Generator

Gbegoon · 08-28-2014, 09:01 PM

We are totally new to motorhomes. Just bought a 2014 georgetown XL 378TS. First trip put, I ran the generator, Onan 5.5, with both airs and the house type refrigerator. Found out later the electric water was also on. When I got to my campsite the generator was still running but none of the items I turned on were running. The breakers on the gen weren't tripped. Was it just overloaded? The dealer says the generator will run everything in the coach at once but I find that a little hard to believe. What's the truth from those of you who are experienced?

Dijoeboss · 08-28-2014, 09:21 PM

It will not run everything, I just pulled my Rv out of storage today, fired up generator, turned on both a\c units to cool it down, usually turn off the back unit before I leave out and about 20 minutes down the road, transfer switch kicks out and everything goes off. I shut everything off and let the transfer switch kick back in and then turn front a\c back on. If you run the fridge on propane and the water heater on propane that will help, but in the heat of the day, it's hard for to run both a\c units on the generator! I have tried and tried to have this fixed and am just gonna have to live with the fact that this is the way it is.......

2013 Georgetown XL 350
Bunkhouse
2002 F250 4X4 CC
2012 Jeep Liberty

willingtonpaul · 08-28-2014, 09:26 PM

in motion, i have had issues running both AC's in high heat situations. but parked, i have had no issues. i think it is a heat and in motion thing more than a power thing. i think the genset does not cool itself as efficiently while in motion.

anyone else have a theory ?

dezolen · 08-29-2014, 07:25 AM

You will only be able to run one AC unit safely with 5.5 kw. That is why 7kw generator is an option so that you can run both

cjd10 · 08-29-2014, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willingtonpaul

in motion, i have had issues running both AC's in high heat situations. but parked, i have had no issues. i think it is a heat and in motion thing more than a power thing. i think the genset does not cool itself as efficiently while in motion.

anyone else have a theory ?

Was looking at an Onan spec sheet and if I understood correctly it noted a 1% drop in the generator output for every 10° above 77°F and a 3.5% decrease for every 1000 ft above 500 ft sea level.
I can run both AC's and residential fridge without any problems. Maybe it's because I'm on the coast at sea level? Maybe I'm just lucky and tomorrow it won't do it anymore.

cfsoistman · 08-29-2014, 01:25 PM

Haven't had any problem with running both AC units on the generator when parked with the fridge on also {ours is not a full size residential fridge}, water heater on propane. If we use the microwave I have to turn off the front AC for a little while. When driving I use the front AC and just run the fan on the back unit. There's usually no one back there and just run it so the back doesn't get like an oven. Both units share the same ductwork so it works fine that way for us.

Gbegoon · 08-29-2014, 05:57 PM

Thx, everybody. I thought "everything" was a little much for a 5.5 kW. I'm sure I'll be pestering y'all with some more dumb questions soon. We're taking it out again next weekend.

VinceU · 08-29-2014, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gbegoon

Thx, everybody. I thought "everything" was a little much for a 5.5 kW. I'm sure I'll be pestering y'all with some more dumb questions soon. We're taking it out again next weekend.

I think I'd be checking Generator "condition" not "capacity". 5000 watts is more than sufficient to operate two a/c units of 13 amps each at full load. The res refridge is 7 amps while drawing full current less than 20% of time. Fuel filter, governor or some other mech fault is to blame. The folks that do it with no problem aren't just lucky.

Philmore · 08-29-2014, 07:54 PM

We just took a 10 day trip from NY to Disney and ran both a/c's and occasionally the micro while in motion(fridge on propane) the entire way there and back in 98+ heat and had no issues at all. Lucky

bubbles · 08-29-2014, 08:29 PM

Is it possible that with everything on and both air conditioners happen to start at the same time the genny could be tasked at the ragged edge of maximum output (single phase at 45.8A) and temp exceeding 120deg "F"?

camaraderie · 08-29-2014, 10:23 PM

I'm thinking like bubbles that the start up currents on the A.C's and fridge compressor could be kicking things off. I have the Onan 5500 and it runs both AC's and everything else on the coach just fine...but I have a conventional propane fridge. If you had a battery monitor you could tell how many AMPS are being drawn at any point in time.

Nepas · 10-10-2014, 04:16 AM

We are full time in a 2014 378 TS. Our generator dont work and has 7 hours on it. It just clicks when i try to start. Time to see a repair shop.

BTW Mobile repair persons for warranty generator service need to be a level 4 Onan mechanic for warranty work or you will pay some $$

ramair · 10-10-2014, 03:09 PM

if it just clicks when trying to start check the battery connections for the coach. Under the Steps. If the connections are loose or corroded that is why it just clicks.

Nepas · 10-11-2014, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ramair

if it just clicks when trying to start check the battery connections for the coach. Under the Steps. If the connections are loose or corroded that is why it just clicks.

Yes have checked all the connections from the battery to the genset. The generator is getting power right to the terminal. Thinking a starter problem like a stuck bendix?

harderd · 10-11-2014, 06:53 AM

I have a 5500 and in a 5ver and I can run both AC.

speedjester · 10-18-2014, 12:05 AM

I run both AC units , power two laptops, and on occasion run the Microwave all while driving in 92* heat here in FL.. Never had an issue...(5500kw Onan)

ramair · 10-19-2014, 10:27 AM

I can run both a/c on gen but I turn off the W/H and I have no issues. I think W/H is the kicker.

BillMFl · 10-23-2014, 03:35 PM

The 5.5 Onan should operate everything your 50amp power cord does. Unless there is a loss of efficiency due to heat/altitude. I have frequently run both airs while going down the road, but always on the east coast. I don't run the water heater or frig on electric while going down the road so that might be an issue for those who do. Electric water heaters, microwaves, toaster ovens and such draw quite a few amps. The residential frig draws higher amps when it kicks on, then drops down. The roof airs also draw more amps to kick start the compressor and then drop down. Next time try one roof air and the frig before adding the second roof air. I usually only run the front roof air while going down the road. That and the dash ac keep the front area comfortable.

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