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07-05-2020, 09:01 AM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member
2020 22' Bambi
2019 27' Globetrotter
Seacrest
, Florida
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 61
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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!
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07-05-2020, 09:39 AM
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#2
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Rivet Master
2018 27' Globetrotter
Apollo Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,401
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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.
__________________
2021 Northern-Lite 10-2 & F350 DRW PSD, 600W Solar/Victron/600A BattleBorn
146 nights 31,000 miles (first 10 months!)
Sold: 2018 GT27Q, 74 nights 12,777 miles
Sold: 2017 FC25FB, 316 nights 40,150 miles
Sold: 2013 Casita SD17 89 nights 16,200 miles
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07-05-2020, 10:45 AM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2021 33FB Classic
2019 30' Flying Cloud
Katy
, Texas
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 788
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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.
__________________
2021 Classic 33
2020 GMC 3500HD Duramax AT4
ProPride 3P
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07-05-2020, 10:49 AM
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#4
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Rivet Master
2002 30' Classic S/O
Fleming Island
, Florida
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,667
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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
__________________
“You cannot reason someone out of a position they have not been reasoned into"
Al, K5TAN and Missy, N4RGO WBCCI 1322
2002 Classic 30 Slideout -S/OS #004
2013 Dodge 2500 Laramie 4x4 Megacab Cummins
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07-06-2020, 06:14 AM
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#5
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Rivet Master
2018 27' Globetrotter
Apollo Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,401
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Its your lucky day! LOLOHO just answered your question with a video about running air conditioning from a generator:
__________________
2021 Northern-Lite 10-2 & F350 DRW PSD, 600W Solar/Victron/600A BattleBorn
146 nights 31,000 miles (first 10 months!)
Sold: 2018 GT27Q, 74 nights 12,777 miles
Sold: 2017 FC25FB, 316 nights 40,150 miles
Sold: 2013 Casita SD17 89 nights 16,200 miles
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07-06-2020, 09:39 AM
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#6
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3 Rivet Member
2017 25' International
Framingham
, Massachusetts
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 142
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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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07-06-2020, 10:54 AM
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#7
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Rivet Master
1988 25' Excella
1987 32' Excella
Knoxville
, Tennessee
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,095
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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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07-06-2020, 01:16 PM
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#8
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2 Rivet Member
2020 22' Bambi
2019 27' Globetrotter
Seacrest
, Florida
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 61
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AirMiles
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 . . .
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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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07-06-2020, 01:19 PM
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#9
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2 Rivet Member
2020 22' Bambi
2019 27' Globetrotter
Seacrest
, Florida
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 61
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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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07-06-2020, 01:20 PM
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#10
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2 Rivet Member
2020 22' Bambi
2019 27' Globetrotter
Seacrest
, Florida
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 61
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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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07-06-2020, 01:21 PM
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#11
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2 Rivet Member
2020 22' Bambi
2019 27' Globetrotter
Seacrest
, Florida
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 61
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jaybauman
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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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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07-06-2020, 01:25 PM
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#12
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2 Rivet Member
2020 22' Bambi
2019 27' Globetrotter
Seacrest
, Florida
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 61
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Erika_C
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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Meant to say my refrigerator does not run off propane. Only two way electric AC/DC.
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07-06-2020, 01:48 PM
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#13
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Rivet Master
2018 27' Globetrotter
Apollo Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,401
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Erika_C
Meant to say my refrigerator does not run off propane. Only two way electric AC/DC.
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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.
__________________
2021 Northern-Lite 10-2 & F350 DRW PSD, 600W Solar/Victron/600A BattleBorn
146 nights 31,000 miles (first 10 months!)
Sold: 2018 GT27Q, 74 nights 12,777 miles
Sold: 2017 FC25FB, 316 nights 40,150 miles
Sold: 2013 Casita SD17 89 nights 16,200 miles
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07-06-2020, 02:42 PM
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#14
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Rivet Master
1988 25' Excella
1987 32' Excella
Knoxville
, Tennessee
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,095
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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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07-06-2020, 02:53 PM
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#15
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Site Team
2007 30' Classic S/O
Somewhere
, South Carolina
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,436
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Erika_C
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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Eirka,
Mike Sokol can explain this neutral grounding plug feature better than most.
Gary
__________________
S/OS #001 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L 6 Speed
16" Michelins, Hi Spec Wheels, Max Brake, Dexter 4 Piston Disc Brakes, Carslile Actuator, Equal-I-Zer, Dill TPMS. Campfire cook. BMV-712. DEMCO 21K Lb Cast Iron coupler
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07-06-2020, 04:23 PM
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#16
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2 Rivet Member
2021 16' Bambi
Lawrence
, Kansas
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 49
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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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07-06-2020, 04:56 PM
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#17
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3 Rivet Member
2020 20' Bambi
Clayton
, North Carolina
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 229
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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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07-06-2020, 05:08 PM
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#18
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Site Team
2002 25' Safari
Dewey
, Arizona
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 15,606
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SUP'n Woman
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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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.
RV sites are like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get!
__________________
Richard
Wally Byam Airstream Club 7513
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07-06-2020, 05:23 PM
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#19
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4 Rivet Member
2015 28' Flying Cloud
Newtown
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 315
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GCinSC2
Eirka,
Mike Sokol can explain this neutral grounding plug feature better than most.
Gary
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Using a neutral grounding plug will surely trip the GFI on the generator.
Bruce
__________________
50 amp, Awning package
2015 Ram 2500 6.7 TD, Blue Ox 1000 lb.
400ah LiFePo4, 800 watts solar, 2x eu2000i Propane
PD9160 converter, Prosine 1800 inverter
2x Victron 100/30 Smart Solar, Victron Smart Shunt
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07-06-2020, 05:54 PM
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#20
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Site Team
2007 30' Classic S/O
Somewhere
, South Carolina
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,436
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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
__________________
S/OS #001 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L 6 Speed
16" Michelins, Hi Spec Wheels, Max Brake, Dexter 4 Piston Disc Brakes, Carslile Actuator, Equal-I-Zer, Dill TPMS. Campfire cook. BMV-712. DEMCO 21K Lb Cast Iron coupler
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