Honda Generator quits as soon as I plu the RV in

AcStark · 06-04-2021, 12:55 PM

I have a Honda 1000 and just wanted to have it charge the batteries in my Forrester RV. As soon as I plug it in it immediately shuts down. I have everything shut off in the unit that might draw too much power, like the AC or electric hot water, nothing but a few LED lights and the OneControl Can Bus system

I have put a power usage meter on the RV connection and it is drawing 33 Watts or .29 amps at 114 volts. Almost nothing.

Does anyone have any idea why the Honda shuts down and what I might do to fix the problem.

Thanks

asr524 · 06-04-2021, 01:40 PM

There is 3 lights on the panel...Oil alert, overload, and output. What do these lights do? I have had my EU2000 shut off because of the oil alert, once when it actually needed oil and most of the time because of the angle its sitting on the ground.
Also double check that the gas cap is in the "on" position so it can vent.

dalford · 06-04-2021, 01:54 PM

Don’t know about your readings? It would seem to me that the converter would draw more than 0.29 amps? You are using the converter to charge the batteries, right?

AcStark · 06-04-2021, 03:38 PM

There are no warning lights, it just shuts off immediately, as if you hit the off switch. The batteries were full so the on board charger would not be drawing anything which accounts for the 33 watts load.

asr524 · 06-04-2021, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AcStark

There are no warning lights, it just shuts off immediately, as if you hit the off switch. The batteries were full so the on board charger would not be drawing anything which accounts for the 33 watts load.

That doesn't make sense...how long does it run without connecting anything to it? Also have you tried plugging in a fan or something else into it?

AcStark · 06-04-2021, 07:43 PM

The generator runs fine, after I couldn't use the on board charger I plugged in a 20 amp battery charger to it and charged the RV batteries for 2 hours. It will power everything but the Motor Home. There is something about the Forrester 2290 that it doesn't like.

**KyDan** · 06-04-2021, 08:01 PM

Google Honda generator neutral ground bond.

Half Ton Heavy · 06-05-2021, 12:06 AM

I assume the overload lights up at the same time? I also assume the output quits, but the motor continues to run.
Turn off ALL breakers and see if the same behavior exists.
If yes, I suspect a bad power cord, or pinched wiring in the camper up to the panel. If it continues to run, all breakers off but main. If it trips then perhaps go back to water heater and unplug the 110 portion. My element was bad, and even with breaker for it off, caused a problem with ground fault.

jeff64 · 06-05-2021, 06:47 AM

Just an observation... 1000 watts is a very tiny generator. Rated output probably 750 watts , 1000 peak but definitely not sustained output. This doesn't have any idle down function you have left engaged? How are you connecting this? Through the 30a plug and some adapters? Can you charge battery direct w 12 volt side. Just a thought.

**Flybob** · 06-05-2021, 07:00 AM

If the battery is in need of charge ( why you are plugging it in) the converter can draw a lot of current. Fully charge the battery on shore power then try again.

dontay · 06-05-2021, 07:21 AM

It does not like what it sees when you plug in the power cord. I also think that it might have to do with the neutral bonding problem. Are you using some kind of surge protector on the coach? If so remove it and see if the Honda will run.
Ignore the talk about the Honda 1000 not being a good generator for battery charging. Even at high altitudes it does a great job. I know because we used one for 20 years before I gave it away a couple of years ago. But it does have a problem with some electrical setups.

**KyDan** · 06-05-2021, 07:24 AM

This one is puzzling but we need more information.
Read his post #6.
He did charge his batteries with a stand alone charger using the honda.
He doesn't specifically say whether the honda motor shuts off or it just stops output.
I read it that the motor is shutting down but I'm not sure.
Some onboard power centers automatically go into boost mode when first plugged in no matter if the batteries are low or not.
I suspect that's what's happening--
The onboard power center is going into boost mode and the honda overloads and shuts off.

My previous power center would go into boost mode every time. We camped in FL and moved 6 times over about 6 weeks. Each campground had electric hookups. My charger went into boost every time we moved and plugged back in. It finally boiled my batteries dry by the end of the trip. I got a better power center that's smarter than that!

asr524 · 06-05-2021, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KyDan

This one is puzzling but we need more information.
Read his post #6.
He did charge his batteries with a stand alone charger using the honda.
He doesn't specifically say whether the honda motor shuts off or it just stops output.
I read it that the motor is shutting down but I'm not sure.
".."
The onboard power center is going into boost mode and the honda overloads and shuts off.

This is why I asked about the lights on the front panel. As the engine is shutting down the lights will blink telling you what happened.

HONDAMAN174 · 06-05-2021, 11:08 AM

I agree with others that onboard converter is maxing out the generator when plugged in. Most 55amp converter take about 950 watts before it starts backing down. Suggest a 2000w generator to test.

AcStark · 06-05-2021, 11:15 AM

To answer some of your questions:
The generator shuts off the motor stops just as if you turn the office switch. It does not load up, or struggle as if it is working against a load it just goes off instantly.
I do not have a surge protector built into the coach.
Got back from camping I fully charge the batteries online power Be a load on charging and then reconnect to the generator, same effect, the generator engine quits immediately.
None of the warning lights illuminate.

hybridlife · 06-05-2021, 11:53 AM

Sounds like the Motorhome has a short or something? Please keep us posted with your findings. Good luck

m

aceinspp · 06-05-2021, 12:20 PM

Do you have the gen plugged in before you statrt the Gen. I found that if I do this with mine it cuts the gen off. Try starting then plugging into coach. Also when I do this then gen goes in to fast run mode. Later RJD

2plus1 · 06-05-2021, 02:01 PM

From my experience it is LOW on OIL. There is enough there to keep it running but the second it tries to rev up the float on the Oil sensor drops and it shuts down. Personal experience talking here.

Once it shuts down there is no indicator light so unless you are right there watching you will miss it.

Paul

rsdata · 06-05-2021, 02:55 PM

please answer these questions:

1. did it ever work in this application before?

2. does the Honda work when just plugged into any load like a large fan?

3. have you checked the oil level?

mlmay12 · 06-05-2021, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AcStark

The generator runs fine, after I couldn't use the on board charger I plugged in a 20 amp battery charger to it and charged the RV batteries for 2 hours. It will power everything but the Motor Home. There is something about the Forrester 2290 that it doesn't like.

I have the same Generator and it shuts down when plugged into my Isata due to what I assume is over Current Draw from the Converter. The Honda 1,000 only puts out about 8.5A so your 20A device must step down current draw to remain running as there is no way it can put out 20A. Try turning off your Converter 115A AC Circuit Breaker and see what happens.

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