Community Forums

Markrving · 05-10-2014, 10:57 AM

My onboard generator has been intermittently not working lately . To have a back up so that I am not stuck some where without a generator while dry camping , I was thinking of buying a stand alone 6500 watt generator. My thought was that if the onboard generator would not start, that I would pull out the stand alone generator and then run that and plug it into my outside land line outlet to run everything inside.

Is this idea feasible ? Am I correct in this assumption ? ( I am a Nubie)

AND, is there anything that I need to know when doing this in order not to cause any damage to anything in the RV ? or do I just start the exterior gen and just plug it in ?

I have a class A year 2000 Four Winds Hurricane .

Thanks in advance for any help /advice

Cypressloser · 05-10-2014, 11:15 AM

You definitely can, but wouldn't it be cheaper to get your onboard genny fixed and if that's not possible you could look in to getting solar if you don't need to run the AC.

FlyingDiver · 05-10-2014, 11:16 AM

If you mean you plug your normal shoreline power cable into the generator's outlet, then you're fine. There's no way to plug the GENERATOR into anything.

What you have to think about is what size generator to get. If your coach has 30 amp power, then the max is can draw is 3600 watts and the 6500 watt generator is overkill. If it's a 50 amp rig (12,000 watts), then you'll be limited on what you can run on the external generator.

What size is your onboard generator?

tropical36 · 05-10-2014, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Markrving

My onboard generator has been intermittently not working lately . To have a back up so that I am not stuck some where without a generator while dry camping , I was thinking of buying a stand alone 6500 watt generator. My thought was that if the onboard generator would not start, that I would pull out the stand alone generator and then run that and plug it into my outside land line outlet to run everything inside.

Is this idea feasible ? Am I correct in this assumption ? ( I am a Nubie)

AND, is there anything that I need to know when doing this in order not to cause any damage to anything in the RV ? or do I just start the exterior gen and just plug it in ?

I have a class A year 2000 Four Winds Hurricane .

Thanks in advance for any help /advice

Certainly, but that's a lot of genset to carry around, just for a backup, rather than repairing what you have. Now we did carry a little 1000w on one trip and used it when dry camping to keep the batteries up. It was a lot quieter and much more fuel efficient, when that was all that was required, except maybe for some small things, like TV's and such. Also good for a pot of coffee once in a while, but just barely.

chboone · 05-10-2014, 11:21 AM

I have done that several time, never a problem. However, if you have a EMS-HW50C or similar EMS you will get an open neutral lockout. Most if not all portable generators do not have a bonded neutral. I just turn my EMS off while connected to the generator. The only problem would be the noise from the generator of that size. I have a 3000si Yahama that is very quiet, just have to watch what we turn on when connected to it.

Chuck

csrrsr · 05-10-2014, 11:32 AM

When we boondock I'll bring the Honda 2000 along as a back up. Works fine. But I use the on board genset most often. If I bring the Honda I also have to bring a can of gas

wa8yxm · 05-10-2014, 11:32 AM

Most trailer owners do it that way, No reason you can not do it with a Motor home. I have done it. 123vac sine wave is 120vac sine wave. I mean if you plug into the park it comes from a generator.. Just a very big one.

BFlinn181 · 05-10-2014, 11:33 AM

I also wonder why repairing an 'intermittently working' generator wouldn't be much cheaper and more convenient that hauling around a 'portable' generator. A Generac 6500 w generator weighs 184 lbs. and costs $800.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Generac-G...5940/202538952
Also consider the potential for problems in the transporting and storing fuel for it. It will be much louder than the on board generator.

f14av8r · 05-10-2014, 02:39 PM

If I'm going on a trip with a lot of dry (no hookup) camping, I carry along a small, 2000 watt gas generator. It makes a good emergency backup to the onboard generator and is much more efficient when all I want to do is charge the batteries. If I have to run the AC though, no portable generator that I'd want to carry along would be adequate.

Markrving · 05-10-2014, 06:12 PM

I checked and it is 30 amp labeled on the outside input outlet. So then does that mean 3600 watts max generator that can be connected to the exterior input and anything more is just a waste ?

Any electricians or physicists that can confirm ?

FlyingDiver · 05-10-2014, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Markrving

I checked and it is 30 amp labeled on the outside input outlet. So then does that mean 3600 watts max generator that can be connected to the exterior input and anything more is just a waste ?

Any electricians or physicists that can confirm ?

Yup. So something in the 3500-4000 watt range is what you're looking for, if you're going to buy new and want the max you can get.

Champion Power Equipment 3,500/4,000-Watt Remote Electric Start Gasoline Powered Portable Generator-46565 at The Home Depot

This one has a 30amp RV style outlet built in.

mel s · 05-10-2014, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Markrving

I was thinking of buying a stand alone 6500 watt generator. My thought was that if the onboard generator would not start, that I would pull out the stand alone generator and then run that and plug it into my outside land line outlet to run everything inside.

Markrving
Many folks connect their RV power cord to a stand alone generator.
Just get the proper adapter and go for it.
However, you may not be able to run "everything inside" depending on the generator and adapter you choose/use.
Mel
'96 Safari

MartySQ · 05-10-2014, 06:29 PM

That's what we do... sometimes we bring it even if we know we are going to have hookups... because the air conditioner in the cab doesn't work and travel in summer is too hot so we run the genny, who sits on a platform hooked to the hitch or if towing, on the tongue of the trailer, so we can run the air conditioning on top of the house!

Pusherman · 05-10-2014, 06:34 PM

Sure. Plug your coach shoreline into the external generator output plug.

As others have already noted, it's gonna be way cheaper to have your on-board generator repaired.