belfert wrote:
dougrainer wrote:
Do you have 120 volts ANYWHERE in the RV when connected to that 50 amps? The AC units(compressor) has NO WAY to know what the supply is. Do the AC fans run? Do the compressors try to start? Doug
Yes, I have 120 volts to everything in the RV when plugged into the L14-30 outlet on the generator. The fans on the A/C units will run. The compressors just won't start on any of the A/C units.
I understand the 26 amps is surge only, but the compressor start-up is just a short term surge and after start-up it should only draw 12 to 13 amps.
I managed to run all three of my A/Cs and the 1500 watt water heater at the same time through the 120 volt 30 amp connection. I had to be pulling over 40 amps, but I didn't get out my clamp-on amp meter to check. I only ran the water heater for a minute or two.
Running high surge equipment on 30A shore power means nothing... Basically shore power is "unlimited" when it comes to surge currents, generators not so much.
Generators have an extremely limited surge current that they can support, inverter styles even more limited.
If you had a built in gen which has 240V what they tend to do is have ONE 30A circuit and ONE 20A circuit.
In your case you have TWO 20A circuits no matter how you decide to cut it up.
Your gen DOES not have the surge capacity to get the job done, if it was a non inverter model you most likely would be able to get away with that wattage.
You may need to look at adding hard start kits to the A/C units to see if that helps.
Personally I would return or sell that gen and find one that isn't an inverter type for your setup at perhaps a bit higher wattage.
