Connecting a generator to my 22RR Toy Hauler?

tomm1947 · 08-16-2018, 06:24 AM

Is there a step by step procedure for connecting a generator while "Boon Docking?" Owners manual says connect the load carefully and Do Not Overload the capacity of the generator! Duh!

rmac04401 · 08-16-2018, 06:50 AM

If you have progressive surge protector you will need Edison plug made. Dependent on your ac pull and your size of compressor your ac may not run unless you add a hard start capacitor or a device that slowly amps up your initial draw of ac.

formerFR · 08-16-2018, 06:54 AM

basically, it means to simply turn on one thing at a time after you crank the generator... giving it time to catch up between each ...

mxdad · 08-16-2018, 08:18 AM

I run the generator for a few minutes at full speed to get up to temp, open the main line breaker in the camper, connect the power cords, then close the main breaker. After that, I place the generator on Eco, and fill it up every 12 hours or so.
That procedure looks like it was written for a small generator and by lawyers. I have a Honda EU7000is, so I don't worry about transient loads. If you have a small generator (I would say <5000W), open all the breakers and start with the big loads first, working your way down to the small ones (AC, converter, fridge, outlets).

jd50i · 08-16-2018, 08:54 AM

I have a Champion 46598 4000/3500, on my 21RR I simply plug it in, crank the generator and give it a couple of minutes to stabilize and then turn the voltage switch on. Nothing special.

Walholler · 08-16-2018, 03:53 PM

I have two Honda 2200 generators connected in parallel, with cable connected to trailer and generator, I start both generators, switch to Eco, go inside and turn on 15K AC and proceed on my merry way.

Splitshaft · 08-16-2018, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomm1947

Is there a step by step procedure for connecting a generator while "Boon Docking?" Owners manual says connect the load carefully and Do Not Overload the capacity of the generator! Duh!

Generally, what is meant is don’t start the generator under load. Start the generator and when it is stabilized after a minute or less, bring AC loads online, not overloading the generator. Sure, the main breakers and all others can be shut off for really no reason whatsoever as some folks do. Just bring the 120V appliance that should be off when starting the generator and turn them on once the generator is connected and running. Likely the toy hauler didn’t come with any devices that requires special plugs and oppressive procedures when connecting to a generator as some high-end class A coaches might require.

2thdr · 09-20-2018, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mxdad

I run the generator for a few minutes at full speed to get up to temp, open the main line breaker in the camper, connect the power cords, then close the main breaker. After that, I place the generator on Eco, and fill it up every 12 hours or so.
That procedure looks like it was written for a small generator and by lawyers. I have a Honda EU7000is, so I don't worry about transient loads. If you have a small generator (I would say <5000W), open all the breakers and start with the big loads first, working your way down to the small ones (AC, converter, fridge, outlets).

Sorry to hijack, but I am new to the RV world. We are considering a 22RR for our camping/moto vacation needs. Is there a smaller Honda generator than the EU7000is that would be appropriate for occasional weekend camping? I like Honda build quality and the quiet ratings...thanks!

CHICKDOE · 09-20-2018, 11:58 AM

you don't need to flip circuit breakers. just make sure the 110 vac devices are turned off (a/c, fans, etc). you might want to flip the breaker for the converter as they generally don't normally have an accessible switch. have your water heater on propane only. turn the generator on and let it run for a couple of minutes to get up to running temperature. then plug into it. just make sure the big 110 volt loads are off. then go turn on those loads one at a time. the generator may stutter for a second or two as it adjusts to the increased load. just wait until it stabilizes before you turn on the next load. and when shutting down just repeat the process. remove one load at a time and then let the generator run a minute or two with no load to cool off before you shut it down.

mxdad · 09-26-2018, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2thdr

Sorry to hijack, but I am new to the RV world. We are considering a 22RR for our camping/moto vacation needs. Is there a smaller Honda generator than the EU7000is that would be appropriate for occasional weekend camping? I like Honda build quality and the quiet ratings...thanks!

Honda has a 3k generator, or you could go with 2 2.2k's. We went with the 7000 because we knew that we were going to a 50A camper and wanted to have something that could run a 50A connection.

Also, the 7000 isn't that bad...it's heavy for sure, but it comes with handles and wheels, so rolling it out the back of the TH isn't a lot of work. We race Cross Country MX, and provide power to friends who have regular trailers, so its nice to have the extra wattage.

2thdr · 09-26-2018, 02:50 PM

Thanks for the info. So with the 15k BTU a/c running does a 2800 watt generator have any more capacity to give? Sorry for the dumb questions...
Edit...I found a good chart on steady power.com

jd50i · 09-26-2018, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2thdr

Thanks for the info. So with the 15k BTU a/c running does a 2800 watt generator have any more capacity to give? Sorry for the dumb questions...
Edit...I found a good chart on steady power.com

I wouldn't run a 2800, a 3500 is as low as I would go. You're not just running the AC, your running the fridge, hot water heater, battery charger, any TV's, etc.

formerFR · 09-26-2018, 03:16 PM

technically, yes, you would have 'room' for more, but the term 'more' is what's in focus...it might not be much.

depending on the highest 'running' output amps of the generator, you may have room for other lower-amperage devices, maybe even the fridge, as long as the ac compressor and the fridge compressor are not trying to come online at the same moment...

but, YES, it's certainly doable...you just need to be very aware of what's 'happening' during the AC usage... of course, your generator breaker will trip anytime it's amperage request are exceeded, but that can be annoying.

2thdr · 09-27-2018, 10:24 AM

Thanks for the info guys. Looks like a 4k or bigger is in my future. Although the 2k x 2 route is interesting. Most of our camping will be close to home in Oregon and Washington, so A/C won't be used much. Much of the time one 2k would be enough. Just don't know if I want the hassle of a parallel setup...

mxdad · 09-27-2018, 11:26 AM

A 2800 running watt generator has about 23A of capacity. Your 15K AC will draw anywhere from 10-15A, depending on the ambient temp. You could probably get by with just the converter and AC, but I bet the fridge would put it too close.

Remember that the wattage that is advertised is usually peak watts - my EU7000 is peak watts, with 5500 running watts. The Honda 2.2's are rated for 2200 watts with 1800 watts continuous. However, since they are Honda's, they will probably go higher than that. This summer at a race, I powered a friend's camper in 95* heat. I would see spikes to 8000W when the AC's were started (2 15K BTU) and steady state of 5200-5500W....and the generator never stumbled.

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