Honda EU3000 won't keep AC running

[MojaveJoe]

Im running a Honda EU3000 in the bed of my truck to supply power to the fifth wheel when dry docking.

The Honda will start the AC unit fine, but after about 20-30 minutes (variable) the breaker on the generator kicks out the power to the trailer. I always make sure the fridge is set to Gas Only when I do this, and don't use the microwave unless I turn off the AC first.

Theres something else causing an occassional load on the AC circuits to draw enough power to overload the Honda. Any ideas what it is and how to easily disable it for a few hours? Or even how to isolate what it is?


The fiver has a Coleman Mach 15 AC pulling 16.1Amps at full load under extreme conditon 115F outside.

Honda EU3000 rated at 23.3Amps continuous and 25Amps max.

This problem is not at startup...as I know you need to wait 5 minutes for the pressure to drop on the AC unit before starting it back up. The AC and Honda just kick off while the AC is running.

Any and all suggestions and experiences appreciated.

Thanx,
Joe

[MojaveJoe]

Im running a Honda EU3000 in the bed of my truck to supply power to the fifth wheel when dry docking.

The Honda will start the AC unit fine, but after about 20-30 minutes (variable) the breaker on the generator kicks out the power to the trailer. I always make sure the fridge is set to Gas Only when I do this, and don't use the microwave unless I turn off the AC first.

Theres something else causing an occassional load on the AC circuits to draw enough power to overload the Honda. Any ideas what it is and how to easily disable it for a few hours? Or even how to isolate what it is?


The fiver has a Coleman Mach 15 AC pulling 16.1Amps at full load under extreme conditon 115F outside.

Honda EU3000 rated at 23.3Amps continuous and 25Amps max.

This problem is not at startup...as I know you need to wait 5 minutes for the pressure to drop on the AC unit before starting it back up. The AC and Honda just kick off while the AC is running.

Any and all suggestions and experiences appreciated.

Thanx,
Joe

[Tom N]

How long is your extension cord and is it the proper gauge???

[MojaveJoe]

The cord running from the gen set to the trailer power center is about 40 ft long and is 3 conductor #8 cu. I intentionally oversized it to avoid voltage drop. At the panel box end a 3ft std 30amp cord pigtail connects to the gen set cord. My recollection of past performance was that there was no significant voltage difference when on the gen set (115v) vs shore power (120v)

I do get a ground fault alarm whenever I start the Honda gen set up though. Still trying to figure out why that is, since all grounds are connected in the wiring system.

Thanx for any help.
Joe

[RV Wizard]

Check the condition of your batteries; if they require the converter /charger to put out a lot of amp this could be a problem for the 3000 watt generator.

[Two Bit]

I also think the converter is asking for power and tripping the breaker when it does.

[MojaveJoe]

Converter/charger.........

That's what I was thinking would cause an intermittant load that might put a big enough load on the 120v system to put me over the load limit for the Honda while running my AC.

Is there some way I could shut down the 'converter/charger only' while Im on gen power, without turning off the 12v lights, refer igniter, water pump etc?

Thanx,
Joe

[Two Bit]

You could find the "110v power-in" to the converter and turn it off (maybe have to install a switch/breaker or unplug converter). With converter off, use your batteries to power all 12 volt.

[Riverdog]

The converter/charger may have it's own breaker. If so you can trip it before you run the generator.

[E Z Livin]

I do not have an answer for you but just wanted to let you know that I had a 3000i and used it on my fiver. I had it mounted on the back so no extension cord but mine ran the air along with lights, tv, and so on. Not the microwave with air running.
Have you tried it without the extension cord?

[MojaveJoe]

All good ideas guys.....I will try them all and by process of elimination determine the best fix.

As of now I've found the 110V 15A breaker that feeds the converter and I can turn it off when using the Honda, allowing the batteries to power the 12V system.

Will post here my testing results in a few days.

Regards,
Joe