Seawind36 wrote:
We are so new to all this! Found a TroyBuilt 3550 generator with a Briggs and Stratton engine. When we went camping this weekend, the air would run for maybe 1/2 an hour then trip the generator and we had to reset. We realized that the generator has 2 reset switches so apparently neither on is enough to run the trailer. Anything we can do about that or do I need to buy another generator? We would appreciate some input!
You didn’t give exact model so I am guessing a bit with that.
If your Gen looks like the one in the link below then it may be Model 030331-0 which has three 120V 20A Duplex outlets and two breakers.
3550 MANUALThe problem is the outlets are being protected via 15A circuit breakers per diagram in link below!
3550 Wiring DiagramYou however cannot “combine” the duplex outlets to provide more than 15A, nor can you change the breaker to a 20A or higher without damaging the gen (overloading).
The reason for this is the gen actually contains TWO separate 120V windings, the windings appear to in series (this is the same idea as a 120/240 service entrance).
Worse yet is they SPLIT the duplex outlets!
Yep, one half of the outlet is one winding and the other half is the other. This means between both hots on the same outlet is 240V!
Of course this is my best guess on this, you can prove this out by taking a Volt meter and placing a lead on the hot of one side of the duplex and the other lead on the other hot side of the SAME duplex. If reading is 240ish then it is the way I guessed and you are out of luck.
The cheapskates omitted the 240V outlet and made the gen to APPEAR to supply 3550W at 120V when it is in reality TWO SEPARATE 1675W 120V outputs.
Whatever you do, do not use any of those duplex outlet combiners on those outlets (they are often sold with a RV 120V 30A outlet).
Your gen cannot provide more than HALF the rating without a major INTERNAL rewire.
Personally, I would return (or sell if you can’t return) the gen and get a Champion (Yellow color China Import and can be found at Tractor Supply, Lowes, or Home Depot) gen which is switchable between 120V and 240 and in 120V mode WILL provide full power to a built in RV 120V 30A outlet.
If you want to continue to use this gen you will need to lighten your electrical load a lot. Your A/C unit will use about 13A so there is not much "head room" so to speak.
For instance you will need to set your fridge to run from propane only, this will save 300W right off the top.
You will need to make sure you do not have the electric heating element turned on in your water heater if equipped (1200W?)..
You may need to turn off the converter while using the A/C...
Or perhaps run a extra extension cord into the trailer and run a few other items from that cord (make sure it is plugged into the outlet for the other breaker)...