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mary graham · 08-04-2013, 06:28 PM

We are dry camping for our first time in a new 2013 Sport. Tried using a new Honda eu 2000I generator. We are unable to run anything with generator and now our battery is dead. We are at a loss to figure out the problem. no breakers have gone off and no fuses blown Battery switch is on .
please send your ideas. thanks.

jdalrymple · 08-04-2013, 06:39 PM

Test the generator by plugging a hair dryer or some appliance into it directly.

The generator has a circuit breaker too. It looks like a white button that says "20" on it. Make sure it is pressed in.

Does your trailer have two shoreline inputs? If so, try the other one.

Welcome to the forums!

Regards,

JD

arktos55343 · 08-04-2013, 06:52 PM

Eu2000i also has an 'Eco' switch. If you are trying to run a bunch of different things, may have to turn that off. You probably know, but a 2000i alone will not run an a/c unit.

SteveSueMac · 08-04-2013, 06:55 PM

In addition, are you running it in Eco mode? That reduces power a bit. You also can't run your AC with one of those generators, you'd need to pair it with a companion. Does your (new?) battery require water? Not sure what else to add other than sorry for the nuisance - hope it all sorts out soon!

Wazbro · 08-04-2013, 07:21 PM

As said try the other power input if you haven't.
Someone posted that the new trailers have something in the system that doesn't work well with the main plug and the floating ground on some generators.

mary graham · 08-04-2013, 07:47 PM

Thanks for all your comments. We tried an appliance directly to generator and it did not power the appliance. Generator sounds like it's running but we are wondering if this generator (brand new) is the problem or the Airstream (possibly the converter?) is the problem. Our truck will power the battery directly but that doesn't seem like the most efficient idea.

Unfortunately, for right now we are camping in a beautiful silver 'tent' : using battery operated lights & fans, coolers with ice instead of a refrigerator. :-)

jdalrymple · 08-04-2013, 07:52 PM

If an appliance plugged directly into the generator won't operate, your first problem is certainly the generator.

It "sounds like it's running." ? If it is running, you will certainly know it.

There is a green LED on the generator that lights up if the unit is making power. Is it on?

Regards,

JD

SteveSueMac · 08-04-2013, 07:55 PM

Hmm. Did you press the white 20 reset button? I don't remember but is the outlet a ground fault interrupter and if so, have you tried resetting that?

If not those things, I'd call your supplier of the generator. In the meantime, sounds like you've figures out how to enjoy the tent for now! :-)

mary graham · 08-04-2013, 07:56 PM

Not running in echo mode and we have only one power outlet/connection on outside of Airstream. When we use truck to recharge battery we can use lights and dc outlet briefly but refrigerator on propane refuses to come on. Frig was working fine on propane when we first got here...until battery went dead. At least we can still use stovetop.

mary graham · 08-04-2013, 08:02 PM

Don't know about the green led light on generator. Will check in daylight tomorrow. Re set button was pushed. Thanks for all your comments. We will take generator back to supplier when we get home, and hope that is the problem.
We are trying hard to learn.. thanks for your help!

TBRich · 08-04-2013, 08:43 PM

Hang in there....it sounds like a generator issue, especially if the genny won't power an appliance when plugged directly into the generator.

Sorry is it making your trip a bit trying, but hopefully in the end the solution will be easy and you can enjoy future trips without incident. It will make a great story in hind sight...not it's not much of a consolation in the present...

Dean E · 08-04-2013, 09:25 PM

If the generator is from a national chain, it should be possible to return it to any nearby store. Good luck.

Dean E

Phoenix · 08-05-2013, 01:03 AM

Link to Honda EU2000i Owners Manual PDF:

http://cdn.powerequipment.honda.com/...X31Z076300.pdf

* Use shore power cable to connect to generator. You may need to buy or borrow a 30 amp-style RV adapter plug if you did not get one with the generator. Use converter to power lights and charge your batteries.

* While you can use DC receptacle to charge your batteries, this connector is not regulated. It would be easiest to connect your Airstream to the 120-volt AC receptacle. Then, you can experiment with the 12-volt receptacle after you get your lights and refrigerator working, and start charging your dead batteries.

* See instructions for AC circuit protector on page 16.

* See AC troubleshooting tips on page 66.

* If AC circuit protector is tripped because you are drawing too many amps, YOU MUST TURN GENERATOR OFF (stop the gasoline engine) BEFORE RESETTING THE CIRCUIT PROTECTOR. The circuit protector will NOT reset while the generator is running.

* If necessary, disconnect all appliances plugged directly into the generator, and unplug all devices from the 120-volt AC receptacles in your Airstream. You may also wish to turn OFF all circuit breakers in your AC circuit panel, if you suspect a 120-volt AC short inside your Airstream. However, this is probably unnecessary, if your Airstream previously worked normally on shore power. Note: If you turn the AC circuit breakers OFF, turn them back ON after you restart the generator and reset the circuit protector.

Maximum output of this model is 16.7 amps (continuous). Do NOT use any appliance (or combination of appliances) that draws over 16.7 amps (e.g., air conditioner, hairdryer, microwave, coffee maker, etc.).

Good luck!

Melody Ranch · 08-05-2013, 06:20 AM

Don't leave the truck hooked to the Airstream . Your use of battery power will not only use all the juice from the coach battery, but will also drain the truck battery dead.

mary graham · 08-05-2013, 06:54 AM

Phoenix, the green light does not come on when we start the generator, so guess we are getting no output. Will return the generator when we get home. Thanks for your detailed reply!

mary graham · 08-05-2013, 06:56 AM

Melody Ranch
We won't leave AS connected to truck. Thanks!

Skater · 08-05-2013, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melody Ranch

Don't leave the truck hooked to the Airstream . Your use of battery power will not only use all the juice from the coach battery, but will also drain the truck battery dead.

It depends on the truck. Newer ones disconnect the charge line when the ignition is off; I confirmed this on mine using a multimeter.

Wazbro · 08-05-2013, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phoenix

Maximum output of this model is 16.7 amps (continuous). Do NOT use any appliance (or combination of appliances) that draws over 16.7 amps (e.g., air conditioner, hairdryer, microwave, coffee maker, etc.).

Sorry, this is incorrect, should be
Maximum output of this model is 16.7 amps (surge NOT continuous).
Maximum output 13.3amps (1600watts) continuous.

Phoenix · 08-05-2013, 08:52 PM

Ah, I stand corrected.

Wazbro your memory is better than mine; guess I should have looked this up, instead of trusting my memory. --Thanks!

mary graham · 08-06-2013, 06:05 AM

Here's what we are hoping to use: refrigerator, water pump, one or two led lights, fan. Should we just skip the generator and get solar panels since our needs are so small?