Power Question

[javo]

I have a small Viking SP150 popup and I just installed a very small 5,200 BTU A/C and have questions about power to the unit.
Most places we go will not have power, so I need to find something small that can power this thing. The only thing I need to power would be that A/C and possibly a very small fridge (when I remove the ice box) Has anyone tried using a very powerful power inverter and using your vehicle as the generator? I can get a 2,000 WATT inverter for < $200 and let my truck run so the battery doesnt drain, but dont know if thats a good idea or not..  I dont have much room in the back of the truck when we go out so putting a generator in there is going to be tough.. Not to mention they are noisy..

Any ideas??

[TheViking]

I have a small Viking SP150 popup and I just installed a very small 5,200 BTU A/C and have questions about power to the unit.
Most places we go will not have power, so I need to find something small that can power this thing. The only thing I need to power would be that A/C and possibly a very small fridge (when I remove the ice box) Has anyone tried using a very powerful power inverter and using your vehicle as the generator? I can get a 2,000 WATT inverter for < $200 and let my truck run so the battery doesnt drain, but dont know if thats a good idea or not.. I dont have much room in the back of the truck when we go out so putting a generator in there is going to be tough.. Not to mention they are noisy..
 
Any ideas??

You will have to get a generator.  An inverter will not even come close.  At least a 3000 watt generator is required.  That size is just big enough to let the A/C start the compressor and that's about it.  It may or may not run the A/C and a small refer.

[chasd60]

5200BTU unit? Is this a home unit?
 A 2000 Watt inverter should run it but you will drain your battery in very short order. A typical 13500 unit runs at around 10A-15A or so. This would equate to 110-165AMPS of DC power counting inverter losses.
 
 You probably need at least 10A for starting current then you may drop off to 7A or so to run the 5200BTU AC. This would require at least 110A initial surge on your alternator and 70A steady output and some pretty hefty cables to attach it to the inverter.
 
 Bottom line is it is NOT a good idea. A better idea would be to get a 2000W generator which should do fine with an AC unit that small. Search the boards for some of the generator options, some of them are very quiet.