Running the Truma AC when boondocking

[silversportsman]

Another newbie question from the Campbell's in Nashville. We have a new LE I Platinum with the Lithium Pro Package (Lithium Batteries-260 AH). When it comes to running the AC off the lithium batteries, my understanding that it is/may be possible, but not on an ongoing basis. Is it accurate to say that for a sustainable boondocking solution for AC a separate generator will be required? If so, do most of you go the route of a small, quite inverter generator powered by LP gas? I actually have a Jackery 2000 pro that is used for home backup if needed. It is charged via solar, or 12 volt, or 120AC. And if the Jackery is an option, presumably I need to have a way to power the Truma directly off the generator rather than the on board inverter. 

There are several questions bundled in there, so if there is a good resource you can point me to I am happy to read. But the search terms I have been plugging in have not been turning up the kind of information I am looking for. 

Thanks for anything you can point me to!

[MobileJoy]

Look at your circuit panel description in the (2024) Elite 1 manual. Note that circuit #1 of the main panel is the air conditioner. This is shown in the diagram (below) that uses the Xantrex 2000w inverter. This means the air conditioner is powered directly from the AC source. If you have the optional front AC input for a generator, connecting it to the input will feed to a transfer switch which will determine the power source (front input in this case) to route to the EMS. The EMS will verify the input power is safe and route the AC to the main circuit panel. So, in the Elite I generator case, the inverter should not be in the circuit path to the air conditioner. I think a 3000w inverter is essential to power an air conditioner.

[silversportsman]

Thanks so much, @MobileJoy. I will check on the optional front AC input. I don't recall seeing it, but then I didn't look. 

[Ronbrink]

A Jackery 2000 pro will not run any air conditioner, better suited for small AC appliances or DC supply/charging purposes. Yes, a small dual fuel inverter generator can be used to power the Truma, at minimum 2200W. I carry a dedicated 30# propane tank under cap, which will provide up to twenty hours of a/c comfort for long evening/night periods of cooling. Once that supply is exhausted, I can tap into one of the OTT-mounted propane tanks unless time is taken to refill. I stage the genny on the tongue of the trailer secured with a chain. I primarily use this setup for overnight stays while underway to a campground that has power service. 


 

Depending on how an Oliver is wired dictates whether or not the Truma can be used via the inverter. I had to install a dedicated transfer switch to be able the run on DC. If capable, then solar and/or a small generator will sustain limited use of the a/c in actual boondocking situations. 

[Rolind]

I have an LE2 with the Truma aventa air and my Honda eu 2200 will not run the air conditioner. When the compressor starts the Honda overload breaker trips.  There is now a soft starter option for the Truma, but as for now can only be installed by a Teuma tech  service facility. I was quoted $425+tax+mobile fees.  I haven’t had the soft start installed yet.  I was holding off for now to see if a DIY installation eventually becomes an option.

[Ronbrink]

1 hour ago, Rolind said:

I have an LE2 with the Truma aventa air and my Honda eu 2200 will not run the air conditioner. When the compressor starts the Honda overload breaker trips.  There is now a soft starter option for the Truma, but as for now can only be installed by a Teuma tech  service facility. I was quoted $425+tax+mobile fees.  I haven’t had the soft start installed yet.  I was holding off for now to see if a DIY installation eventually becomes an option.

I’ve heard that before about the Truma needing a soft start, hopefully there will be a more feasible solution on the horizon. There was no upgrade option for a/c with my 2020 OLEll other than adding a soft start, which I decided to DIY to save some $$. Also, I was disappointed Oliver started using the Dometic 11,000 rather than 13,500 BTU unit in my model year. Although it does the job, Texas heat has often left me wishing for the heftier version. And then there’s the noise issue, which is why you and so many others went the Truma route! I have never considered switching to the Truma, mainly because of the high cost, but have plans to dump the ‘noise maker’ and up the BTUs. My replacement of choice is the Atmos 4.4; 15,000 BTU a/c, 12,000 BTU heat pump; more energy efficient and quieter! We’ll see. Regarding the use of your generator, have you tried the ECO mode? I seem to recall others reporting ECO allowed use with a/c operation, but that may be for the Dometics.

[silversportsman]

4 hours ago, Ronbrink said:

A Jackery 2000 pro will not run any air conditioner, better suited for small AC appliances or DC supply/charging purposes. Yes, a small dual fuel inverter generator can be used to power the Truma, at minimum 2200W. I carry a dedicated 30# propane tank under cap, which will provide up to twenty hours of a/c comfort for long evening/night periods of cooling. Once that supply is exhausted, I can tap into one of the OTT-mounted propane tanks unless time is taken to refill. I stage the genny on the tongue of the trailer secured with a chain. I primarily use this setup for overnight stays while underway to a campground that has power service. 

Depending on how an Oliver is wired dictates whether or not the Truma can be used via the inverter. I had to install a dedicated transfer switch to be able the run on DC. If capable, then solar and/or a small generator will sustain limited use of the a/c in actual boondocking situations. 

Thanks, Ron. I think you have confirmed my thoughts. I appreciate you taking the time. Nice setup by the way. 
 

Bob

[Jason Foster]

I use the Cummins 4500i and it works fine for everything in the trailer.  Bonus is you can buy two and get 50 amps for home emergency service.

 

[Ronbrink]

4 hours ago, Jason Foster said:

 

I use the Cummins 4500i and it works fine for everything in the trailer

 

Great genny, I have the Westinghouse version of the same; really like the remote start/stop FOB.

[Jason Foster]

4 hours ago, Ronbrink said:

Great genny, I have the Westinghouse version of the same; really like the remote start/stop FOB.

I tried the remote when I bought it, thought it was great, then just used the manual start button from then on.  I guess I just like tinkering with it and checking the gauges.