Cannot run A/C while at highway speeds
This is long and I am sorry for that. But describing the setup and problem is necessary. Here is my situation. First of all, this is a 2005 Hitchhiker II 32.5 UKTG fifth wheel. I have built a ge...
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So, to make sure I understand the generator vacuum issue, if the generator becomes "starved" of air due to a buildup in a vacuum at the rear of the trailer, it is conceivable that one (or both) of these generators is losing it's ability to supply the rated power? I would assume this behavior would be similar to operating these at a very (VERY) high altitude? So, an EU2000i that is being starved of air flow will "try" to supply the demanded power, but, being unable to, one (or both) will go into overload. As soon as one goes into overload, the second will for obvious reasons.
To be honest, I had not suspected a vacuum buildup at the rear of the trailer as a culprit. But I will now focus more on that. While that problem may cause me to completely redesign my enclosure, it is better than having to modify the AC unit to address a vacuum buildup there.
I mentioned previously about putting a heavy load on the generators using space heaters. I can easily put 3-4 kw of load on with just the space heaters my wife has laying around. I would obviously want to secure them so that they do not tip over and start a larger problem. With a full (resistive) load, do you think that would potentially identify the generators as the culprit? If they still run fine with the heavier load, have I really ruled a vacuum builup out as an issue?
I am assuming you are making this comment tongue in cheek. Driving slow enough to prevent this issue keeps me down around 45 mph. Probably not a good idea when the interstate speed limit is 75 mph. 65 puts me at enough risk.
I think you and GordonThree are saying pretty much the same thing. Put it under a load without the AC and see what happens. Essentially, try to isolate the issue from the generators and the AC. Excellent suggestions.
Again, everyone on here has been very helpful and informative. I will see what I can do to rule one of these in or out as the culprit.
Scott
To be honest, I had not suspected a vacuum buildup at the rear of the trailer as a culprit. But I will now focus more on that. While that problem may cause me to completely redesign my enclosure, it is better than having to modify the AC unit to address a vacuum buildup there.
GordonThree wrote:
OP: your test #1 doesn't really prove anything, and you said it yourself. running the generators with no load is running the generators with no load.
I mentioned previously about putting a heavy load on the generators using space heaters. I can easily put 3-4 kw of load on with just the space heaters my wife has laying around. I would obviously want to secure them so that they do not tip over and start a larger problem. With a full (resistive) load, do you think that would potentially identify the generators as the culprit? If they still run fine with the heavier load, have I really ruled a vacuum builup out as an issue?
Ozlander wrote:
Drive slower. Problem solved.
I am assuming you are making this comment tongue in cheek. Driving slow enough to prevent this issue keeps me down around 45 mph. Probably not a good idea when the interstate speed limit is 75 mph. 65 puts me at enough risk.
bshpilot wrote:
run the generator full throttle (no load plugged in) - drive it and see if it stalls.
I think you and GordonThree are saying pretty much the same thing. Put it under a load without the AC and see what happens. Essentially, try to isolate the issue from the generators and the AC. Excellent suggestions.
Again, everyone on here has been very helpful and informative. I will see what I can do to rule one of these in or out as the culprit.
Scott
