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Old 07-05-2020, 09:01 AM   #1
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Crushed boondocking dreams. Need Generator Help- newbie

Hi all,

From reading this forum I learned that I needed to install an EZ Start to run the AC off my generator on our 2020 Bambi FB. That was installed.
I have a Honda 2000i generator (see pic) with two 120v outlets. I’m using a dog bone 15 AMP to 30 AMP to connect the AS to the generator.

When I try to turn on the AC nothing happens. The first time I tried it did come on but I had a circuit overload. While connected to shore power I started the AC multiple times in case the dealer did not give the EZ start time to “learn”. But that didn’t help.

The shore power cable does not light up (red light) when plugged in to the generator but it does light up when I plug it into a regular house outlet using the same dog bone.

I’ve been told I may need to get power from both outlets out of the generator to make this work. But those adapters don’t seem available? Is that even the issue?
Not sure what I am missing...Both the AC and the generator work independently. Hoping you all can help. Thanks!Click image for larger version

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Old 07-05-2020, 09:39 AM   #2
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It doesn't make sense that the red light in the Airstream doesn't turn on when you plug into the generator without the A/C on. Are you sure you are getting power through your cord? You may need to press the reset button on the generator. Once you get power from the generator to the Airstream . . .

Try turning off your controller (battery charger) before starting the air conditioner. The controller is on one of the circuits controller by a circuit breaker. The battery charger is probably causing the overload when you run your air conditioner. Also make sure the refrigerator is set to propane or DC. A 2000W generator is just big enough to start the air conditioner. You have to be sure to turn off any other 120V draws before turning on the air conditioner. Once the air conditioner starts, you may be able to turn the refrigerator back to 120V and the air conditioner will continue to run. But when the air conditioner cycles, it might overload the generator again at startup with the refrigerator on 120V.
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Old 07-05-2020, 10:45 AM   #3
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By any chance, are you using a surge guard or some other type of voltage protection device when you connect to your RV? If so, you may need to "fix" the floating neutral before electrons can flow to your Airstream.
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Old 07-05-2020, 10:49 AM   #4
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Quoting:

From reading this forum I learned that I needed to install an EZ Start to run the AC off my generator on our 2020 Bambi FB. That was installed.
I have a Honda 2000i generator (see pic) with two 120v outlets. I’m using a dog bone 15 AMP to 30 AMP to connect the AS to the generator.

I did exactly that with an older EU2000i. It works with no problems, even on propane.

When I try to turn on the AC nothing happens. The first time I tried it did come on but I had a circuit overload. While connected to shore power I started the AC multiple times in case the dealer did not give the EZ start time to “learn”. But that didn’t help.

If the person who installed your EasyStart didn't train it right, it is not as simple as doing three more starts. Something has to be done to the EasyStart to put it back in learn mode. If this is the problem someone will have to go p on the roof.

The shore power cable does not light up (red light) when plugged in to the generator but it does light up when I plug it into a regular house outlet using the same dog bone.

Did you check the breaker and GFCI on your generator? I am not familiar with the generator you posted a picture of but it says it has a built-in GFCI. Others have reported problems with something in the trailer tripping home GFCIs. That may be your problem. I have run my trailer from a GFCI-protected outlet without problems but that apparently is not the general case.

I’ve been told I may need to get power from both outlets out of the generator to make this work. But those adapters don’t seem available? Is that even the issue?
Not sure what I am missing...Both the AC and the generator work independently. Hoping you all can help. Thanks!

You should not need to come out of both outlets. The generator output is 13A and the outlets are rated for 15. I run my trailer from a single outlet on my Honda.

Make sure your fridge is on propane only, not automatic. If your water heater has an electric option, turn that off and use propane only. Particularly if your batteries are discharged, turn off the breaker to the converter, or preferrably run the trailer without air conditioning until the batteries are charged and then turn on the air conditioner. At this point you should b able to leave the converter breaker on.

I think your generator is not putting out power after the original overload. Reset the breaker and GFCI as required and try again.

Al
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Old 07-06-2020, 06:14 AM   #5
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Its your lucky day! LOLOHO just answered your question with a video about running air conditioning from a generator:
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Old 07-06-2020, 09:39 AM   #6
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Search about making your own neutral to ground plug. You need to make one of these to get the Honda generator to power your Airstream. This is why the light won’t light up on the cord. It doesn’t detect the proper ground circuit.
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Old 07-06-2020, 10:54 AM   #7
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Sounds to me like you now have a bad connection in your 15 to 30 amp dogbone or in the generator outlet. Check to see if the red light comes on on shore power if you can do that. Switch the dogbone to the other outlet on the generator.

If the trailer works on shore power and the generator powers other stuff that is plugged into the outlet then it sounds like the dogbone is gone.

Yes, in general you would want to switch off everything you can to start the AC on generator. But...the generator makes about the same output as a 15 amp short connection so if it works on one it should work on the other.

