Ok to run generator?

[Leprechauner]

I have taken the house batteries out of my class c Motorhome for the winter. I am wondering if I can still use the on board generator, as it will still be supplying power to the charger in the converter. There are no batteries to charge, I am concerned that I might burn out something in the converter. Any thoughts are appreciated
Thanks
Leprechauner

[JLeising]

Think the converter would be okay, but easy to just switch the converter circuit breaker off to eliminate any concern. Bigger issue - on our Solera the house batteries are used to start the generator. My generator would not crank without the house batteries.

[Dominnic11]

Good point, I have to have my battery in to start the generator. I don't see a problem as the generator will run your 120V stuff and the 12V stuff after its been converted. The battery is just a storage medium.

[Reverse_snowbird]

Originally Posted by JLeising

My generator would not crank without the house batteries.

Same here. Generator won't start without house battery.
It's probably a good idea to start that generator once a month and run it for however long the manufacturer recommends with the recommended load.

[UT_Grandpa]

I leave my batteries connected to the TT and I connect a battery Tender to the batteries during the winter time. They get a top off for about 8 hours once every other week. Yes it gets cold here in Utah.

I tie my 3 Amp battery tender under the frame and run an extension cord from it to the garage where there is a timer.


This is what I do - your mileage may vary......

[CHICKDOE]

just a bit more info. i am assuming an onan on-board generator. they need a 12 volt power source to start and they also need a continuing 12 volt power source to continue running. many times the generator is connected to the batteries using a second set of cables that run directly from the generator to the battery.

you will need a 12 volt source to start the generator and to keep it running. if the generator has its own cables and the battery is removed it will be very hard to have the converter supply the 12 volts needed to run as the cables from the converter will not be attache to the cables to the battery.

[Deanm]

Originally Posted by CHICKDOE

just a bit more info. i am assuming an onan on-board generator. they need a 12 volt power source to start and they also need a continuing 12 volt power source to continue running. many times the generator is connected to the batteries using a second set of cables that run directly from the generator to the battery.

you will need a 12 volt source to start the generator and to keep it running. if the generator has its own cables and the battery is removed it will be very hard to have the converter supply the 12 volts needed to run as the cables from the converter will not be attache to the cables to the battery.

I was wondering about this. while boondocking, If we use the generator to charge the batteries in the am after running them down the previous afternoon, and through the previous night, how do we start the gen if they went down too low over night? Or is this not even an issue? ( Im a total noob, about to purchase first RV TT )

[CHICKDOE]

if a motor home i think there is a battery boost capability that will allow you to use the engine battery.

if a trailer use jumper cables from the tow truck. i had to do this when i was learning. i got the generator started and then removed the jumper cables. the generator died as it did not have a 12 volt power supply. let it run a bit to get some power into the trailer batteries that can be used to keep the generator running. you don't need much after it is started.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Deanm

I was wondering about this. while boondocking, If we use the generator to charge the batteries in the am after running them down the previous afternoon, and through the previous night, how do we start the gen if they went down too low over night? Or is this not even an issue? ( Im a total noob, about to purchase first RV TT )

Unless you have a toyhauler TT, TTs don't have onboard generators.
Those of us TT owners, that want one, have portable generators that are pull-start or have generators with their own battery.
I don't know of any camp that allows generators running during nighttime hours.
Power conservation is key to dry camping or boondocking.
And at least a dual battery setup.