I rec'd my ef2400 two weeks ago after much help from 2manytoyz. Last weekend I ran the AC (Dometic Penguin 13,500)for about four hours but the outside temp was just 80 degrees and the yamaha kept power at 120 volts, dropped some on start but came back within seconds. Should be in the 90's Saturday and I plan to give it a full work out. BTW, bought it from Wise Rentals, fast ship and no damage.
Just when I thought I made up my mind to go with the 2400... I screwed everything up called and talked to the tech dept at Duo Therm.
I was told to steer clear of the smaller unit to avoid substantially decreasing the life span of my unit (Dometic 57915.541). Technician said while it is true I won't have many problems starting and running the AC with that Yamaha 2400 because the compressor run amps are only about 11 and the fan on high only draws about 2 amps, there is something called Locked Rotor Amps (LRA?) on these units can demand around 60 amps for a split second on start up. Said it happens so quickly you need something called a scope to pick it up (meters miss it). Said it will still start but that it frys the compressor slowly over time.
He said he would go with the 3000....preferrably even 3500 to reduce the risk of frying the compressor. This indecision sucks.
Of course the Dometic Rep says go with a larger genset... CYA. A short spike in current will probably result in a short drop in voltage, regardless of the source. Just MHO.
It runs my 03 Jayco Qwest 265 with 13.5K A/C without any problems. If I have the fridge on electric and the batts are low, it will pull the voltage down when the A/C compressor starts so I put the fridge on gas and turn off the converter until the A/C starts and then turn the converter back on. To solve the issue with the Power draw down, and friend and I are going to double the starting capacitors on the A/C compressor to assist with quick starting of the compressor.
On edit: I don't think having this power draw down from the 2400 generator would be any different than being on the end of a leg at a campground in really hot weather. The crappy power that I see at some of the campgrounds make me prefer to run the generator rather than plug in.
I'm not sure of the exact model A/C I have but its a dometic duotherm rated at 13.5K.
I have not experienced any problem running the A/C with everything short of the microwave, coffee maker, and toaster. The A/C has been run extensively without any problems with lights, waterpump, converter, refer, TV, etc. I just avoid running A/C with other high amp drawing items.
If I do turn the A/C off, I wait about 60 seconds or so before cranking it back on. No problems when doing that. One thing I do is turn the A/C temp to the coldest possible. That way it won't cycle much.
martinar wrote: RCDave,
I'm guessing your 2008 and my 2008 are the same model of Dometic 13,500. Maybe not. However, did you have any problems restarting after turning it off? Were you able to run other things with no problems (lights, stereo, converter, water pump)? Thanks.
I'm leaning towards pulling the trigger on the 2400. Makes no sense to me to spend the extra $700 on the Honda or Yamaha 3000 (not to mention the extra 80+ pounds) if this will handle all of our needs. No dealers around me to try it out though so I guess I'd be taking a bit of a leap of faith. Decisions would be easier if $$ was not an issue.
I have the Yam 2400iS
It runs my 15K BTU A/C with no problem!
It grunts a bit to get the 13.5 off the windings - but once up and
running - it does fine.
I suspect the 13.5 doesn't have an easy start kit - haven't bothered
to check.
Checked the voltages with each running - just fine (guy with me is an
electrician).
~
I bought the gen before I had the trailer.
The Chinese Champion wasn't available then.
FWIW, for the little bit that I use it (most of the time have full hookups),
I would get a Champion Gen and still have $800. in my pocket.
(that's about 160 gal of diesel for my truck, LOL!)
Check the "3000watt chinese gensets" thread.
JC
Well done on that testing page.
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