dwine7274
Charles Town, WV
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I recently picked up a Coleman powermate generator & was wondering if this thing has enough watts to run my AC unit, a few lights & the radio. Its rated at 3250 continous watts with 4000 peak. I know I cant run the Microwave & fridge at the same time as the AC. I will test it this week but wanted to get any feedback you all may have before I risk damaging anything.
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nny12972
NY
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Joined: 10/25/2006
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It could be marginal if you're converter and a few other things are ON....many who use gensets for A/C in HOT weather, hard-wire a plug to the A/C, and run a separate cord directly for plug-in with the A/C....avoids possibility of brown outs and possible A/C motor burn...
Just make sure other 110V appliances/breakers are off when you test...
J
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Chuck_S
Broadview Hts, OH, USA
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Joined: 03/15/2002
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I'm sure you can run the AC and microwave at the same time with this genset. 3250 watts is at least 27 amps and the sum of the two devices should be below that. 4000 watts peak should handle starting loads. The 30 amp breaker on our trailer won't trip with these two. If the electric water heater is running, though, the breaker pops.
There the question of why you want to do this with this generator. I understand wanting to do it, just not with this genset. This generator is a crude square wave generator with a variable frequency. Voltage and frequence are dependent on engine rpm. Square wave and other than 60Hz will damage both these appliances. The better gensets run internal inverters and maintain voltage and frequency very tightly. Honda and Yamaha clain their power is cleaner than from your wall at home. Powermate gensets must run exactly at 3600 rpm. Below that, as under load, the voltage will be low and the frequency will drop below 60 Hz. The square wave AC generates lots of heat in the appliances.
The only known noise to drown out these gensets is right next to the wall on an automobile racetrack. To simulate this noise crank up your lawnmower and park it under a an open first floor window and try to sleep next to the window.
Running one of these at the typical campground is forbidden most hours of the day. Even if you can stand the noise you neighbors won't. 
-- Chuck
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jauguston
Bellingham, WA
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If that Coleman is brand new, never been used, can you return it? Your camping neighbors first and you soon after will HATE it.
Jim
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dwine7274
Charles Town, WV
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Thanks for the insight Chuck! The reason was of course cost. I would probably need 2 2000 watt Honda's to power what this one will for a fraction ($329) of the cost. Any recommendations or configurations that you would recommend?
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dwine7274
Charles Town, WV
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Yes its new & returnable. I bought it on a whim because it was last years display model & 25% off at the Home Depot. Figured I'd buy it at that price 1st then ask you guys & return it if necessary.
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Chuck_S
Broadview Hts, OH, USA
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I bought a Honda EU3000is. Wasn't $300, though...
I've not tested AC and microwave with the genset lately. I recall it worked when I tested it last year. If I have time this weekend I will. Trailer isn't home, the genset is.
-- Chuck
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dwine7274
Charles Town, WV
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Thanks Chuck!
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bikendan
Napa, Cal.
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there no way of getting a cheap generator that's quiet. if you are boondocking, with no one around, i'd keep it. but if you plan to camp at the average state park or campground, you'll probably be asked to leave.
the only cheap genset that has been talked about on rv.net is the champion. it gets high marks and at 67db, it's just under the noise limit for national parks. but it's still 3x louder than a honda or yamaha and weighs 100lbs. there are kipor and boliy but they will still set you back over $900.
if you want quiet there's no cheap way, unless you build an enclosure.
do a generator search on the tech issues forum.
Dan- Firefighter , Shawn- Musician/Entrepreneur , Zoe- Faithful Golden Retriever , 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche LS, 2007 Rockwood Roo 23SS w/Equalizer and Prodigy, and 5 Mtn. bikes and 2 Road bikes
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AntiqFreq
Sunny South Florida USA
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We started out with one Honda EU2000i, then soon realized it would not run the a/c in this sweltering south Florida heat. We then went to two paralleled together and now we have no problem. If we want to use the microwave, I turn off the a/c momentarily, then turn it back on -otherwise you hear the generators strain under the load. Otherwise we use the 2 Eu's and run everything else in the trailer at the same time with no problems. Great on gas too!
Jo
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Two Honda eu2000i generators, parallel kit
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