCtxvXQsP0aAlW0EALw_wcB)
KInda like this one , only black case and Propane .
OH no! more like this one