Generator question?

[carbonman]

I bought a 2000 peak generator from Costco. It starts fine and runs my wife's hair drier just fine (1875 watts). I plugged my TT into the generator and the overload light on the generator turns on after 5 seconds. I switched the fridge over to gas and still the overload light comes on. My questions are: Isn't 2000 watts enough to charge my battery using the TT onboard charger? Or am I not doing this right? I did end up using an external charger to charge my batteries but I didn't expect to do this. I have read all manuals and saw nothing on charging requirements.
I just want to thank everyone in advance because this site has answered so many questions and has really helped me enjoy camping more.

 

[Herk7769]

You mentioned the 2000 watt output was peak.
What is the steady state output rating?

I suspect your water heater electrical switch is on.
Make sure that is off and let me know how you are fairing.

 

[carbonman]

I will try that. Thanks.

 

[bikendan]

it would help knowing the brand of generator and the 2000w is only a peak output and it can only supply that for a short burst.
should be an amount of sustained watts in the specs, but without knowing what you bought, it's hard to guess.
i'll guess a Champion 2000w inverter gennie, since you mentioned Costco.

 

[carbonman]

It will be more than a week before I can try switching the water heater.

This is the gen I bought.
Champion Power Equipment 73531i 2,000 Watt 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator (CARB Compliant)



Quiet, lightweight and portable; the Champion 2000 watt Inverter Generator provides clean, quiet power for campsites, RV's, cabins and other remote locations. 1700 watts Rated, 2000 watts Maximum output. Inverter Technology provides clean power (safe for sensitive electronics) and variable speed engine to reduce noise, conserve fuel and lengthen the life of the engine. Lightweight - only 48-pounds Quiet - only 53 Dba. Powered by Champion 80cc OHV engine designed specifically for the 2000 watt inverter generator will run 10 hours on a full tank of gas at 25% load. EPA/CARB approved for sale in 50 states. The Champion 2000 watt Inverter Generator is parallel ready, allowing you to stack two Champion 2000 watt generators and combine the output power into one outlet (need accessory parallel kit #73500i). Features fully enclosed durable housing with easy carry handle, 1 - 120V Duplex outlet (5-20R), 1-12V DC Outlet, Overload Protection, Low Oil Sensor and Economy Mode Switch. Includes: One bottle Engine Oil & US Forest Service approved Spark Arrestor. Dimensions: 21.5-inch (L) x 16.25-inch (W) x 18.25-inch (H). 2 Year Limited Warranty. Champion has the best Product Quality and Customer Service in the business. All Champion products are cover by our Lifetime Free Technical Support and 2 Year Limited Warranty.

 

[bikendan]

yea, that's rated at 1600w continuous, i think.
but it definitely should be able to recharge your battery.

i wish our Costcos had them out here. still have yet to see one at any NorCal Costco.

 

[carbonman]

They were in the Santa Rosa Costco for about 2 weeks.

 

[bikendan]

i go to the Vallejo, Fairfield, Vacaville and Sacramento Costcos and have never seen them there.

 

[Herk7769]

The posted spec says 1700 watts. Not too shabby!

1700 watts divided by 120 volts equals 14 amps of available power.

A Suburban water heater (6 or 10 Gal) pulls 12 amps when heating water on 120 VAC per their manual. If the switch if left on you only have 2 amps available (240 Watts) for charging the battery (or anything else for that matter).

Turning just about anything on will overload your generator in that condition. The RPM should also be pretty high just plugging it in.

 

[TDewy]

i go to the Vallejo, Fairfield, Vacaville and Sacramento Costcos and have never seen them there.

I saw several of them at Novato Costco last week they were just under $500.00

 

[carbonman]

Thanks Lou. I found the switch. It is amazing how many systems are involved in RVing. I have yet to find a water heater manual , but Forest River Forums works pretty good. I am off camping this weekend. I can't wait

 

[Herk7769]

Water heater Manuals

I have the Atwood and The Suburban