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Old 04-28-2016, 05:35 AM   #1
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Special Plug used w/Generator?

I have read so many threads about portable generators that I can't find the one that talked about the use of a "special" plug that should be used when the generator is powering our Airstream. I had just assumed plugging into the generator was all that was necessary, but read that might not be the best and safest, but can't find that info. Thanks for the help
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Old 04-28-2016, 05:39 AM   #2
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I have read so many threads about portable generators that I can't find the one that talked about the use of a "special" plug that should be used when the generator is powering our Airstream. I had just assumed plugging into the generator was all that was necessary, but read that might not be the best and safest, but can't find that info. Thanks for the help
You need a 30 amp-to-30 amp RV adapter plug.
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Old 04-28-2016, 07:06 AM   #3
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My 2000 Honda uses a regular 15 amp and the trailer end uses a 50 amp to 15 amp adapter...
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Old 04-28-2016, 07:23 AM   #4
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The Honda 2000 watt generator models have two configurations, one with a standard duplex 120Vac outlet like in your house and the other with a single 120Vac receptacle (half of a duplex outlet) and a twist-lok 30 amp 120Vac outlet. That 30 amp outlet can carry the combined power when both of those units are connected together with the Honda cable set and power the 30 amp trailer service just like being on shore power.

The 2000 watt Honda generators can support 13.3 amps continuously and 16.6 amps temporarily. Two together double the current so continuous would be 26.6 amps and surge would be 33.2 amps. The main breaker of the trailer is 30.0 amps. So the same power management skills needed for shore power would also work with the two 2000 watt connected generators when they are operational.
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Old 04-28-2016, 07:28 AM   #5
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The twist-lock plug that matches the generator is available at Lowes or Depot. I made up an adapter with the twist-lock on one end and a 30-amp female RV plug on the other. The local RV supply place had the RV plug on a short cord--probably intended as a replacement for something.

Two Honda 2000's in parallel run my trailer just fine, including 15,000 btu air conditioner on a hot Texas summer day.
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Old 04-28-2016, 08:05 AM   #6
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Yamaha uses a parallel cable which has the standard 30amp RV receptacle. No twist lock adaptor required.
This is for paralleling 2 2,000 watt units. Not sure what is on a 3,000 watt unit.
The standard 20 amp household type receptacle will work if you don't require air conditioning.
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Old 04-28-2016, 10:22 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rbs View Post
I have read so many threads about portable generators that I can't find the one that talked about the use of a "special" plug that should be used when the generator is powering our Airstream. I had just assumed plugging into the generator was all that was necessary, but read that might not be the best and safest, but can't find that info. Thanks for the help
Let's start by asking what kind of Gen you have.
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Old 04-28-2016, 11:51 AM   #8
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Originally Posted by rbs View Post
I have read so many threads about portable generators that I can't find the one that talked about the use of a "special" plug that should be used when the generator is powering our Airstream. I had just assumed plugging into the generator was all that was necessary, but read that might not be the best and safest, but can't find that info. Thanks for the help
Are you talking about a special adapter to make your RV plug fit the generator receptacle or a "bonding" plug? There are adapters, depending on what receptacle your generator has. The other issue deals with a floating ground. You can modify a plug to bond the neutral and ground together to solve this issue. You can make one for a couple of bucks or buy one from Progressive Industries. They also have a video explaining the logic behind this:
http://www.progressiveindustries.net...tor-plug/c1mwy
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Old 04-28-2016, 12:00 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by rbs View Post
I have read so many threads about portable generators that I can't find the one that talked about the use of a "special" plug that should be used when the generator is powering our Airstream. I had just assumed plugging into the generator was all that was necessary, but read that might not be the best and safest, but can't find that info. Thanks for the help
I think you may be referring to a "Floating Ground" where the ground in the generator is not grounded as may be the case with some portable generators. If you check you generator outlet with a circuit tester it will likely show an open ground.
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Old 04-28-2016, 01:00 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by TinkersToy View Post
I think you may be referring to a "Floating Ground" where the ground in the generator is not grounded as may be the case with some portable generators. If you check you generator outlet with a circuit tester it will likely show an open ground.

If that is the case it's an easy 'fix'

Sorry....here's a direct link with photo

Not a safety concern it just cures the false fault code that can set when on Gen power.

Bob
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Old 04-28-2016, 09:32 PM   #11
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And if you have a Honda 2000 companion generator or other generator with a "30 amp 120 v twist lock" outlet, you will need one of these to turn that outlet into the 30 amp 120 v TT standard that your trailer's 30 amp power cord expects.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/44641541?w...990729&veh=sem
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Old 04-29-2016, 02:07 AM   #12
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We have the standard Furrion 30 amp power cord as well as their 30 amp 25' "extension cord" that has a male and a female twist-lok connector. The "extension" cord can be directly connected to the generator and the trailer with no adapters.

http://furrion.com/product/marine-sh...ft-titanium-2/

I made a 6' 30 amp cord using #10 SJ three conductor cord with twist-lok connectors on both ends so the generator can connect to the new front power inlet of the 23D while being powered by the front propane outlet inside the "A" frame of the hitch. I got the outdoor in wet conditions twist-lok connectors from the Furrion web site.

http://furrion.com/product-category/...=menu_order%2F
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Old 04-29-2016, 07:41 AM   #13
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Thanks

The "Floating Ground" was the question/article I had read. We haven't decided on which 2000 watt generator to purchase, but will most likely be a Honda of Yamaha. Again, thanks to all that responded
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Old 04-30-2016, 09:25 AM   #14
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I have never seen or noticed anyone actually grounding their portable generator. Does anyone here do it using the grounding terminal on the generator?
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Old 04-30-2016, 04:32 PM   #15
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Great information here! As a newbie, does a current model Airstream have a standard "built in" surge protector/voltage protection system? If not or if so, is it recommended to add an aftermarket surge/voltage protection system like those from Progressive Industries?

Thanks in advance!

Dave
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Old 04-30-2016, 06:28 PM   #16
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I have never seen or noticed anyone actually grounding their portable generator. Does anyone here do it using the grounding terminal on the generator?
I used to....hence the copper strap.



I pounded a tent spike thru the eyelet, but gave it up when I learned the 'spike' would have to be 10' feet long to do any good....

Bob
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Old 05-01-2016, 05:40 AM   #17
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I used to....hence the copper strap.



I pounded a tent spike thru the eyelet, but gave it up when I learned the 'spike' would have to be 10' feet long to do any good....

Bob
I have read that also.
How do you like the propane conversion?
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