|
04-28-2016, 05:35 AM
|
#1
|
Rivet Master
2015 30' Classic
Decatur
, Illinois
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 681
|
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
|
|
|
04-28-2016, 05:39 AM
|
#2
|
Retired.
Currently Looking...
.
, At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by rbs
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.
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
|
|
|
04-28-2016, 07:06 AM
|
#3
|
Rivet Master
2013 31' Classic
billings
, Montana
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,570
|
My 2000 Honda uses a regular 15 amp and the trailer end uses a 50 amp to 15 amp adapter...
|
|
|
04-28-2016, 07:23 AM
|
#4
|
Rivet Master
2014 31' Classic
2015 23' International
2013 25' FB International
Apache Junction
, Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 6,214
|
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.
__________________
WBCCI Life Member 5123, AIR 70341, 4CU, WD9EMC
TV - 2012 Dodge 2500 4x4 Cummins HO, automatic, Centramatics, Kelderman level ride airbag suspension, bed shell
2014 31' Classic w/ twin beds, 50 amp service, 1000 watt solar system, Centramatics, Tuson TPMS, 12" disc brakes, 16" tires & wheels
|
|
|
04-28-2016, 07:28 AM
|
#5
|
Rivet Master
1966 22' Safari
Hilltop Lakes
, Texas
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,764
|
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.
|
|
|
04-28-2016, 08:05 AM
|
#6
|
Rivet Master
1974 Argosy 26
Morrill
, Nebraska
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,014
|
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.
|
|
|
04-28-2016, 10:22 AM
|
#7
|
Stay CazuaL
2018 25' Flying Cloud
2014 19' Flying Cloud
Reseda
, California
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 958
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by rbs
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.
|
|
|
04-28-2016, 11:51 AM
|
#8
|
3 Rivet Member
2010 30' Flying Cloud
Mocksville
, North Carolina
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 232
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by rbs
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
|
|
|
04-28-2016, 12:00 PM
|
#9
|
2 Rivet Member
2015 22' FB Sport
Selinsgrove
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 52
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by rbs
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.
|
|
|
04-28-2016, 01:00 PM
|
#10
|
"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 19,977
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by TinkersToy
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
__________________
"You don't know where you've been until you leave, enjoy life" RLC
|
|
|
04-28-2016, 09:32 PM
|
#11
|
Rivet Master
2014 25' FB Eddie Bauer
Vero Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 693
|
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
|
|
|
04-29-2016, 02:07 AM
|
#12
|
Rivet Master
2014 31' Classic
2015 23' International
2013 25' FB International
Apache Junction
, Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 6,214
|
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
__________________
WBCCI Life Member 5123, AIR 70341, 4CU, WD9EMC
TV - 2012 Dodge 2500 4x4 Cummins HO, automatic, Centramatics, Kelderman level ride airbag suspension, bed shell
2014 31' Classic w/ twin beds, 50 amp service, 1000 watt solar system, Centramatics, Tuson TPMS, 12" disc brakes, 16" tires & wheels
|
|
|
04-29-2016, 07:41 AM
|
#13
|
Rivet Master
2015 30' Classic
Decatur
, Illinois
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 681
|
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
|
|
|
04-30-2016, 09:25 AM
|
#14
|
Rivet Master
2006 23' Safari SE
Biloxi
, Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,278
|
I have never seen or noticed anyone actually grounding their portable generator. Does anyone here do it using the grounding terminal on the generator?
__________________
MICHAEL
Do you know what a learning experience is? A learning experience is one of those things that says "You know that thing that you just did? Don't do that."
|
|
|
04-30-2016, 04:32 PM
|
#15
|
Cloudland2
2016 25' Flying Cloud
Trenton
, Georgia
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 439
|
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
|
|
|
04-30-2016, 06:28 PM
|
#16
|
"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 19,977
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by AWCHIEF
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
__________________
"You don't know where you've been until you leave, enjoy life" RLC
|
|
|
05-01-2016, 05:40 AM
|
#17
|
Rivet Master
2006 23' Safari SE
Biloxi
, Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,278
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS
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?
__________________
MICHAEL
Do you know what a learning experience is? A learning experience is one of those things that says "You know that thing that you just did? Don't do that."
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|