I'm considering picking up a remote start generator (something along the lines of a Champion 3400 watt). Reading the operation manual, it says that you cannot remote start the generator under load. Doesn't that entirely defeat the purpose of having a remote start? What's the point of starting it up with the remove and then having to go out and plug in the power shore cable? What are some of the ways of getting around this (maybe only plugging in the converter/charger with a wall switch on off until generator warms up?)

Well their manual says the same thing about their non-remote start gens and I have one and it starts just fine under load. It stutters for a fraction of a second. I notice that the generator itself does not apply the load for a second or so after starting. The extension cord I have has an LED light and it stays dark for a second or so before turning on.

One good way to prevent starting under load, and simultaneously adding a valuable feature to your RV, is to install an EMS system. They generally have a turn-on delay ranging from several seconds to a couple minutes. It would be necessary to use a bonding plug on the generator so the EMS doesn't complain of an open (unbonded) ground connection.

EMS = Emergency Medical System? Ethyl MethaneSulfonate? Earthen Manure Storage?? Inquiring minds want to know.

remote start generators have a delay before enabling power, otherwise they would never start due to the present load on the windings.

phemens wrote: What's the point of starting it up with the remove and then having to go out and plug in the power shore cable? The point IS that they get more of your money.IF....remote start is REALLY a valuable feature for you, shop for one that is really designed for that.....instead of one that has that added on without the proper engineering.A good generator with remote start, or automatic start, will have an engineered automatic connection delay built in, so that it comes up to speed and voltage before the load is connected.When you price a properly designed generator, you might decide that you don't need remote start after all.

Remote start generators - no load at start? | Good Sam Community

phemens
Explorer
Nov 08, 2018
Thanks everyone, good to know, got the answer I was hoping for!
Walaby
Explorer II
Nov 08, 2018
Flip main breaker for trailer until generator is spun up?

Mike
DrewE
Explorer II
Nov 08, 2018
agesilaus wrote:
EMS = Emergency Medical System? Ethyl MethaneSulfonate? Earthen Manure Storage?? Inquiring minds want to know.

In this case, Electrical Management System. I guess it was redundant to say "EMS System."

Progressive Industries and Surge Guard are the two most common brands for RVs, at least until you get into really fancy custom setups with load shedding based on the incoming power supply's capability, automatic generator starting, etc. These units protect against such problems as too low or high voltage, miswired supplies, AC line frequency variations that are way out of spec, etc.
azrving
Explorer
Nov 08, 2018
Example of EMS
agesilaus wrote:
EMS = Emergency Medical System? Ethyl MethaneSulfonate? Earthen Manure Storage?? Inquiring minds want to know.
azrving
Explorer
Nov 08, 2018
The load isn't on as it spins up at start. It takes a few seconds for power to show on my microwave. After running several seconds I then turn on ac or toaster etc. Been working fine for 5 years. Honda 3000
Sam_Spade
Explorer
Nov 08, 2018
phemens wrote:
What's the point of starting it up with the remove and then having to go out and plug in the power shore cable?

The point IS that they get more of your money.

IF....remote start is REALLY a valuable feature for you, shop for one that is really designed for that.....instead of one that has that added on without the proper engineering.

A good generator with remote start, or automatic start, will have an engineered automatic connection delay built in, so that it comes up to speed and voltage before the load is connected.

When you price a properly designed generator, you might decide that you don't need remote start after all.
LittleBill
Explorer
Nov 08, 2018
remote start generators have a delay before enabling power, otherwise they would never start due to the present load on the windings.
agesilaus
Explorer III
Nov 08, 2018
EMS = Emergency Medical System? Ethyl MethaneSulfonate? Earthen Manure Storage?? Inquiring minds want to know.
DrewE
Explorer II
Nov 08, 2018
One good way to prevent starting under load, and simultaneously adding a valuable feature to your RV, is to install an EMS system. They generally have a turn-on delay ranging from several seconds to a couple minutes. It would be necessary to use a bonding plug on the generator so the EMS doesn't complain of an open (unbonded) ground connection.
agesilaus
Explorer III
Nov 08, 2018
Well their manual says the same thing about their non-remote start gens and I have one and it starts just fine under load. It stutters for a fraction of a second. I notice that the generator itself does not apply the load for a second or so after starting. The extension cord I have has an LED light and it stays dark for a second or so before turning on.

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Remote start generators - no load at start?

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