Community Forums

2Cav · 01-21-2016, 11:45 AM

HELLO iRV2!

New guy here, so apologies in advance if this is in the wrong place or has previously been asked. I tried search without any luck.

We are upgrading campers (more details below) and my question is if it is possible to use the generator I own now to run a single AC in our new camper.

My current generator is a portable 3500/4000w with a standard 20a and a 30a RV receptacle.

This was perfect to run the AC and a few odds and ends in our Cheorkee GreyWolf 23DBH TT. In fact, it would run everything except the AC and microwave at the same time. Really the only times we would use it was on road days we might pull off for lunch or a break at a rest stop or truck stop.

But we are in the process of closing the deal in the next week for a Heartland North Trail 33BKSS. The new TT has 50a service and we are having a 2nd 13500 AC added to the existing primary 15000 AC. I think wattage wise I'd be fine to run the 15K on the generator. In theory usage will be the same, stop for an hour or two for lunch and maybe a little TV/nap.

So I guess the real question is, can the 2nd AC be turned off, and is it acceptable to use a 30a adapter to plug into the generator?

We've got a fair amount invested in this Generator and with less than 20hrs on it so far. If it is still usable for what we want that is awesome. That said, the last thing I want to do is risk damaging our brand new camper we haven't even picked up yet. It seems in theory like it would work, but I figure better safe than sorry, ask the experts on the interewebs

Thanks All,
Jeff

Ray,IN · 01-21-2016, 12:04 PM

Yes, it is perfectly alright to run one of your air conditioners with your genset. Just keep track of how much stuff is running, and limit it to <30A, to keep from tripping the 30A genset breaker, or dropping below 108VAC, as anything less than 108VAC will slowly burn up electric motors.
If your RV fails to get power from your genset it may be because the genset is not grounded internally. The genset may be grounded by driving a copper rod in the ground or, by making a specific grounding plug. You use an ordinary 15A plug, jump between neutral and ground screws, leave positive screw empty.Plug in into an open 15A receptacle to complete the internal ground.
If you aren't sure about that consult a licensed electrician, instead of taking my word. Hopefully one of our members who is an electrician will drop in and either confirm or correct my suggestions.