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Old 08-04-2023, 02:07 PM   #1
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Travel Trailer/Generator Issue

So, we're presently out and about with our "other" RV, a older 18' Terry trailer. We also carry a Predator 3500 Inverter Generator. The generator is fairly new (27 hrs.) and has been trouble free. We have utilized this trailer/generator combination several months ago and with the trailer's shore power cord plugged into the generator RV receptacle, everything worked as it should...AC, microwave, receptacles, etc.

Yesterday, we plugged the shore power cord into the generator and attempted to operate the microwave. Immediately, the generator struggled and had fits and stutters. About half power, if that. Then, we attempted to plug a electric cooktop into one of the trailer receptacles and the same thing happened. Then, we attempted to plug the cooktop into a 20 amp/120v receptacle on the generator. The same thing happened.

At this point, we assumed the problem was with the generator. However, we once again plugged in the shore power cord and turned on the AC, which is new not that it matters. The AC ran fine, as did the generator .

At this point, I'm at a loss. Any suggestions? We are currently boondocking and have no cell signal without driving a few miles, which we do nearly daily. I will appreciate and respond to all assistance. It just might not be immediate. Thanks in advance.
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Old 08-04-2023, 02:12 PM   #2
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It's all about the watts.

What are the watt rating on each item.

A small AC may be less then the other items.
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Old 08-04-2023, 04:33 PM   #3
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If you’re at high altitude that derates the gennys output. If there is a switch that keeps genny at hi rpms, turn that on, it helps genny deal with the startup load.
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Old 08-04-2023, 07:52 PM   #4
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Say watt one more time.

A 3500w predator should be capable of delivering almost 30 amps ac at peak load.
That’s the same as plugging into 30 amp shore power. Either something is robbing your power, or the Predator is not outputting 30 amps. The thieving culprit could be your charger. If your charger is able to charge at 80amps dc, that’s 960 watts, which leaves about 2,600w remaining.

With a few other loads, it could exceed the output of the Predator and trip overload. Try reprogramming the charger for a lower charge amperage, shut down all other ac loads, and ensure that the Predator has fresh oil in 5he crankcase.

Installing an easy start on the A/C also solves many generator issues.
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Old 08-05-2023, 08:38 AM   #5
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It looks like your genny has a electronic throttle control or eco mode, have you tried shutting that off. My first thought was the loads were to small to trip the eco mode and idle the unit up but the 3 items are a large power grabber so that is not the case. Your eco mode may be acting up or possibly you got some bad fuel in the genny where it runs perfectly fine at idle but not at rpm.. First thing i would do is dump the fuel and put some fresh premium in and try that out.. Only reason i say premium is running a tank through will help clean things out a bit and then you can go back to a regular grade.
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Old 08-05-2023, 08:49 AM   #6
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All good advice posted above.

Inverter generators like the Predator often have an ECCO mode. Under low power draw conditions, the engine RPM drops and the inverter keeps the voltage up at 120 volts.

In this condition, a sudden large power draw like an A/C compressor starting can draw more power than the inverter can supply at low RPM. The engine RPM must increase before the generator can deliver its max rated power.

Often the ECCO system can be turned "OFF" so engine RPM stays high. In this mode the generator can supply full power almost instantly.

A gasoline engine that stumbles when full throttle is applied may be running rich or lean. A Predator generator technician may be able to tune it better.

"Varnish" build up in fuel lines, orifices, filters, and valves can restrict fuel flow causing lean running.
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Old 08-05-2023, 09:30 AM   #7
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Hmmmm, the air conditioner runs fine but the microwave doesn't. I guess a good question would be, how big is the air conditioner?
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Old 08-05-2023, 09:50 AM   #8
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An 80 amp charger in a 18 ft Terry trailer ?
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Old 08-05-2023, 02:44 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mudfrog View Post
Hmmmm, the air conditioner runs fine but the microwave doesn't. I guess a good question would be, how big is the air conditioner?
Thanks for the reply. The AC is a brand new 13590 Coleman Mach III Plus. The AC runs fine off the 3500 Predator. But not the microwave.
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Old 08-05-2023, 02:52 PM   #10
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[QUOTE=twinboat;6574030]It's all about the watts.

What are the watt rating on each item.

A small AC may be less then the other items.[/QUOTE

Only one appliance was run at a time. The microwave is probably about 1100 Watts. The AC is a 13,500 Coleman Mach 3 plus. It's rated at 1528 Watts. Both are well within the Predators capability.
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Old 08-05-2023, 02:54 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jon_C View Post
If you’re at high altitude that derates the gennys output. If there is a switch that keeps genny at hi rpms, turn that on, it helps genny deal with the startup load.
No switch that I'm aware of for keeping the Jenny at high RPMs. The Predator is running fine until I turn on the microwave. Also a few of the outlets seem to be creating a problem. Only the AC, which is a brand new Coleman Mach 3 plus at 13,500 BTU work as it should off the generator. Yes we are above 5,000 ft. But we've been there before with this generator and it worked fine then and it's working fine now. No issue with operating RPM.
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Old 08-05-2023, 03:02 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Marine359 View Post
Say watt one more time.

A 3500w predator should be capable of delivering almost 30 amps ac at peak load.
That’s the same as plugging into 30 amp shore power. Either something is robbing your power, or the Predator is not outputting 30 amps. The thieving culprit could be your charger. If your charger is able to charge at 80amps dc, that’s 960 watts, which leaves about 2,600w remaining.

With a few other loads, it could exceed the output of the Predator and trip overload. Try reprogramming the charger for a lower charge amperage, shut down all other ac loads, and ensure that the Predator has fresh oil in 5he crankcase.

Installing an easy start on the A/C also solves many generator issues.
Thank you for the reply. Yeah I agree the Predator it's quite capable of handling my needs. I'm not sure what charger you're referring to, unless you're talking about the charger built into the trailer. There is an outlet on the predator for charging a battery but I don't use that or haven't at least at this point. As I mentioned in my post, there's no issue of the starting of the AC or the need of a soft start. The generator is handling it just fine and it's running just fine. It's the other things in the trailer that seem to be having a problem and I don't know what the cause is.
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Old 08-05-2023, 03:04 PM   #13
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Originally Posted by Mudfrog View Post
Hmmmm, the air conditioner runs fine but the microwave doesn't. I guess a good question would be, how big is the air conditioner?
13,500 brand new Coleman Mach 3 plus. The air conditioner is running fine with the Predator generator. It's the microwave and possibly the outlets in the trailer that are causing problems as I described in my post.
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Old 08-05-2023, 03:13 PM   #14
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Sometime the converter not to be off, running the ac & the microwave.
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