Portable Air Conditioner using a SMALL generator - Honda 1000 for RV or Van EASY INSTALL Soft Start!

[@Funkykryptonite_]

Calling it a Capaci-TATER was hilarious, and kinda made me hungry for a baked potato. 🥔. Love the channel, and really appreciate the willingness to attempt anything by yourself and live fearlessly.

[@TruckHouseLife]

Yup, I messed that one up lol.

[@Xyrium]

And he said it so many times I just could stop...love it. That and the "safety wire". ;) Thanks for posting this vid though! Good stuff!

[@THDC2015]

Thanks very much for this instructional video! Awesome!!

[@bensisson-tl9rm]

I happened to have the same ac unit completely by coincidence. If it wasn’t for your video I would of never figured out the online instructions. You’re a rockstar man! Works great!

[@TruckHouseLife]

That's awesome! Exactly why I made the video!

[@sherryjurasek7238]

*Works so well **Fastly.Cool** that it only requires daytime operation until high temp and humidity are overnight. It is difficult to get to side filters, but back is easily accessible.*

[@rebellucy5610]

Wow. You made it look easy. I was worried when you just ripped off the AC cover thinking that thing would fall apart. You nailed it. Good job.

[@TruckHouseLife]

Lol, thanks:)

[@smashedfootlefty4726]

I like sour cream and onions on my capacitater... sorry, couldn't let that one go...Thanks for the videos! :)

[@TruckHouseLife]

lol

[@sailorjohnboy2325]

I was thinking, like it's hot in Alaska. Then I remembered you're headed down south. Rock on in air conditioned style!

[@TruckHouseLife]

Yup exactly, leaving in less than 2 weeks!

[@christianjensen3182]

Common, Start, and Run are what C S R stand for.

[@TruckHouseLife]

Thank you:)

[@blakehowland7468]

you keep touching that 'capacitor' and it will become an incapacitor haha

[@TruckHouseLife]

lol yup

[@unbannable9205]

Yep, I kept waiting for the "Capacitor" to zap him

[@JoshMeloyMusic]

I have a 3800 watt generator that will not power my 10,000 portable a/c. It kicks on the fan the but the blow off and inhale fan in the back isn’t working. Any tips?

[@TruckHouseLife]

I'd install a soft start on the AC, should solve the problem.

[@beckyumphrey2626]

When I was in the Navy in electronics school, we used to charge capacitors and throw them at folks. Quick jolt. :)

[@TruckHouseLife]

Lol nice, now I just gotta learn how to say the word right;)

[@beckyumphrey2626]

@@TruckHouseLife that is the way we say it in North Georgia. Lol

[@IowaKim]

Air Force too. Basic electronics class down in Lackland Air Force base. Good times. I still react by not catching things thrown to me without knowing what it is. lol

[@beckyumphrey2626]

@@IowaKim too funny. I am the same way. :)

[@jerrytalley802]

Timmy, nice video, you’re good aT figuring stuff out, but you’ll never live down that CA PAC IT TA TOR, LOL ITS ALL IN FUN, keep on truckin

[@TruckHouseLife]

dangit I know now lol

[@Billyboy4209]

Put in hard starts a lot doing hvac for a living.first time seeing a soft start, but then again I have never seen a capacitator before ether lol

[@TruckHouseLife]

lol you can tell it's my first time eh?;)

[@theindependentlifestyle]

its an AC capacitor or condenser as it is also known. not capacitator

[@stu3775]

Capaci-tater, is that similar to a capacitor?

[@TruckHouseLife]

Yup, I effed up. Here's a generic comment for the hundreds of "capacitator" comments I'm gonna get... lol you can tell it's my first time eh?;)

[@joho0]

Timmy, that capacitor has enough stored charge (even when powered off) to kill a man. It's best to use a high-ohm resistor to short the terminals before handling anything with a capacitor in it, especially one that large.

