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Old 02-06-2020, 03:12 PM   #1
swj
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Questions about Lifan ESI 4000 watt generator

Can you run a Lifan ESI 4000 watt generator to: 1) lock out the travel trailers battery, use generator output to power a multistage battery charger to charge the trailers' 12 volt battery? AND at the same time 2) use the gens 30 amp output to plug in to a FRiver 251RKS trailer?
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Old 02-06-2020, 03:58 PM   #2
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#1... the generator has no control on "locking out the travel trailer's battery"... whatever that means.

#2 & I guess there is a #3... yes you can plug other things into the generator's 15a/20a outlets at the same time as using the 30a outlet.

Why would you use an external battery charger to charge the battery when the trailer's on-board converter will do that automatically (and typically better) when plugged in to 30a shore power?
(provided the battery disconnect switch is connected and the breaker isn't off for the converter)
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Old 02-06-2020, 06:12 PM   #3
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1) the battery disconnect red knob behind the battery is the "locK out" reference. My FRiver 251RKS trailer battery on board "charger" only maintains the battery. Charging the battery with a battery charger in evening during generator hours tops of the battery. Meanwhile, the gen is also powering the trailer thru the 30 amp gen output.

I read if you were hooked up to electrice pole at a site, you COULD NOT charge battery and power the trailer at the same time.....
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Old 02-06-2020, 06:51 PM   #4
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So again, your travel trailer has an on--board charger called the converter. It does more than just 'maintain' the charge in the battery unless there is something wrong with it.

It is a multi- stage charger and a 12v power supply when plugged into shore power. It really should do a better job of charging the battery than a stand alone charger, unless you've invested in an expensive multi-level charger.

You do need to have the battery disconnect set to connected for all this to work and anytime you are using your trailer you should have it on so the converter can do its job.

Whoever wrote that while connected to a power pedestal you couldn't charge the battery and power the trailer was mistaken.

Also... the converter only charges the battery and provides power for the 12v side of your trailer's electrical system. The 30a shore cord powers all the 120v circuits through the distribution panel. (including the converter which converts 120v AC to 12v DC)

Some units have an INverter that changes 12v to 120v but that's another discussion.
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Old 02-06-2020, 07:59 PM   #5
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"12v power supply when plugged into shore power" so, if there is no shore power and you start the 3800 running watts to be your "shore power," the trailer is powered and the battery is being charged???

When you turn the gen off, will one 12v lead/acid battery battery charge up enough to run the heater/furnace and other stuff during the night untill you run the generator the nxt morning/day and continue the process thru out your stay? Or would a omega AMG dual blue top work better?
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Old 02-07-2020, 02:04 PM   #6
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The AGM battery is capable of deeper discharge and faster recharge, but needs a charger that has an AGM setting to benefit from the advantages and not damage the battery.

https://batteryuniversity.com/learn/..._glass_mat_agm

The increased cost for the AGM battery and probably a new converter/charger is substantial . Do some shopping.
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Old 02-07-2020, 08:03 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by swj View Post
"12v power supply when plugged into shore power" so, if there is no shore power and you start the 3800 running watts to be your "shore power," the trailer is powered and the battery is being charged???



When you turn the gen off, will one 12v lead/acid battery battery charge up enough to run the heater/furnace and other stuff during the night untill you run the generator the nxt morning/day and continue the process thru out your stay? Or would a omega AMG dual blue top work better?
Yes!
It doesn't matter whether the power comes from a generator or a pedestal.
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