Running EXTERNAL Generator While Traveling-Keeps Tripping It's Breaker

goreds2 · 07-03-2011, 10:41 AM

Hello,

First off, I have this generator.

Buy a Sportsman GEN154 2000 Watt Portable Generator - GEN154 at The Home Depot

For the first time the other day, I tried running it while traveling to have the roof air conditioner on. It runs great on generator while standing still but when I took it a few blocks for a test run, the generator's breaker would blow. The generator would still run with it's breaker off as I would have to reset it. I got one suggestion to make sure it is full of oil so it (generator) does not turn off while traveling with the oil swishing around. I only have the the roof AC on. Everything else is turned off. Only the Main Breaker and AC is on. (Microwave and rec. is off)

Any suggestions why the generator's breaker is tripping while moving but does not while standing still with the AC on? Thanks,

Here is a picture of the setup. I did have it more strapped in the other day.

bluepill · 07-03-2011, 10:58 AM

If it has a low oil shut-down, that would stop the engine rather than trip the breaker.

Possibilities:

1. The breaker is defective and trips from vibration. Remember that A/C startup inrush current is higher than 2000 watts. Cheap generators do not have the reserve capacity that Honda, Onan, etc. have.

2. There is a short circuit or overload condition in your RV that shows up when moving. Try driving with the A/C off and see if the problem is still there. If that's OK, try running a large load (1800 watt heater or hair dryer is good) other than the A/C to see if that trips the breaker.

**Gary RVRoamer** · 07-03-2011, 11:03 AM

Agree with bluepill. Either the generator breaker is vibrating and tripping due to mechanical failure, or something in the lash up is bouncing around enough to cause an arc that trips the breaker. Maybe the power cord connection to the coach?

Is there something else you could plug to the genset with a standard extension cord, maybe an electric heater sitting right next to it? Drive around with that hooked up and see ifthe same problem occurs. If yes, the problem is the genset breaker (or perhaps the genset has a tilt/vibrate shutoff built in?). If no problem, then the issue is something in the coach or thepower cord to the coach.

SteveLevin · 07-03-2011, 12:04 PM

Check the receptacle you are plugging into and make sure that it doesn't have anything that is grounding if it gets jostled around or the coach body moves slightly.

And the connection of the power cord; as things move it could easily be arcing internally if the plug can "wander."

One good test is... without being plugged into the coach, will it run when you, say, drive over railroad tracks without tripping the breaker? If the answer is "yes" then it's almost certainly the connection.

Steve

**RJay** · 07-03-2011, 12:25 PM

Is the generator always in the back tray even when stationary?

goreds2 · 07-03-2011, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJay

Is the generator always in the back tray even when stationary?

Yes, it is.

**RJay** · 07-04-2011, 03:20 PM

This is only a hunch but simple to try. Bond the metal frame of the generator to the metal carrier then take it for a ride with the generator running. Let us know.