[@TruckHouseLife]

@@joho0 I thought they only stored a charge for an hour or so? Good to know though. (this one had been stored for about a year with no power going to it).

[@joho0]

@@TruckHouseLife It depends on several factors, but a high quality capacitor will retain its charge for weeks or months. Cheaper ones will leak current and discharge themselves, but you should never take that for granted. Always discharge a capacitor before handling. Treat them like a loaded firearm.

[@roadtrippingdrone5139]

Lmao

[@arizona111]

Good stuff! You can also install a Supco SPP6E ($25) in a regular RV A/C unit (13,500 btu) and power it with a Honda 2000. I have never had a problem in years of doing this, but as you gain elevation and heat the generator puts out less power. At some point the generator will fail to produce enough to start it. Just something to be aware of. At 1000' and up to 100 degrees mine has always worked great.

[@TruckHouseLife]

Good to know.

[@AccountInactive]

Keep in mind that's a hard start kit, not a soft start. Big difference.

[@OutOfOfficeCamping]

Thank you Timmy! We love learning new things. Mark & Teresa

[@TruckHouseLife]

Any time!

[@roydora]

Thanks for the video, got me a predator 2000 watt at harbor freight and a hinese 5000 btu ac at lowes ,micro air offline , I'm about 1200 into it , an APU for a 18 wheeler starts at 10 grand, installing bunk ac unit is 5 thousand , I'm saving 13800 bucks , if it keeps me cool , if it works it will save me from idling my truck at a gallon an hour roughly 8 gallons per night , throw in waiting on loads and I should save over 5 grand a year in fuel

[@TruckHouseLife]

Nice!

[@zday407]

So truck driver / owner operator here , did the AC and generator work ??

[@everycoLor_312]

Thanks Timmy, hope your truck is running great!!! This was super informative and we appreciate your insight/knowledge ✌🏼😊👍🏼

[@TruckHouseLife]

Runnin' like a champ!

[@DHFlip18]

Timmy, it's like you made a video exclusively for me. My son and I are going on a Florida trip and I just bought a 2,000 watt inverter/generator and a window AC. That soft start gizmo will be on my list. Thanks mucho!

[@TruckHouseLife]

Nice! Do it man, it will work great!

[@DHFlip18]

@@TruckHouseLife Thanks Timmy, both for the videos and the positive encouragement! You truly are an inspiration my friend. And your "how-to" videos are wonderful, they really take the complicated out of things and leave us feeling empowered. Like hey, you got this, you can do it 👍

[@IowaKim]

A 2000 watt should run the window AC without the soft start. I do that in my retro. Just start the fan first on the AC, then start the AC on low. Timmy is using a 1000 watt which does need the soft start for sure.

[@DHFlip18]

@@IowaKim Thanks, that's some great news, especially after discovering the price of the soft start. And thank you for the starting tips.

[@philiptarnaski1667]

Hi Timmy, thanks for the tip we are going to have to get one for the RV 👍 I love the capacitor lingo haha , I also have been in the HVAC field for 35 years and have never tried a soft start, I hope it will make my Battery last longer 👍

[@TruckHouseLife]

Nice! Yup, I don't know my words lol.

[@jastark22181]

😆😆 Capacitator sounds funny Timmy... I never heard anyone call it that. It's capacitor. 😉 Great video tho! I never seen one of those soft start things and I've worked on air conditioning for 24 years

[@eagleeye5890]

Soft starts are great for home acts too....Keeps the ac compressor from burning up during power outages / power surges too...

[@toddfraisure1747]

I got a kick out of that also LOL! But I like it!

[@TruckHouseLife]

Yup, I effed up. Here's a generic comment for the hundreds of "capacitator" comments I'm gonna get... lol you can tell it's my first time eh?;). Pretty funny cause my old man owns and has run an air conditioning/heating business for 40 years lol, you'd think I'd know better.

[@TruckHouseLife]

Yup!

