I know you passed on the generator idea for now - but just wanted to add that I also have the predator 4000w generator and love it. I can't remember how many hours i have on it but we've used it for camping trips and power outages. Unbelievably quiet, powers everything I need it to in my trailer, and has a lot of good reviews out there.

 

I appreciate the review , Definitely on my to do list for next year . Thanks

 

Something to keep in mind for your future purchase, is that the Honda generators have a fuel pump, whereas hardly any of the cheap generators do. That means the Hondas can use a remote fuel tank, whereas the others can’t. Under normal usage my Honda 2200 will run for a couple of days on a 5 gallon can of gas.

Hondas tend to have larger engines per a given rating too. Helps them do a better job of producing their rated power. To test it, I put a 2300 watt load on my 2200 peak watt Honda for a 1/2 hr, not a problem. I can run the AC and microwave at the same time in my camper with the Honda. With other brands, I’d need a larger generator.

Currently, I own 5 generators 500-7500 watts, and have worn out at least that many over the years. I rarely reach for anything other than the Honda anymore. Light, quiet, and starts on the first pull.

When my wife and I bought our first house 40 years ago, I wanted a Honda lawnmower. Wife complained they were way too expensive. Fast forward 20 years and having probably a half dozen other brands fall apart, we finally bought a Honda mower. Now 20 years after that we still use that Honda mower. Still starts on the first pull and runs great. Honda cost more in the beginning, but ends up being much cheaper in the end.

 

I have some experience with Honda lawn mower engines , Had a Troy built mower with an 160 CC Honda for 12 years . The deck rotted out and one wheel fell off as i was mowing but the engine still ran strong, Just replaced it with a Craftsman mower with the same engine. Agree the engines are great but not sure with my limited use of it is it worth the cost.

 

If you want to run your AC you will need to determine its start up wattage and factor that into your generator. The 13.5 AC on my lance will not start on a 2000 w generator due to the start up wattage needs. Many people with Lance trailers are installing a Micro Air easy start on the trailer and it allows running the AC on a smaller generator. https://www.microair.net/ I’m not associated with the company and don’t have one in my trailer. Only reporting other users positive reviews.

 

Yep well aware of the surge when starting motors, Heck i remember S type fuse with time delay for home use and when i rewired my grandmothers house from **** and tube . The Manual for the trailer states 15 amps at start up and 13 at run . Don`t know how accurate that is tho.

 

I know alot of people who use those, but i am a AC tech, and a Supco SPP6 does the same thing for ALOT less!

 

I looked into these when I bought my Lance. The Supco works if you need a small boost. If you need more, the Micro Air provides a much larger boost. Luckily, the Honda starts my AC fine. I think mine works well because I’m using the Honda companion with the 30a outlet. That outlet bypasses some of the internal circuitry connecting the standard outlet, and seems to have more umpf for that initial starting surge.

 

So after deciding to delay the purchase and having mentioned it to my nephew . He , his brother and sister went together and bought it for me . got it last night . so after the the camping trip i`ll let you know how it works out .

 

The MicroAir is a great unit. I would like to compare starting amps/watts to something simpler like the the Supco or any of the many other capacitors. They work differently, but I can't say for sure if the big cost is worth it. I guess someone with some time on thier hands and a good multimeter could figure it out. I probably won't do the comparison. If you have a 3000W or larger genny, then it matters a lot less. That's probably the way to go if you camp somewhere that AC is a necessity for most trips.

 

After looking at the MicroAir page it is for 2014 and newer units , so mine is a 2010 guess it wouldn`t work for me .

 

Which generator did you end up with?

 

The Predator 3500 W inverter from Harbor Freight.

 

................................................St art Run

13,500 btu RV air conditioner 2750 1250

15,000 btu RV air conditioner 3500 1500

 

I wish i had the specific manual for the A/C here . It is in the trailer which i wont get to for another 2 weeks. The Keystone manual reads the roof top A/C as between 13 -15 amps. So that would be between 1560 to 1800 Watts running i think.