Using portable inverter generator while driving

[Rvmate]

I tried to carry a inverter generator on a bumper cargo carrier to power the trailer and use the AC while driving. It works well for some time but then the generator shuts down. It will start with no problem and again work for some time before shutting down. Anyone has any views or such experience??

[Markb5900]

What brand, size and model generator are you using?

[Rvmate]

iPower SUA7600iED. Running watt are 6000.

[Okie Traveler]

Could it be low oil shut off with the bouncing and sloshing back there?

[Rvmate]

I insured gas and oil were full. I'm going to try using propane next time and hope for the best.

[Rvmate]

I've used the trailer shore power cord directly into the generator in the back while driving. Is there any issue with that? I've read people talking about a transfer switch for shore/ gene power. Is that necessary? Any views are welcome.

[pconroy]

Originally Posted by Rvmate

I've used the trailer shore power cord directly into the generator in the back while driving. Is there any issue with that? I've read people talking about a transfer switch for shore/ gene power. Is that necessary? Any views are welcome.

I don't have your trailer - but a transfer switch is something installed in RV that come with their own generator. It transfers power from the shore/pedestal to the generator.

Since you're plugging in your cord directly to the generator - no, you don't need one (assuming you don't have one). Your trailer thinks its plugged into the grid, even tho' you have an outboard generator.

The hitch mounted cargo basket on our RV bounces all over the place when we're driving. I too wonder if you're bouncing your generator around too much? Is there another, less bouncy place you can try and see if it stays running?

[spoon059]

Originally Posted by Okie Traveler

Could it be low oil shut off with the bouncing and sloshing back there?

I've seen things on the back of trailers... the amount of movement is very scary to watch and you don't want to be behind the guy for fear of imminent failure of the hitch.

I'd be willing to bet that your generator is either running out of fuel in the carb due to it bouncing all over the place, or perhaps the low oil safety shutting it off because it isn't sensing enough oil in the bottom of the pan because it's bouncing all over the place. Perhaps the bed of your truck would be a better place with less violent bouncing...?

[Rvmate]

Thanks everyone for your views but the problem was with the generator CO sensor. It was malfunctioning and kept shutting it down. I've bypassed it and am going to check it next trip.

[Camper_bob]

A good suggestion would be to run the generator when NOT hauling down the road to see what happens. Then run it while heading down the road and see if it being attached to the back of the trailer really is an issue.

We used to run ours from the bed of the truck, never while hauling down the road because we just never got to that point before we moved into a motor home. Our issues with generators have always been related to heat. In the back of the truck, we had to have the bed cover all the way open or it would overheat. In the motor home, it's been known to shut down because of heat on some of the hottest days, even though it's plenty ventilated.

Part of me wonders if the vortex at the rear while towing has something to do with it? There is a bubble of still air that rides behind that flat rear wall while towing down the road.

[PtL]

Does your generator have a carbon dioxide sensor?

[Rvmate]

These are Carbon Monoxide (CO) sensors. CO is lethal compared to Carbon Dioxide (CO2).

[Skyline]

Trying it on propane as you said will probably work. The rear bumper is not very stable while driving the carburetor float may be sensitive to that bouncing.

[CJAZ]

If not the co sensor, I'd wonder about the same issues brought up in this post.



I'd love to see a picture of your setup as I've often thought about how convenient it would be if our portable generator was on the back, but not sure I'm comfortable with the bumper being up to the task.

[TaftCoach]

I've thought about a similar situation with my Ford's built in generator. Securing the cord/cable is my biggest worry.

[Poppyof5]

So I have Owen 5500 in my jayco 5th wheel. Can I run it while driving and run the ac while on the road ?

We just left Vegas 100 this morning when we pulled out to Bakersfield 5 hours give or take driving time. I stop about an hr from Bakersfield to fuel up. So I could start it then and run the 2 ACs. That’s ok to do?

Inside the trailer was 93 when we got here

[Rvmate]

I previously had the 2019 Redhawk with a Onan 4K generator and we ran it any time needed while driving with no issues at all. So maybe you can try your generator in your 5th wheel.