[@TruckHouseLife]

Yup, I effed up. Here's a generic comment for the hundreds of "capacitator" comments I'm gonna get... lol you can tell it's my first time eh?;)

[@arizona111]

For those digging around capacitors, stick a screwdriver across the terminals, while holding the plastic handle, to discharge them. They can hold enough power to do some damage. You seem to be a good sport. Is the capacitator from Idado where you can get plenty of potatoes to use for power? Potatoes can hold power too and in essence become a capacitor.

[@TruckHouseLife]

lol

[@drewp9112]

dont do this, an arc from a charged capacitor can burn the terminals. just leave it sit unplugged for a short while before getting into it. that will allow the capacitor to bleed down on its own.

[@NicholasLinto]

Exactly what i was looking for

[@portnuefflyer]

I use a 1 KW YammerHaw to run my little Westinghouse AC unit in my crane cab. Today it took the incab temp from 94 degrees to 69 in about an 30 minutes. I had to step outside and complain to the carpenters sweating their butts off that it was getting too damn chilly in there. It's mounted on the same doghouse as the cab, and i can't even hear it over the usual noise, plus the sat radio. I always start mine on low, and usually keep it there, where it draws about 300 watts.

[@TruckHouseLife]

Nice lol!

[@saxet9049]

Crane Operator aka “best job in the WORLD!!!”

[@JB50713]

Good one Timmtator

[@TruckHouseLife]

Thanks man:)

[@Nardeezy7]

Smart dude!👏🏾👍🏾👌🏾

[@MyBluetti]

Great Video - I knew you could do this for a larger home AC unit... but never thought that you could do this for a smaller portable unit.

[@TruckHouseLife]

Yup works great! Worked down at Burning Man in the desert and in Moab on my entire road trip:)

[@RoughRide]

Hooks right on your capaci-tater 🙂

[@5555filly]

Air conditioner on the road, cool 😎

[@TruckHouseLife]

Yup stoked!!!! Going to actually be comfortable in the desert soon!

[@jawidebrahimi8877]

Thanks for posting this video. Can you please tell us how long it lasts with a full tank?

[@tedsamuels3203]

This is awesome 👌 Thanks for sharing 👍

[@mikeyfromsd]

Say it with me - "kuh-pas-i-ter".

[@TruckHouseLife]

Yup, I effed up. Here's a generic comment for the hundreds of "capacitator" comments I'm gonna get... lol you can tell it's my first time eh?;)

[@jessewarren2689]

Where are you setting it up in the camper?

[@TruckHouseLife]

My video next week will show it;)

[@chummersabbs7568]

He will remove his stove and replace it with the a/c unit and use the chimney as the air vent 😊. If you watch his video about his failed trip to Arizona during of COVID you will see it . 👍🏻

[@nava8529]

Always so informative

[@toddfraisure1747]

Thank you very much.

[@TruckHouseLife]

No worries!

[@ToddPlesco]

Curious how you ran the wires out of the casing. Did you drill a hole for the wires? I followed your video and it works like a champ! However, the casing i made a gap along the seam for the wires to stick out so now it blows hot air out through that gap on the case.

[@joeduvall3891]

Purchased: August 2023 - still works GREAT!I kzbin.infoUgkxxsUnXhGsSJLim_XnMHyQK0u3XVaW-CGn live in a studio and during the summer it gets scorching hot - really old building with no ac units. I can’t express how EASY it was to install. This unit has been a life savior during the summer and some days during other seasons where it can still be a bit warm at night. In this small place is my friend, a husky, poodle mix and myself. We need AC - lolI don’t use the dehumidifier option - I’m not sure if it will leak in my house, since I did not install the small draining hose that came with it. May look into it late but I don’t worry about much humidity in the apartment. I don’t understand why the negative reviews since all things mentioned, I personally did not find issues with. Definitely worth it!

[@TruckHouseLife]

Right on!

