Forum Discussion

Sallyelizabeth's avatar
Sallyelizabeth
Explorer
Jul 24, 2014

Newbie needs generator/power advice

I'm new to RVIng, and have been full-timing for just over a year. When I purchased my 2014 Alpine, I also picked up 2 Yamaha 2000is generators that connect. The sales guys assured me it would give me all the power I'd need.

Since then, I've enjoyed uninterrupted power, but tested them twice. The first time, I had the wrong 50amp pigtail. Fixed that. The second time, they fired up, connected to the camper, and nothing seemed to power on inside. I put everything away and figured I'd ask a seasoned person another time...

A two minute storm just passed through a few hours ago and the shore power is still out. My batteries are keeping the 12 volt stuff working, but 120 isn't working. I fly out for a wedding tomorrow and sort of want to do laundry, so I'm here now.

Your audience is a 39 year old woman who knows exactly nothing about power. I've learned a tremendous amount over the last 12 months, but this has me stumped. I'm sure it's simple if you know what you're doing!
Any and all advice is appreciated.
  • marspec's avatar
    marspec
    Explorer
    Jul 24, 2014
    Does the generator have an on/off switch for the smart throttle? If you are trying to run an air conditioner the generators should be running at full speed all the time. Also what is the rating of the A/C. If 15K the generators might have trouble starting it. If you have two A/Cs and one is a 13.5K try running it and see what happens.
  • Sallyelizabeth's avatar
    Sallyelizabeth
    Explorer
    Jul 24, 2014
    The water heater is set to electric, yes. That could have added quite a draw if it was heating.
    I'd hate to think the connection between the two is faulty because it's unused/new, but possibly.
  • riggsp's avatar
    riggsp
    Explorer
    Jul 24, 2014
    Sounds like the interconnection between the two generators isn't providing enough amperage to make the A.C. work...both generators may be making electricity, but the two together should effectively be double (although not quite) the amperage output of one generator.
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Jul 24, 2014
    Hi Sally,

    By any chance was the electric water heater on when you were trying to run the air conditioner?
  • Sallyelizabeth's avatar
    Sallyelizabeth
    Explorer
    Jul 24, 2014
    Thank you for the tips. I will try grounding.

    I got them working last night, but I don't think they were putting out as much power as they should.

    AC off, they worked -even if AC was later turned on. AC on, they worked for a minute then stopped (that's what was happening). All the lights have been upgraded to LED and there were only a few on in the kitchen at the time, in addition to the draw of the frig and water heater boards.

    Acting like they tripped a fuse, but not enough zappy power to actually do that?

    Power is back on today. Grateful for the people who do that job...
  • marspec's avatar
    marspec
    Explorer
    Jul 24, 2014
    This is probably late if you're flying out today but since the RV and the generators both have "floating grounds" you need to get a ground connection between the RV and the generators.

    Go to a hardware store and buy a replacement 3 prong plug. Get a small wire, it doesn't need to be big, you are only having it see a connection, not carrying current. A single strand off of a stranded wire is sufficient. Connect the NEUTRAL prong to the GROUND prong. DO NOT HOOK ANY WIRE TO THE HOT PRONG! Now, plug that into an outlet ON THE GENERATOR itself.


    A picture is at the bottom of this page of a previous thread.
  • MNRon's avatar
    MNRon
    Explorer
    Jul 24, 2014
    Are the breakers on the generators on? Can you plug in a hair drier or something directly to the generator to see they are providing power?
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Jul 24, 2014
    Hi,

    You won't get full power--but try running just one genny--and plug the shore power cord into that.

    It should be enough to run the washing machine.

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