Best way to run a generator

[GettinAway]

I'll be ordering Monday. What a huge improvement. I don't really understand why AS doesn't install these in the first place..

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by GettinAway

I'll be ordering Monday. What a huge improvement. I don't really understand why AS doesn't install these in the first place..

Less $$$$$=higher profit.

I suppose you could special order. (a choice many here would choose)
But they rely on the uninformed to bolster the profit margin.

Good luck with the install.

Bob

[handn]

Originally Posted by cwf

Update.

I see that Honda offers a 12VDC Unregulated charge option. Is this what you have?

Seems to me I would rather let converter recharge AS batteries. Just plug in your generator to your AS! Or bring along a dedicated battery charger for charging external batteries.

That's what we do, plug the power cord into the generator. Our plug on the
AS is 30 amp so you need a 20 amp adapter to match the plug on the generator. We used to plug the adapted plug directly into the generator, but the vibration would loosen it so we plug the AS plug into a short 20 amp extension cord and the extension cord into the generator.
Our EU 2000 has enough juice to run the converter and the microwave at the same time. We charge the batteries at the same time we are cooking dinner.
Run time to fully charge the batteries varies with us because we have a 200 watt solar charger. If it is cloudy and we get little solar, it takes us at least two hours of run time to almost fully charge the batteries (with a three stage converter). We camp in the fall in Colorado where it goes below freezing at night and the furnace motor runs a lot.
When the converter switches to trickle charge (about 12.8 volts), we switch off the generator. That last little bit of charge takes hours.
The batteries last longer if they don't go below 50% charge, so it is better to charge every day.

[GettinAway]

Ordered from Randy yesterday. Will be doing the install next week. Looking forward to quiet, reliable unit.
Thanks for all the input. I'll post a pic or two from the install.
Ruining a few batteries covers the cost of the converter in no time.
I guess AS is really no different from any other RV manufacturer. They will get by as cheaply as possible, to increase the bottom line..

[cwf]

Be sure to label wires, disconnect shore power ANd batteries!!!!

[GettinAway]

Originally Posted by cwf

Be sure to label wires, disconnect shore power ANd batteries!!!!

Will do. Thanks
I'm hoping there are some installation instructions.. VERY detailed installation instructions.

[GettinAway]

Well, Randy recommended the Progressive Dynamics, Intelli-Power 4600. It's a 55 amp. My plan is to do the install tomorrow. If it doesn't go well, I'm in trouble. We are leaving for Colorado pretty soon.. Yikes..

[GettinAway]

Got it installed in four hours.. That's good for me.
I'll see if it works. I'm trying to run the batteries down now. Then I'll hook it to the generator.. Fingers crossed.

HA!

[thetahoen]

I have two Yamaha EF2000is generators.
I was unable to utilize them both at the same time util. the parallel wiring access. I purchased from Yamaha.
I checked the breakers and that wasn't an issue. So I just used one at a time which limited what I could do; for instance the drip coffee maker took 15 minutes v. 5 minutes normally.
Any thoughts/suggestions would be much appreciated.

[TG Twinkie]

I believe you have to have a "companion" generator in order to run them in parallel. You can't run 2 primary generators or 2 companion generators in parallel.

[Olie]

Originally Posted by boondockdad

Not trying to hijack, but this might be relevant, as well.
How many of you 'ground' your genny?

Before I sold my EF2400iS (LP converted ) I would drive a 4' grounding rod into the ground, connected with some #6 AWG bare copper wire.

Never had any issues, just rarely used it. My pair of group 31's outlasted the holding tanks

How did you ever get the ground out of the ground when you left the campground?

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by Olie

How did you ever get the ground out of the ground when you left the campground?

Good point! For temporary use at a campsite, a large metal tent peg should do just about as well for a grounding rod.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by Protagonist

Good point! For temporary use at a campsite, a large metal tent peg should do just about as well for a grounding rod.

That's what I did, using the two braided copper straps, 'til I realized it still didn't stop the ground fault indication on the TRC monitor.
Had to connect ground to neutral on the dogbone to get rid of the fault indication.

I continue to ground it though...still don't completely trust lectricity.

Bob

[xrvr]

The older honda gen had a bolt on parallel kit, this was before the companions were avail. Perhaps the yammles had a similar kit, although I think honda was first. Jim