[@mega-hb4re]

You are a genius. Thank you.

[@TruckHouseLife]

You're welcome!

[@johndoe-ek6vl]

inline active start units are now available in the same price range, a lot easier plug and play

[@MrCherrybottom]

Hell Yeah Brother!

[@TruckHouseLife]

Thanks mane:)

[@adamhass8522]

1.21 Gigawatts to the FluxCapacitAtor!

[@TruckHouseLife]

lol

[@erix4erix]

Thanks

[@TruckHouseLife]

no worries!

[@jesseleroy76]

Very awesome. good tutorial.

[@TruckHouseLife]

Thanks!

[@Thesocialgarage]

Would this work with a power inverter

[@Xyrium]

First, great job man, all jokes aside. Quick question, did it seem to reduce that jolt on the AC unit when the compressor first kicks in, or was that the same?

[@lishasanders9592]

How long can you run the AC for?

[@supersteveize]

I was just wondering if the ac could start up fine with the generator eco switch on?

[@TruckHouseLife]

yup still works with the eco switch.

[@elia.8993]

First video I see you showing some skin. Damn muscles 😏😁

[@TruckHouseLife]

lol

[@bfe671]

Pretty smart using a small efficient generator to run that AC. It might even be possible to convert that generator to propane and run it off a large tank that may already be on your rig. Also, capacitater 😂

[@TruckHouseLife]

Yup, so much easier to mess with than a big generator (plus I don't have space for a big one lol). Yup, I effed up. Here's a generic comment for the hundreds of "capacitator" comments I'm gonna get... lol you can tell it's my first time eh?;)

[@codyhenley12]

Hey I thought u were saying it that way on purpose lol. Nice video. Now time to try it out.

[@whispergb]

Stumbled onto your video just now. That's a really sweet mod and an innovative use of a soft starter. We routinely hunt feral eurasian boar from our deer stands. Texas Summers can be brutal and I've had good luck using My EU2200i to power my 8000 btu portable AC unit, even in eco mode. My little EU1000i is a favorite generator, but isn't quite up the the challenge of spooling up the compressor. I've installed EasyStarts on my RV AC units, but never considered that it would prove similarly effective on a portable AC unit. Got a question that doesn't seem to be in the comments. It sounds like your EU1000i is running with Eco mode switched "off". If you switch on Eco, will it reliably start your modded AC? I've found that to Eco or not to Eco matters in some applications and am wondering if that applies in your setup. As long as I'm asking, have you used this combination for extended periods of time in higher ambient temps? Rock on, dude. You're awesome. (You did not in any way, "f-up" and I gotta say that your video has served to embiggen and enrichify my substantially impressiveistic linguary stills. Going forward, "capicitator" will, in perpetuity be my preferred pronunication.)

[@GR8SCOTT]

Too cool!!! Thank you!!!

[@TruckHouseLife]

No worries!

[@darrenorange2982]

How long does that generator run that air conditioner on average? I know a lot can change depending on outside air temperature, but lets say at full load?

[@TruckHouseLife]

Not sure, probably just keep putting gas in it every 4 hours. My Honda 2000 will run about 5 hours going full-out powering a huge live music/band sound system and stage lighting.

[@caseylee3350]

CapaciTater 😆 you funny

[@TruckHouseLife]

yup I effed that one up lol

[@downbytheriver501]

(Edit: sorry for the completely random question buddy) Hey timmy, quick question for ya. I was just looking through the logistics of my channel and it appears my "target demographic" is the 45-60 range. I'd be very curious to know yours, with your literal house on wheels. I'm guessing mine is that range because of my northern lite camper, but I'm 35...and my maturity level is that age as well. Do you have any advice to help me target the younger markets as well? I'm incredibly grateful for all my subs, but I want to draw people our age into my channel as well and let them realize that the #vanlife doesn't need to exclusively be a van, nor is setups like mine are out of reach for the younger blue collar class that strive to live like we do...

