charging from a generator

[Carlg]

Originally Posted by ScottBrownstein

If you shut off all of the other breakers and the problem persists, it has to be the converter or the genny. Clamp on ammeter would help decide which is the problem. Converter isn't a monstrous load.

My batteries charge just fine with I'm on shore power with my normal 30 amp connection at the campsite. Hence I do not think it is the converter. My generator will power my 5th wheel under normal conditions (that is without the batteries connected). I will call the generator company to see if they have any ideas.
Thanks

[TURBS]

How new or "old" are the batteries?

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "9 nights"

[Carlg]

Originally Posted by TURBS

How new or "old" are the batteries?

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "9 nights"

The batteries are about 4 years old but are holding charge very good. They drive all the dc circuits nicely. I have charged them recently (within the past two weeks)

[boondocking]

Try plugging in some appliance that uses 1600-1800 watts and see if this overloads the genny. If it does then I would suspect your genny is at fault.

[pmsherman]

Most of this discussion has been about possible issues with the load on the generator. I ran into the exact same problem with a Yahama 2000W generator with only a 300W load on it. It ran for a while then quit. It turns out that the generator has three separate controls that must be turned on for the genny to run. I had only turned on two of them and forgot about the cap valve that allows air to replace used fuel. This turned out to be a bigger problem when the gas tank had just been filled and there wsa almost no air in the tank. Gas doesn't flow from the tank when there's a vacuum keeping it there.

Phil

[oldtool2]

Originally Posted by Carlg

I have an external generator 2000 watts. I have tried to charge my batteries using the 30 amp ac connection. The generator runs for a while and then overloads. I have two 6 volt batteries in series and have no problem with normal ac connections or truck connections to charge my batteries on my 5th wheel. Any suggestions?

It sounds like everyone agrees, you have other things running causing too high of a draw on the generator. Unless you are running your ac or furnace your biggest draw would be the water heater. It is probably set to run on your 110 ac. Either shut it off or switch it over to run on your propane.

I just got a Honda 3000 watt generator. I questioned if I needed a 3000 till I started addng up everything. I want to be able to use my ac or furnace when needed and a 2000 watt won't do it.

Jim

[Carlg]

Well I have returned the generator after I found that it only provided about 1 amp before it overloaded. Now I'm looking for another portable 2000 watt generator. I have some good reports about a Westinghouse WH2000ixlt. Does anyone have some experiences with a good 2000 watt inverter generator.
Thanks
carlg

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by Carlg

Well I have returned the generator after I found that it only provided about 1 amp before it overloaded. Now I'm looking for another portable 2000 watt generator. I have some good reports about a Westinghouse WH2000ixlt. Does anyone have some experiences with a good 2000 watt inverter generator.
Thanks
carlg

Just others know what was the generator?

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "9 nights"

[HONDAMAN174]

If you are looking for economically challenged, I have heard good things about the champion invertor genny's:

Champion Power Equipment 73536i 2,000 Watt 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator (CARB Compliant) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0041K09D8..._jAGCvb14ZAPKS

Champion Power Equipment No.75531i Inverter Generator, 3100-watt https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BBDCE1S..._SBGCvb16F2YDR

[PopBeavers]

It looks like you are now in the market for a different generator.

I never had a problem with my Honda 2000. I could even run the roof a/c on my TT if I not only turned off all loads, I also turned off the converter. If I left the converter on then the a/c would start once but when it cycled off/on it would trip the Honda breaker.

Many people do not like the price of a Honda or Yamaha.

$950/8 years = $120/year. I still have it. If it lasts 20 years then that will be $50/year.

The Honda is not the cheapest around. I don't think the Yamaha is all that cheap either.

I got the Honda instead of the Yamaha because I can carry it with one hand while the Yamaha requires two hands. I can handle weight on my side but if that much weight is in front of me then I might throw out my back.

I know, I know, too much information. I apologize.

[boondocking]

I own a Champion 2000 watt inverter genny and I am quite pleased with it, it is no louder than a Honda and starts on first pull every time.

[Carlg]

Just out of curiosity how do you get the gas out of the tank when you quit using the unit. I'm told that you need to remove the fuel if you do not use for a while (more than a week)?

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Carlg

Just out of curiosity how do you get the gas out of the tank when you quit using the unit. I'm told that you need to remove the fuel if you do not use for a while (more than a week)?

This is misinformation.
For example, the Honda 2000 has a locking vent cap. So you don't have to remove the fuel.
I leave mine in for the whole camping season.

[oldtool2]

Originally Posted by Carlg

Just out of curiosity how do you get the gas out of the tank when you quit using the unit. I'm told that you need to remove the fuel if you do not use for a while (more than a week)?

Never seen gas go bad that quick. If you are really concernrd just add a little bit of stabil (sp) to keep it fresh.

Jim

[PopBeavers]

I don't use Stabil and I leave gas in my Honda 2000. I have had it since Spring 2009. Still starts in 2 pulls.

Maybe I am just lucky.

[HONDAMAN174]

I've added stabil and had issues. Others have had good luck so maybe I'm doing something wrong.

[SuicideSaints]

I use the Yamaha 2k. I just shut the gas off and the genny dies on its own when the card runs dry. I leave the gas in the tank till the next time. The Yamaha wasn't cheap but I'd do it again.

[wbdavey]

I had a Honda 2,000 watt inverter gen. As I recall, it has a separate plug and cord specifically to charge 12 volt batteries. Eliminates all the converter/charger/other loads being fed while you only want to charge the battery.

[PopBeavers]

Originally Posted by wbdavey

I had a Honda 2,000 watt inverter gen. As I recall, it has a separate plug and cord specifically to charge 12 volt batteries. Eliminates all the converter/charger/other loads being fed while you only want to charge the battery.

But it will take more time that way. And it will not automatically switch between bulk mode, charge mode and trickle mode. If you do that for too long (days or weeks) it will damage the batteries.

There is a reason that the converter has 3 stages. I take advantage of that all of the time. I can not think of any occasion when I wanted to bypass the converter.

[boondocking]

Originally Posted by PopBeavers

But it will take more time that way. And it will not automatically switch between bulk mode, charge mode and trickle mode. If you do that for too long (days or weeks) it will damage the batteries.

There is a reason that the converter has 3 stages. I take advantage of that all of the time. I can not think of any occasion when I wanted to bypass the converter.

As PopBeavers says, it will take more time. The Honda 2000 puts out only 8 amps @ 12 vdc, which is only a fraction of what the converter puts out when powered by a generator.