Generator use while towing

[jd4010]

Greetings. Recently purchased a generator that is going to be mounted in the back of my truck to provide power to our 5er. Thought is that we'll run the generator while towing to keep the 2 refrigerators running on AC plus we'll be able to stop along our routes and use the 5er's A/C units.

So my question is this. When running shore power, or in this case the generator, while towing, do I need to disconnect the 12v lead on the 7 pin plug to avoid the 5er from back feeding into the truck (tow vehicle. I know the 7 pin plugs have a 12v lead that does enough to keep the camper battery charged ---- but I don't want the generator to back feed or impact the truck in any way. So my though was to install a switch that would allow me to shut off the 12v lead on the 7 pin when we're using the generator and to switch it back on when not.

Maybe I'm just over complicating things. But wanted to ask for thoughts.

Thanks.

[kennethwooster]

We installed an Onan, that will run 2 A/C. I f were going into an area that is hotI will start generator and let air conditioner run. Works perfect.

[jd4010]

Appreciate the comments and all the time many of you put into your suggestions.

I'm a newbie to this forum but long time user of Woodall's. Not sure why I never ran across this forum until now but glad that I did and will find myself on here a lot hopefully contributing as many of you have done.

Thanks again!

[ol_Bombero-JC]

jd4010 wrote:

Old-Biscuit wrote:

How are you going to plug in your gen to 5th wheel?

I purchased a 50 foot 30a cable. Will be running it from the back of the rv (where the power input is) under the camper and hopefully fishing it thru the frame to where the hitch resides coming out at the same location where the cables comes out now. Of course it'll be well secured under the camper and have plenty of play for turning.

Wish I had a front power input....that would be awesome!

Hmmm - maybe now you're "under" thinking your gen connection/s.
(Also - check your voltage drop for that 50')

But.....Why only "wish" for a front power input?..:@

Add one!..:C

Here's my (50 amp) set-up:
At the *front* power panel (inside a front compt), I cut the supply cord running to the rear Marinco connection.
Left about a three foot pigtail, with a male plug.

That can be connected to *one* of three supply cords.
(Each has a female plug)
1. The former cord running to the rear.
2. The (12V) powered reel with cord mounted inside the opposite front compt (normally the "pedestal" side). Usually only need to pull out about five feet of cord, push button to retract.
Compt door has a "notch" to allow closing with cord out.
Small sliding cover for same, when not in use.
3. A 30 amp cord to connect to the gen in the pickup bed.

Note: only *one* male plug - can only connect to *one* female.
Works fine for me - inc'l adding or subtracting my portable PI surge protector "in-line".

BTW - The cord reel is not necessary, and a 30amp (only) set-up would result in lower overall cost - with or w/out the reel.
For 50 amp, the "bonus" w/cord reel = no longer need to drag out the 50amp "Anaconda" for shore power.
IMO - the best item I've ever added..;)



~

[corvettekent]

My 5th wheel has a fuse in the 12 volt charge line. I pulled that fuse when I installed my solar system because I don't see any need for it anymore.

[GordonThree]

I do it all the time, not a 5r but TT. 12 gauge extension cord run inside the frame rail with a twist-lock end plugs into the shore power inlet on the trailer. Other end is regular 20 amp plug, goes into either one generator or twin Yamaha.

You might want to go with a 8 or 10 gauge cord if you're thinking high wattage.

Never had a problem with the 110 line dragging or moving anywhere, it rides higher than the 12v bargman cable.

You'll definitely want to leave the bargman connected, that's your brakes and signals. It might back feed a little, but so what... it just means less output from your alternator, if it even happens.

Testing for voltage alone won't tell you anything, it's how much current is flowing, and in what direction. If you really want to test, slit your bargman cable open and pull out the 12v line, put a clamp-meter on it. If you see big amperage moving while the generator is running, something fishy is going on.

[jd4010]

Old-Biscuit wrote:

How are you going to plug in your gen to 5th wheel?

I purchased a 50 foot 30a cable. Will be running it from the back of the rv (where the power input is) under the camper and hopefully fishing it thru the frame to where the hitch resides coming out at the same location where the cables comes out now. Of course it'll be well secured under the camper and have plenty of play for turning.

Wish I had a front power input....that would be awesome!

[jd4010]

Thanks for the responses.

Like many others, I have kept the truck 7 pin connected while on shore power but usually the truck is off. It's my understanding that when the key is off, the relay is opened and hence the 12v at the plug is off. Obviously while towing, the relay would be closed so the line energized.

Got an idea that I'm going to test. Maybe tonight (or this weekend), I'm going to hook up shore power to the camper and then using a digital meter, check out the voltage on the 7 pin cable (on the 5er) to see if I get power.

Yes....overthinking gets me in trouble sometimes.

[Old-Biscuit]

12V connected no issue........no different then having trailer connected while on shore power


I have a 4KW gen in truck bed and plug in/run gen to run 5vrs A/C while in transit so 5vr is nice and cooled down when we set up during Hot summer temps.

How are you going to plug in your gen to 5th wheel?

I have DUAL shore power receptacles....but one up front was added for gen in truck bed use.

[ThomasFour]

We run the built-in generator on our toy hauler routinely while driving. I do this to run the A/C. Granted that's a little different that what you're talking about, but its never been an issue. I have also plugged into shore power with the 7-pin adapter still plugged into the truck. Never a problem. I think you are "over thinking things."

[KD4UPL]

The 12v connected together shouldn't matter.
Be careful with generator selection. One of my friends tried what you are proposing but the generator wouldn't stay running in motion. Either the fuel was sloshing away from the pick-up or the oil was sloshing away from the low oil sensor. Obviously RV type generators are built to be operated in motion. Portable generators aren't necessarily.

[the_bear_II]

On my 5th wheel the generator will charge the batteries on the 5th wheel through the converter/charger and 12V is sent to the truck through the pigtail plugged into the truck. No damaging feedback since the 12V system is isolated from the 110V system in the 5th wheel.

What you are proposing will work. But you'll need to make sure your power cord is securely attached from the truck to the 5th wheel with slack to allow for turns. I saw a guy towing down the road with his power cord dragging on the ground. It had come loose on a bumpy section of road. Luckily he stopped when I flagged him down befor there was too much damage.

[RoyB]

The fridge in mine stay good for many hours if you don't open the doors...

Never had a generator big enough to run the A/C's so can't help you there...

Roy Ken