[@TruckHouseLife]

Not sure man, YT algoritm is crazy lol.

[@Thatoneninja22]

Do you have links for the soft start and the ac

[@TruckHouseLife]

I don't, but MicroAir makes the soft start, the AC is a 6,000 BTU portable one I ordered from Home Depot

[@CrazyTrucker-jp4fx]

Cool thanks for the info

[@caseylee5903]

This is good information, but why you keep calling the capacitor a capacitator?

[@richardoquendo8358]

Not a comment but a question. Will a hard start capacitor accomplish the same thing?

[@keithpegg7825]

How about run off your batteries and then use generator to charge batteries. If your 110 AC converter is strong enough to handle the load?

[@TruckHouseLife]

Yup, I powered it with my 700 watt portable power station, video before too long;)

[@conniefox8044]

Well explained. Thank you!

[@jettrink7510]

Oh wow ... I'm lost already

[@TruckHouseLife]

lol

[@cynthiamaclean6335]

Hello all. I have a question. A few years ago we were watching a show and the narrator had said there was a spot in Alaska on one of the inside passages that does not snow and it does not get above 70 degree. Is that true?

[@TruckHouseLife]

Not sure?

[@skidmarksabusementpark5614]

Just curious, what size generator would you need to run that size a/c unit? Why not buy a bigger generator? I ask this because our motorhome has an Onan 8000 that powers the entire coach and I've never had to deal with this sort of thing so my knowledge on this is limited. Thanks for another AWESOME vid!!!

[@TruckHouseLife]

I've run an 8,000 btu portable AC with a Honda 2000 generator at Burning Man in 100 F heat and it worked great:)

[@skidmarksabusementpark5614]

@@TruckHouseLife cool thanks bud!!! Did some research yesterday, now I know a little more.

[@apadilla0352]

@@TruckHouseLife without the soft start would a 3500 generator run a 8000 btu ac?

[@whispergb]

I initially used larger (not truly "large") inverter generators, but have gradually made the move to smaller units with capacity that's much closer to the demand of the device I'm powering. It's a nerdy thing, and I'll own that. As a very real-world bonus, fuel consumption of my smaller generators is generally lower, even at similar outputs than that of my larger generators.

[@wncmartin]

Way Cool!

[@TruckHouseLife]

Thanks man!

[@g2gc]

How long will it run

[@TruckHouseLife]

Gonna find out soon!

[@katokhaelan4881]

Wow!

[@stevenfett1539]

Capicitatoe

[@TruckHouseLife]

geedangit lol, I should be more embarrassed but I'm not for some reason lol.

[@edselbobpacer]

Wear did u buy the soft start

[@TruckHouseLife]

ebay

[@StevenBagley]

I’ll never be able to say capacitor again. 😝 They will henceforth be capacitators in my mind.

[@TruckHouseLife]

lol yup I'm an idiot.

[@pop4725]

Why would you need an AC unit in Alaska ?

[@TruckHouseLife]

13,000 mile roadtrip in a week...

[@TheMickeymental]

The new terminology for surge is called inrush. You really should have shown the splice.

[@colleenrivera4234]

It's a "CAPACITOR", not a capacitater.

[@kyleh2007]

Capacitaters hold energy be careful

[@TruckHouseLife]

Yup, I effed up. Here's a generic comment for the hundreds of "capacitator" comments I'm gonna get... lol you can tell it's my first time eh?;)

[@5096PS]

Capaci-TATER,,, ??? Hummmm, been an equipment service rep near 40 years,, never heard of a capaci-TATER.Soft starts have their place I guess, but low amperage modifications are questionable.

