Generac iQ2000 inverter/generator and R-Pod 178

mjh203 · 07-10-2016, 05:16 PM

Hello,

I did a bunch of research on portable generators and decided on a new Generac iQ2000 Inverter. It is quieter than a Honda EU2000 and had really good reviews. So, I went on a trip and tried to use this for the first time on my 2015 R-Pod 178. The generator fired right up and gave me the green ready light. As soon as I plug in the camper, it switches to red and will not power anything in the R-Pod. The only things turned on in the camper are the clock on the microwave which instantly comes on with electric and the clock on the Radio/DVD player. I cant turn these off. Everything else was off and/or unplugged.

I tested my dads old 1978 camper with the iQ2000 and it worked just fine. Not enough to power the AC, but lights and outlets worked fine.

What am I doing wrong? Shouldn't this unit be adequate for this small little camper? Thoughts or suggestions?

I went ahead and returned the iQ2000 today. Suggestions from any other R-Pod owners for a good size inverter/generator unit?

Thanks

doc73 · 07-10-2016, 05:18 PM

2000 should be more than enough for most things minus the AC. Is there an electric element in the heater that was on? I run my whole trailer on one eu2000 with a second if I need the AC.

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mjh203 · 07-10-2016, 05:21 PM

The power source to the heater, ac, and fan is all done through the thermostat. It was all turned off.

DavidBo · 07-10-2016, 05:38 PM

The only other power hog is the water heater, I assume that's off. Do you have any problems if you hook it up to regular house current?

**Flybob** · 07-10-2016, 05:39 PM

There were a few other things most likely on, but still not enough to overload a 2000 generator. The converter, and CO/Propane detector were on. Are you sure you did not have WH on electric?

mjh203 · 07-10-2016, 05:58 PM

Thanks for responding. You are correct that the CO Detector was also probably on. I am sure the WH was off as I am having problems with it too. I can not get it to light or turn on with electric or propane. No idea what is going on with it. I made a separate post in the plumbing forum to try to get help on this issue. It goes through three cycles of clicks like it is trying to light, but wont work.

mjh203 · 07-10-2016, 05:59 PM

everything works fine when plugged into the house (except the water heater which is currently not working at all). I cant get it to light on propane or work on electric.

NMWildcat · 07-10-2016, 06:28 PM

My buddy went through 3 generacs before he gave up. Now he is on his second champion. My 2 Honda eu2000i cost a little more but they are now 10 years old and still going strong. That fact really upsets him when I rub it in..... 😂

Does sound like something in your rig is drawing more power than it should.

DavidBo · 07-10-2016, 06:32 PM

Normally I'd blame a bad genset, but it worked fine on your older trailer so hmmmm...
Are you running any kind of voltage protection on the R-pod?

mjh203 · 07-10-2016, 06:34 PM

Not that I am aware of... I simply plugged the iq2000 into the camper with a 30amp adapter on the end of the provided RV cord.

doc73 · 07-10-2016, 07:26 PM

When I said heater I meant WH, my bad.

mjh203 · 07-10-2016, 07:37 PM

It was off

**Flybob** · 07-10-2016, 07:44 PM

When you say 30A adapter are you talking about this

mjh203 · 07-10-2016, 07:58 PM

this one...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

**Flybob** · 07-10-2016, 08:07 PM

same thing.

Try to get hold of a meter that can measure the current on that circuit to determine if it is actually a high load or just a bad generator. This is always a handy item to have in an RV, It can save a lot of headaches and guess work.
https://www.amazon.com/P3-P4400-Elec...illawatt+meter

DickiedooFlagman · 07-11-2016, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flybob

same thing.

Try to get hold of a meter that can measure the current on that circuit to determine if it is actually a high load or just a bad generator. This is always a handy item to have in an RV, It can save a lot of headaches and guess work.
https://www.amazon.com/P3-P4400-Elec...illawatt+meter

x2, same thing.

Turn all your 120v circuits off, hook up the genny, and turn on circuits one at a time. This should help identify the offending circuit.

Too Tall · 07-11-2016, 05:26 PM

I think it's got something to do with the IQ sensing a ground issue. Contact Generac more info? In the mean time get one of these or equivalent. You'll never regret it. It measure AC/DC amps, volts, temp etc..

https://youtu.be/ZWshTRjsqHY

mjh203 · 07-14-2016, 08:12 AM

Will do. Thanks!

mjh203 · 07-14-2016, 08:14 AM

Thanks!

Too Tall · 07-14-2016, 08:55 AM

That's a strange problem but it's not the IQ. The IQ is a very nice little unit, don't give up on it. I've heard of grounding issues with other generator/ TT combinations. Someone more knowledgeable than I may be able to shed some light. With an ammeter, you can definitely rule out issues.

The iQ should run just about everything but the AC and Microwave at sea level. With a few simple mods, you make crank the 13.5 BTU AC. Some folks are running them with 2000 watt units. A hard start capacitor and time delay on the fan will knock off about 10 amps of the starting surge. But that's after you figure out your immediate issue.

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