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Old 02-11-2016, 02:12 PM   #1
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Generator useage

I'm about to buy a 2000W generator (either Honda or Yamaha) and have a question. Do I just plug the trailer power cord to the generator and let her rip or do I need anything else? Will use to mainly to charge two group 24 batteries and a few small appliances. I assume just plugging in to the trailer power cord and let the trailer converter charge the batteries is the most efficient? or use a battery charger directly to the batteries? As you can tell, I'm not very electrically knowledgeable.
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Old 02-11-2016, 02:30 PM   #2
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Yup. Just plug into the trailer like you're on shore power..... I have a Honda Eu2000i and it works flawlessly. So quiet I don't even know it's running.
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Old 02-11-2016, 02:31 PM   #3
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Yes, just plug in to the TT power cord. You'll need an adapter to drop down to a 20 amp plug.

I've found that a separate battery charger charges the battery(s) up much more quickly. If you go that route, you'll need to pull the battery fuse before hooking up the stand-alone charger, so there's no confusion between it and the TT's converter.
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Old 02-11-2016, 03:24 PM   #4
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I have a Honda 2000w and it has a 30amp plug, still needs an adapter but worth having. You can run a 2nd in parallel to make it a 4000w if you ever decide you need it. Something to consider when buying.
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Old 02-11-2016, 04:56 PM   #5
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I have the Honda EU2000i companion with the twist lock 30 amp receptacle too, but it's not necessary to use it when not running the generator in parallel. The 20 amp receptacle will handle all the Companion's output, with some to spare, when running it by itself.

I bought one of the 30amp RV/30amp twistlock adapters when I bought my generator, but hardly used it. I thought I'd be buying a second Honda to run in parallel, but that never happened. I tend to travel away from extreme heat and cold weather. Been using the 20amp adapter for a few years now.
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Old 02-11-2016, 07:31 PM   #6
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I use one of these RV30A-15A Adapters from WALMART with my 30A trailer shore power cord...


Using my smart mode on-board converter/charger unit I can re-charge my 50% depleted batteries back up to their 90% charge state in as little as three hours of generator run time with my 2KW Honda EU2000i...

My 2KW Honda Generator sits secured in my covered and locked truck bed. When i need to use it I just pull it out onto the truck tail gate and plug the 30A Trailer shore power cable into it...



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Old 02-11-2016, 08:09 PM   #7
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I have the Whitehawk 27DSRL. How efficient/fast is the stock converter/charger in charging two Group 24 batteries? Would a better converter be worthwhile and if so, how difficult is it to change out?
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Old 02-11-2016, 09:16 PM   #8
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There is also a DC adapter cable that comes with the Yamaha generator to charge the batteries directly.
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Old 02-11-2016, 09:23 PM   #9
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If you're interested in a fast charge you may want to consider an automotive type charger hooked directly to your batteries. Remember if you're going to charge both batteries at the same time that the charging amperage is going to be split between the two batteries, so in theory charging two batteries may take twice as long to come up to a full charge.
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Old 02-12-2016, 04:41 PM   #10
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Yup!! Just let her rip. Get a heavy duty [not a cheap orange garden one] extension [30 or 50 feet] so you can get the genny away from your RV of possible. Honda's are quiet, but a little distance is good. Just set it next to a tree so you can chain it up. Like people say, these genny's are like gold and can grow legs if you're not careful. I keep them covered [out of site] and chained up. In a busy campground, its probably best to keep it close to the RV.
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Old 02-12-2016, 06:03 PM   #11
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I use a 2100W Powerhouse generator (I think it is from Northern Tool). It is a bit bigger than the EU2000i, but 1/2 the $cost$. It comes with wireless remote start (and shut-off), and has all the bells and whistles as the Honda.
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Old 02-16-2016, 08:20 AM   #12
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Here is a tip for you... start the gen then plug in and unplug before turning off the gen.. this will avoid nasty spikes that may harm your electronics in the RV.
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Old 02-23-2016, 04:36 PM   #13
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+1

Let the generator warm up before plugging into it or it may cough and die and make sure economy mode is turned off before plugging in.

Even with new trailers I would recommend an updated programmable converter. Batteries need 14.8v or more to get a proper full charge and while some converters will supply 14.4v while in bulk they will typically drop into float charge too early and will then take much longer to charge your battery to full.

Get one that you can program according to the charging specs for your specific battery and you will get much more efficient charging and better battery life and capacity.

Install a battery monitor while you are at it. Well worth the money.
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Old 02-24-2016, 03:56 PM   #14
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Kipor 2000I 10 years old? About $700
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