[@TruckHouseLife]

Yup i goofed that one up lol

[@rickeysharp7888]

What’s up

[@TruckHouseLife]

hey hey

[@EdwardVanNatta]

I am looking for about your product place lace me a message .when I post this , I am looking for more information no this . I seen your video I am looking for more information on this would you find that product at and I want to know can I use it on solar paneling or other generators thinking about the building an off-grid home or I want to use it in my camper

[@TruckHouseLife]

A company called Battleborn Batteries/Dragonfly Energy sells the MicroAir easy start compressor.

[@njdevilku1340]

Next time, show how the AC cuts the generator first.

[@TruckHouseLife]

If you watch my episode 30 I think it shows it;) That was before I installed the soft start, good idea though!

[@dondartt684]

My soft start works but after an hour it started over heating my generator. By using 20% less than full load the generator runs all day.

[@TruckHouseLife]

The honda 1000 is a manual shut off anyways, so won't affect me, but yup that does make sense.

[@rpn000rpnca]

What's a capasitater, a potato battery?

[@TruckHouseLife]

lol

[@Ribo15]

CAPACITOR, not tater 🤣

[@TruckHouseLife]

Yup, I effed up. Here's a generic comment for the hundreds of "capacitator" comments I'm gonna get... lol you can tell it's my first time eh?;)

[@Ribo15]

@@TruckHouseLife still a little wet behind the ears 🤣

[@Jared_7071]

you sir are beautiful

[@DannyJay618]

Capacitor... no no, capas-a-tater.

[@TruckHouseLife]

Yup, I'm an idiot lol.

[@lesabre1972]

capacitor

[@TruckHouseLife]

Yup, I effed up. Here's a generic comment for the hundreds of "capacitator" comments I'm gonna get... lol you can tell it's my first time eh?;)

[@lesabre1972]

@@TruckHouseLife you great man I mean no disrespect

[@ThinkDifferentish]

Oops you got a single hose portable AC which will cause a vacuum inside your camper, forcing hot outside air to rush in through any nook and cranny (seals, doors, windows, grommets, etc). So hot outside air is coming in your van. These single hose units are trash. Get a dual hose.

[@mattaltman6344]

Run start and common it’s a hard start

[@joncamp9126]

This video freaks me out. I’ve always been told since I was a kid, do not touch capacitors on major appliances. If I’m not correct that’s fine, but I would have to call this video dangerous or negligent and that’s one of the problems with KZbin. Not learning verbatim from a trained professional from a giving field.

[@shadowdemon7770]

$280 plus tax. That cost more than most small air conditioners

[@stevewilson3139]

Common start run, it’s not capasitator it’s capacitor

[@thezirkman]

The capacitator haaaaaaa. Must be made in China 😉

[@TruckHouseLife]

Yup i'm an idiot lol

[@therustedmoose9692]

🌬💨❄️❄️❄️❄️☃️😃👍

[@therustedmoose9692]

🤘🤪

[@HoneyBerighthere-Saysarath]

Just To much work. Just get a 1500wat inverter. Plug it in an forget it.

[@bobmirror7164]

That is $300 dollars for that Easy Air Soft Start. My air conditioner uses a flow of electrons not "juice." I have capacitors not "co pas a tators" in my electric air conditioner. I bet ya-dat' the Easy Air Soft Start has two mice and a tread wheel in it drinking the juice you were talk-in about.

[@TruckHouseLife]

Yeah they aren't cheap, but worth it. I commented 1,000 times that I said the word wrong if you read through the comments lol. Sounds like you didn't "need" the video anyways;)

[@rickjames9256]

Timmayyyy

[@thomasharhen2168]

Its not called a capacitator.... Its a capacitor!!! Wtf

[@TruckHouseLife]

Yup, I effed up. Here's a generic comment for the hundreds of "capacitator" comments I'm gonna get... lol you can tell it's my first time eh?;)

[@thomasharhen2168]

Its all good bro just messing with ya !!! Lol

[@thomasharhen2168]

Keep up the great videos!!!!!

[@thomasharhen2168]

Be safe!

[@justinmas299]

Cap ass a tater? Com pass at er Good info, thx