Should my generator be enough?

[dchurco]

Hello everybody. I just recently went dry camping with my 2017 Jayco 26.5 bhs and I have a 1000w Honda generator. After reading other post I thought this would be enough generator to run the camper other than the Microwave and water heater. When I plug the camper into the generator it goes in to overload. Could there be something wrong with my camper?

Thanks,

dchurco

[oldmanAZ]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

Have you tried turning off your main breaker before plugging in? Maybe one or more A/C devices (converter? fridge?) are switched on.

[dchurco]

I made sure that the fridge and water heater where turned to propane. I also went one fuse at a time and it would run fine with the converter fuse off. Should the converter really be pulling that much electricity just to charge the batteries and run some LED lights.
I have had multiple campers and this is the only one I have had a problem with.

Thanks,
dchurco

[jgerhard]

I might try turning the fridge and water heater off instead of to propane. Some fridges default to ac if its available. Also, if your battery is really low, your converter will be drawing a lot. As an example, a 45 amp converter can draw as much as 600 watts.

Face value: $ .02


James

[sbarlag]

Originally Posted by dchurco

Hello everybody. I just recently went dry camping with my 2017 Jayco 26.5 bhs and I have a 1000w Honda generator. After reading other post I thought this would be enough generator to run the camper other than the Microwave and water heater. When I plug the camper into the generator it goes in to overload. Could there be something wrong with my camper?

Thanks,

dchurco

This is the generator I would have recommended if you want to operate most of the camper, Honda EU3000iS Model Info | Super Quiet 3000 Watt Inverter Generator | Honda Generators.

[dchurco]

Thanks everybody! I just find it confusing that it has only done this on this unit. I don't know if this has anything to do with it but when I first took it out a couple weeks ago I went trough 6 fuses just trying to get the rear jacks down and the slide out. It seemed to have fixed it self because I didn't blow a fuse this trip.
I turned every breaker off and switched one on at a time. It only goes into overload when the converter is on.

Thanks,

dchurco.

[dchurco]

If it just a generator issue would a 2000 work. Looking to stay with in Budget.

[NewBlackDak]

Originally Posted by dchurco

If it just a generator issue would a 2000 work. Looking to stay with in Budget.

Do you know someone with a 2K you can use to test?


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[sbarlag]

This website is very helpful also.
Honda Generators - Wattage calculator

Scott Barlag | AnyFLip

[cariboocreek]

Get another Honda 1000 and run them parallel. Then you can run everything but A/C.

[oldmanAZ]

Originally Posted by dchurco

snip...
I turned every breaker off and switched one on at a time. It only goes into overload when the converter is on.
Thanks,
dchurco.

Have you checked your trailer battery voltage? Do you have a way to monitor the current into the battery? It seems likely your converter is trying to charge a VERY low battery.

[Fr8Train]

Shouldn’t the TV charge the truck battery while towing?

[jgerhard]

I use a Honda EU2000 as an auxiliary generator for my Greyhawk and it powers everything except the AC with no problems.

[DanNJanice]

Originally Posted by Fr8Train

Shouldn’t the TV charge the truck battery while towing?

It should, but it depends on how the truck is wired. Some require you to add a fuse or relay. Others have it enabled by default.
Even if it is enabled, you will only get about 5-10 amps (if you are lucky) due to wire size and distance from the truck alternator. You would have to drive 5-10 hours to charge a 50% drained single battery.
To the OP.
Charge up the batteries at home, then try plugging the trailer into the genny. You should be able to run the trailer on 1000W assuming you are not using any high current devices and you batteries are reasonable charged.

[sbarlag]

e calculate your power needs based off a very simple formula.

Appliance with the highest starting wattage
+ Total running wattage for all other appliances
Total wattage needed

Why not use the total starting wattage?

The starting wattage is only required for a few seconds when you first start up an appliance. In most cases, only one item will be started at a time.

Why is starting wattage different from running wattage for some applications?

Some appliances require extra power to start up, while others maintain the same power requirements constantly. Items that contain an electric motor require additional power to start, but significantly less power to run once they get going. Examples include a refrigerator, furnace, or AC unit.

What is the difference between recommended wattage and maximum wattage?

Recommended wattage assumes you will only start one appliance at a time.

Maximum wattage is the most wattage you could ever require, based on the appliances you selected. It is based on the total starting wattage.

For most consumers, recommended wattage is the best number to use.

[M&A]

During summer, I'll take the EU3000is but when it's cool, my little EU1000i has always run my camper. No air, no microwave, and fridge and WH on propane. Never goes above idle. I do keep my battery mostly fully charged when not is use. Your rig is of course bigger, but my 1000 ran my whole house during Irma except for the 220 stuff. I should have taken a picture of that.

[dchurco]

Why would this camper be any different than any other? I guess I'm just worried there is something wrong with the electrical in the unit. Im going t bring it back to the dealer because of the fuse issue but I wanted to know if anybody else was having an issue with the new Jayco's

[dzwiss]

What are the amps of your converter. Anything over 45 amps will not run on a 1000 watt generator. To test it try switching off your converter at the breaker box. I use a 1000 watt Honda with my trailer, it defiantly won't power my 90 amp converter. I use a 25 amp smart automotive charger for charging batteries and it works fine. The 1000 watt Honda should have no trouble with your fridge, coffee grinder, TV, or up to a 45 amp charger, but it won't charge your batteries with a large converter.

[Murff]

Originally Posted by cariboocreek

Get another Honda 1000 and run them parallel. Then you can run everything but A/C.

Get a Honda 2000 and run parallel and then you can run everything!

Murff