Generator Tripped

[llr]

Originally Posted by gbaldwin

ok.. got meter...thanks 5P...

left TT plugged in to Shore power for several hours at home. unplugged and tested battery... reading 12.8.

was this just after unplugging? Or did you let it sit awhile before measuring?

What does it read while plugged in?

[gbaldwin]

I did let it sit for 45min to an hour unplugged before testing. I did not test before unplugging from shore power.

[gbaldwin]

Checked battery again last night after unplugged for 24 hours. Also disconnected battery from trailer. Holding at 12.7. So I am assuming battery is good??

So I have played with the volt meter on TT battery, AA and 9V. also measured 1 110 outlet.

So how do I use the tool to measure the usage or draw of various equip/devices in the TT?

[llr]

Since that was after sitting I would say the battery is good and probably the converter too although i would still like to see the battery voltage when the camper is plugged in.

Which brings back to something else drawing power or the generator.

Measuring the draw / current is more difficult and most low end meters I have seen will only do DC (12V) power, some will only do very small currents and are not useful for a camper, many have a separate plug for higher current, generally ~10A. In this case you would move the red test lead to this connector and set the switch to the proper mode then you need to break the circuit (cut/disconnect 1 wire, pull the fuse etc) and connect the 2 meter leads across the break.

[NMWildcat]

I know you have already answered this, but are you sure the electric side of the water heater is off? The propane side of the water heater and the electric side can be on at the same time. Might try turning off the breaker for the water heater and experiment.
For you to hear the generator suddenly rev up to the point of tripping itself, it has to be a large draw that just came on. Like a water heater (electric side), hair dryer, coffee pot, or microwave.
I can have every light and fan on in my RV, then use the pump, and my EU2000i will not change it's sound at all. Never comes out of the low rpm of econo mode.
It's amazing how well you get to know how your RV works when you boondock

[5picker]

The inexpensive multimeters from HF won't measure amperage for AC current draw but as llr pointed out, they will measure small amounts of DC current draw.

To measure AC/DC current draw you need a clamp meter.

HF sells those too but you'll find measuring current draw a bit more difficult than just clamping on the probe. In simple terms, you can't just clamp it on an extension cord or shore power cord. You have to get to the the individual line carrying the current and that often requires opening a breaker box or pedestal.

CEN-TECH®
6 Function Mini Clamp Meter=$14.99

[gbaldwin]

No, the electric WH defenitely not ON. and the generator revs up when the call for water via pump.

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by gbaldwin

No, the electric WH defenitely not ON. and the generator revs up when the call for water via pump.

Hmmm. Most RV water pumps are rated around 4 amps. Mine measures about 3.3 while running. This should not cause your generator to ramp up (I'm assuming from an idle) to the point of tripping out.
Will be interesting to find what is causing that kind of draw.
Keep us posted!

[gbaldwin]

Gen has 3 levels or operation. This happened on economy position. Switch to high or turbo..... ? it did not trip.

[NMWildcat]

Ok, that's weird. Maybe your power demand is just under the limit for the econo setting, and the pump sends it over that limit, causing the generator to ramp up. Only the generator can't ramp up fast enough so it trips out?
Do you have access to a friend's generator to see if you get the same reaction?
At this point I might be calling the generator manufacturer tech line and see what they say. Of course they will want to know the power draws also.

[A32Deuce]

Running on eco may be enough with a few 12 volt items on to cause the converter to ramp up for the demand and any other 120 volt items on to be enough to shut down. Just an idea to look at.

[gbaldwin]

not been back out since OP until this weekend. so i had same occurence this weekend. water pump putting strain on 2000 watt geny in econo mode. also noticed lights flicker some when pump on. ran geny generously during day. voltage 12.9 during day and end of day. with geny off all night reading 12.1 in the morning with indicator lights showing 50%-25% at low point.

no elec WH... fridg auto ... gas when geny down...not running any AC.

Plugged geny in last night at home. Voltage reading 12.9 this morning connected. Disconected battery, reading 12.8-12.9. After sitting disconnected for 1 hour... down to 12.6.

[gbaldwin]

I reconnected battery to let it charge for the day. Took another reading after hoooking up and got 13.6.