Charging TT Battery with Honda 2000 Watt Generator

Choice B. Your owner's manual should state that the 12v outlet is 8 amps and not regulated.

I use the trailers AC plug. My converter/charger isn't the best but in my situation I have no problems charging my batteries using my Honda 2000.
The main reason besides convenience is that while charging the batteries using the AC plug it also powers up the 5th wheel. In summer when we do most camping it allows us to run the ceiling fan and other 120V items like my wifes hair dryer. We run the gen if needed at dinner time around 4-6 or 7 depending on needs.

2oldman wrote:
Choice B. Your owner's manual should state that the 12v outlet is 8 amps and not regulated.

X2

"Do you guys charge your batteries by using the..."

Solar system recharges my batts. Westinghouse 2000 inverter generator is exercised weekly but unneeded in last 90 days of camping. On those rare occasions...Plug in as if I was in a hookup CG...yuck.

Best/fastest way is by using the built in multistage converter.
Just plug the main RV cord into the generator and see if battery steadily climbs to 14.2+ volts.
If not then post the model number of the converter for best replacement options.

The 12v connector is slow and requires the eco-mode to be off.
A whole tank of gas will not hurt a low battery.

The 12 volt charger on the genny is probably capable of 8 amps or so, while the converter in the TT is 35, 45, or even 55 amps. Plus it's regulated to feed the right power to the battery for peak performance. Short answer, plug the TT in and let the smart circuit do its thing. It'll be much faster AND better for the battery life.

Good info. Thanks fellas.

JohnnyE! wrote:
Finally breaking down and buying a Honda 2000 watt generator for my TT. Do you guys charge your batteries by using the 12 DC outlet and connecting directly to your battery with the alligator clips or do you charge by connecting your power cord to the AC outlet and letting the TT converter do the charging?

Is one way better (faster, safer, etc.) than the other?

It's a converter, not an inverter first off and the best way to charge batteries is via a shore power cord plugged into your genny.

You might want to take a look at the Harbor Freight 2000 watt Honda clone inverter. It's less than 1/3rd the price of the Honda, has a longer run time and same output and economy (reduced idle) switch.... and it weighs less too.

SidecarFlip wrote:


You might want to take a look at the Harbor Freight 2000 watt Honda clone inverter. It's less than 1/3rd the price of the Honda, has a longer run time and same output and economy (reduced idle) switch.... and it weighs less too.

Thanks for the recommendation. Might have to take a look at that. Taking a look at the Champion 2000/1700 watt inverter too. Do you have any experiences with that make/model?

JohnnyE! wrote:

SidecarFlip wrote:


You might want to take a look at the Harbor Freight 2000 watt Honda clone inverter. It's less than 1/3rd the price of the Honda, has a longer run time and same output and economy (reduced idle) switch.... and it weighs less too.

Thanks for the recommendation. Might have to take a look at that. Taking a look at the Champion 2000/1700 watt inverter too. Do you have any experiences with that make/model?

Sure do, That is what I have actually. Mine is 2 years old and runs flawlessly and is very quiet and not heavy at all. I'm 67 and I can carry it around, no problem. Starts first or second pull, every time, usually first pull.

When I bought it, HF didn't have the 2000 watt Honda clone yet.

Had HF had their 2000 watt unit when I bought the Champ, I probably would have bought the HF. Honda was never a consideration, just way too expensive.