Inverter/Generator Issue

[brianfowler]

I recently aquired a small inverter generator (900watt) to keep my batteries charged in my 19' Passport travel trailer. The generator will power everything except the converter. It was tripping into overload and it took some playing around with breakers to figure out the culprit. The genny will run the hot water heater no problem, but not the inverter, the only thing I wanted it to run. Does the converter draw that much power? Or could there be an issue with my converter?

[tatest]

What size is your converter?

Looking at specs on PD replacement converters, 45 amp model has max continuous draw of 750 watts, 55 amp model is 950 watts. Peak or surge draw could be higher. There is most likely a plate on your converter with current draw information.

Compare to continuous (not peak) output rating for the generator. I suspect the smallest size needed for this load might be 1000-1200 continuous, likely advertised as something higher.

[Boon_Docker]

CA Traveler wrote:
I'd be very careful with the gen as fires can have many ramifications.

True story: A friend had a blowout in eastern AZ that started a huge forest fire. They received a $3M bill.

Did they ever pay that $3M bill ?

[CA_Traveler]

I'd be very careful with the gen as fires can have many ramifications.

True story: A friend had a blowout in eastern AZ that started a huge forest fire. They received a $3M bill.

[huachuca]

CA Traveler wrote:
Leave your charger CB off and instead use a portable auto charger with say a 20A+ capacity that will work on the gen. There are a number of good 3 stage ones available.

This would be my suggestion as well. From a brief google, it appears these were recalled in 2011 due to potential fuel leaks and the associated fire risk. Good luck.

[time2roll]

30 amp IOTA should serve you well $173

[tvman44]

At 55 amps on a well discharged battery that ginny is just too small, do as suggested and get a smaller smart charger and all will be fine. Will take longer to charge with a smaller charger but what is the rush?

[CA_Traveler]

Leave your charger CB off and instead use a portable auto charger with say a 20A+ capacity that will work on the gen. There are a number of good 3 stage ones available.

[brianfowler]

I have the generator that is pictured above, and yes its the one that is recalled. My converter is 55 amp output. I would return it but I didn't buy it, but rather dug it out a pile of trash in my buddy's shed. It was seized he said. Turns out he had changed the plug and the replacement was longer than the original and made contact with the piston. New plug, fresh gas, and second pull, free generator. I am not overly concerned if it doesn't work, I have a 3000 watt Champion genny I can carry with me but it is so **** loud. Can't justify spending the money on a new inverter generator. Was hoping this would work ,but not so lucky. Thanks everyone.

[CA_Traveler]

The first few hits I got on the gen is that it has been recalled by Canadian Tire due to a potential fire hazard. Not repaired but purchase refunded. Is that the unit you have?

The spec I found was PSW, 950W maximum, 850W continuous. So 850/120 = 7A continuous. I didn't find anything on a DC output for charging.

Besides your charger model number to help is it possible that there are other loads on the charger circuit? Perhaps connect the charger AC input directly to the gen AC output and see if that works?

[time2roll]

900 VA is good for maybe 40 amps into the battery. Everything else must be off or the amps must be even less. What is the converter model number?

[2oldman]

brianfowler wrote:
I am starting to think its not the wattage that is my issue, but rather the amps

They're directly related.

I don't have a ready answer, but it doesn't make any sense that it will run the HW (big amps) but not the converter (not as big amps).

[RoyB]

Now we need to know what your converter/charger model is....

Roy ken

[SoundGuy]

brianfowler wrote:
Yardworks 950 Watt. Supposed to have pure sine wave. I am starting to think its not the wattage that is my issue, but rather the amps. I think I may use the 12 volt option on the unit to directly charge my battery.

Canadian Tire junk ... thought it had been discontinued, curious you managed to buy one. :h Even the premium Honda's EU2000i genset has an unregulated 12 vdc charging port that will fry any battery if it's not carefully monitored, surely you don't believe this one is any better. :E

[RoyB]

Just found this online for the model 101172.... It says this is a YARDWORKS 950WATTS Generator. Is this what you have...



SKU/Part No. 101172
Description 950W Portable Power Generator
Peak Wattage 950 Watts
Continuous Wattage 800 Watts Maximum
Circuit Breaker 7 Amps

Roy Ken