When Generators won't start air conditioner

gspman · 11-02-2019, 04:29 PM

hi all ...newby here

Wife and i just purchased a 2019 "used" keystone 29RKS. Love it, along with the deal cama briggs 6800 WT inverter/gen set.
problem is it will not start either air con unit in the camper (indiviually) without popping breaker on genset. The unit (genset ) has 3 hours on it ?
the rear air con is a 15k unit and the front is a 13.5k unit ?

Ohms law i = P/v

6800/12 = 566 surge amps to start the air con ...whats not working here

Am i incorrect to think this gen set is not big enough ?

Please advise
SB

gspman · 11-02-2019, 04:30 PM

oops wron voltage...6800/120 = 56 amps

**wingnut60** · 11-03-2019, 08:48 AM

gen is big enough, prob need the grounding mod plug...inverter is thinking rv is not grounded correctly. Google for generator grounding or bonding plug.

Does it work at all for the other 120volt items?

gspman · 11-03-2019, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wingnut60

gen is big enough, prob need the grounding mod plug...inverter is thinking rv is not grounded correctly. Google for generator grounding or bonding plug.

Does it work at all for the other 120volt items?

yes...everything else works fine

**wingnut60** · 11-03-2019, 09:49 PM

Gen is plenty of power to run each AC--if it won't start either one, guess you will need a mobile tech. They both run on shore power? You are starting the gen, then trying to run one of the A/Cs? Doesn't make sense to me at this point. Sorry, not much help. Your trailer is 30 amp service, correct?

Notanlines · 11-04-2019, 05:22 AM

I believe that Cougar is a 50 amp service.

gspman · 11-04-2019, 08:34 AM

camper is wired for 50amp service. We have not had the opportunity to plug into a suitable shore power source as yet.

gspman · 11-11-2019, 04:18 PM

Its all buttoned up for winter now. Will have to plan on getting this figured out next spring. thanks much folks

gspman · 06-26-2020, 08:42 AM

Well camping season finally rolled around. Finally had our very 1st full hookup- 50amp campsite for a little weekend getaway.

Everything worked great in the 5er, both air conditioners, microwave, furnace, water heater, HVAC zone control.

Got back home knowing everything works well, tried the inverter/genny with grounding plug. neither air conditioner would start with everything else turned off. popped the circuit breakers on the inverter.

So i guess i need to understand why, find someone who can fix or get a different inverter that will work.

Any tests i can run on it ? any suggestions ?

gspman · 06-26-2020, 08:43 AM

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Briggs-S...0675/301871650

**wingnut60** · 06-28-2020, 01:14 PM

You need to look at the reviews at that HD site you linked--might have some insight into what is wrong. Main problem MIGHT be the Briggs name...tripping the breakers trying to start one A/C and having a 6800 max starting power tells me it doesn't have near the rated output.
FWIW--28% of reviews are 3/2/1 star...

gspman · 06-28-2020, 09:50 PM

wingnut60

I would have to agree at this point, very dissappointing.