Maybe the inlet breaker on the trailer is tripped if you cannot actually check it on shore power now that would be a good place to start.
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Old 07-06-2020, 01:16 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AirMiles View Post
It doesn't make sense that the red light in the Airstream doesn't turn on when you plug into the generator without the A/C on. Are you sure you are getting power through your cord? You may need to press the reset button on the generator. Once you get power from the generator to the Airstream . . .
I know. I think this is the main problem. It is not bringing any power. So I can't even get to the point of turning off the converter and/or refrigerator. By the way my AC does not run off propane. So it can't be switched to that.
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Old 07-06-2020, 01:19 PM   #9
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Thanks for the tip. The dogbone worked with a regular extension cord to power up the airstream from my friend's house outlet...
I am pretty sure I tried both outlets on the generator but will try again (generator was just serviced but I will try to plug other items in to check. I also have a GFCI plug tester). I will be on shore power tonight so I can check to see if the circuit has been tripped before I try again.
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Old 07-06-2020, 01:20 PM   #10
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I did buy a ground plug. I will try using this on one of the outlets to see if it works. Thanks for your help!
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Old 07-06-2020, 01:21 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jaybauman View Post
By any chance, are you using a surge guard or some other type of voltage protection device when you connect to your RV? If so, you may need to "fix" the floating neutral before electrons can flow to your Airstream.
Not sure what fixing the floating neutral means. But I am not using a surge guard on this set-up. I will try to put a ground plug on the other outlet to see if that works. I do have one of those.
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Old 07-06-2020, 01:25 PM   #12
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Originally Posted by Erika_C View Post
I know. I think this is the main problem. It is not bringing any power. So I can't even get to the point of turning off the converter and/or refrigerator. By the way my AC does not run off propane. So it can't be switched to that.
Meant to say my refrigerator does not run off propane. Only two way electric AC/DC.
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Old 07-06-2020, 01:48 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Erika_C View Post
Meant to say my refrigerator does not run off propane. Only two way electric AC/DC.

Then switch it to DC while trying the Air Conditioner. Once you get the Air Conditioner running, switch the refrigerator back to AC. If your generator is overloading, you want to turn off everything that is using 120V AC power and then turn on the generator. Your generator should be able to run the Air Conditioning.
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Old 07-06-2020, 02:42 PM   #14
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For a short test just turn the fridge off. Then back on when the AC is running. I doubt that is your problem but it could be, I guess. Also be sure the electric hot water heater is not on.
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Old 07-06-2020, 02:53 PM   #15
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Originally Posted by Erika_C View Post
Not sure what fixing the floating neutral means. But I am not using a surge guard on this set-up. I will try to put a ground plug on the other outlet to see if that works. I do have one of those.
Eirka,

Mike Sokol can explain this neutral grounding plug feature better than most.

Gary

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Old 07-06-2020, 04:23 PM   #16
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A number of you have mentioned the "dog bone". Being brand new to the Bambi world, I know I need a "dog bone", but don't know if I need a dog bone 15 AMP to 30 AMP or 30 amp to 50 amp, and I also don't know which end should be male and which end female. I so appreciate any input you can provide for me!!! Am sooo looking forward to getting our new Bambi next month!
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Old 07-06-2020, 04:56 PM   #17
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On the 2020 Bambi refridge. DC/AC only as mentioned by OP. If you have battery disconnect switch on and inside dial of fridge on and no shore/generator then it runs on DC, obviously. If you turn off battery disconnect switch while inside of fridge is turned on and plug in shore/generator it runs on AC, obviously. If you have battery disconnect switch on and inside dial on fridge on and plug in shore/generator it is not clear to me if the refridge automatically starts running on AC or is still running off DC battery which is now being charged by AC since the battery disconnect switch is on. But for sure, once you turn the dial inside fridge to zero the fridge turns off. The inside light does not come on when you open door. Just my experience starting my lwn “shakedown” and “getting to know” processes.
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Old 07-06-2020, 05:08 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SUP'n Woman View Post
A number of you have mentioned the "dog bone". Being brand new to the Bambi world, I know I need a "dog bone", but don't know if I need a dog bone 15 AMP to 30 AMP or 30 amp to 50 amp, and I also don't know which end should be male and which end female. I so appreciate any input you can provide for me!!! Am sooo looking forward to getting our new Bambi next month!
If you have 30 amp service (I do), I would suggest a 15 amp male to 30 amp female and a 50 amp male to a 30 amp female. This allows you to plug into power at 15 amp (generator), 30 amp and 50 amp outlets. I also carry a 25 foot 30 amp extension as well as extra water hoses and a water y adapter.

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Old 07-06-2020, 05:23 PM   #19
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Eirka,

Mike Sokol can explain this neutral grounding plug feature better than most.

Gary

Using a neutral grounding plug will surely trip the GFI on the generator.

Bruce
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Old 07-06-2020, 05:54 PM   #20
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Bruce,

I have same Honda 3000 and used a bonding plug. No problem.

Mike Sokol is one smart RV power guru.

Gary
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