Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 02-09-2014, 09:45 AM   #21
Full Time Camper
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,012
Ok, it all makes sense now. I've only had rv generators and one Honda that had the 120/240 switch. Thanks for the education, an old dog learned a new trick today.
__________________
Clif and Millie
Ozzie (half a dog tall & 2 dogs long)
Mabank, TX
2009 Ford Lariat F350 SRW CC Diesel
2013 Cruiser CF305SK Patriot Edition
avvidclif is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-09-2014, 10:48 AM   #22
Full Time Camper
 
cw3jason's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 688
I am glad I could help. I learned by making this mistake, then had to figure out what was wrong. If I can save 1 person from making the same mistake, it was worth it :-)
__________________

Jason & Wendy
2014 Ford F-350 Lariat 6.7L PSD
2015 Keystone Montana 3711FL
B&W Patriot 16K Fifth Wheel Hitch
cw3jason is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-09-2014, 09:14 PM   #23
Weekend Camper
 
ajakarr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: ohio
Posts: 16
generator

this is a true statement.. you have to buy a generator that has an rv switch built into it or 2 with a paralleling cable or a very high watt gen. you have to buy a rv to generator plug adaptor. this is Designed to connect a generator with a L14-30 locking receptacle to an RV 30A cord. what the switch does is apply all generator power through 1 leg of the L14-30 receptacle. several generators have this option. that is why you here about people buying 2 gens with a paralleling cable to get enough power. visit this page as an example of a gen with this option. http://www.ebay.com/itm/DuroMax-Elit...item5d4231ff85
ajakarr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-10-2014, 09:39 AM   #24
Full Time Camper
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,012
Very educational. I currently have the Yamaha EF4500 and it does fine. I never considered that some might not have all advertised power available at 120v.
__________________
Clif and Millie
Ozzie (half a dog tall & 2 dogs long)
Mabank, TX
2009 Ford Lariat F350 SRW CC Diesel
2013 Cruiser CF305SK Patriot Edition
avvidclif is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-10-2014, 03:38 PM   #25
Full Time Camper
 
Tim D's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: So IL
Posts: 1,811
Is there a plug adapter that takes the 4 prong 240 outlet to an RV 3 prong receptacle?
__________________

Tim
13 ST25RB
08 F-250 SC 6.8L XLT 4x4
Tim D is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-10-2014, 03:42 PM   #26
Full Time Camper
 
cw3jason's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 688
yes, they make them. I have one
http://www.sears.com/search=conntek%...2030%20amp%204

This type of adapter just terminates 1 leg of power and uses the other for the rv30 plug. (hence you get half a generator) This is exactly what I'm talking about
__________________

Jason & Wendy
2014 Ford F-350 Lariat 6.7L PSD
2015 Keystone Montana 3711FL
B&W Patriot 16K Fifth Wheel Hitch
cw3jason is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-10-2014, 05:47 PM   #27
Full Time Camper
 
Tim D's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: So IL
Posts: 1,811


This should get you a full 30 amps from your locking 4 pin plug.
__________________

Tim
13 ST25RB
08 F-250 SC 6.8L XLT 4x4
Tim D is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-10-2014, 05:51 PM   #28
Full Time Camper
 
Tim D's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: So IL
Posts: 1,811


I made one of these. This will cut it in half. It will take your 4 prong 240 to 2 120s at 15 amps each.
__________________

Tim
13 ST25RB
08 F-250 SC 6.8L XLT 4x4
Tim D is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-10-2014, 06:27 PM   #29
Full Time Camper
 
cw3jason's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 688
Tim- neither one of those plugs will give you the full 30 amps. the first one just terminates 1 leg and the second uses both legs 1 for each plug. as I have stated before, the switch must be done at the generator, either with an actual switch or an RV30 socket built into the generator wired from both generator coils running in parallel.
__________________

Jason & Wendy
2014 Ford F-350 Lariat 6.7L PSD
2015 Keystone Montana 3711FL
B&W Patriot 16K Fifth Wheel Hitch
cw3jason is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-10-2014, 06:49 PM   #30
Full Time Camper
 
Tim D's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: So IL
Posts: 1,811
Quote:
Originally Posted by cw3jason View Post
Tim- neither one of those plugs will give you the full 30 amps. the first one just terminates 1 leg and the second uses both legs 1 for each plug. as I have stated before, the switch must be done at the generator, either with an actual switch or an RV30 socket built into the generator wired from both generator coils running in parallel.
The first one, in the description, says it will give a full 30 amps from plug.

I am not saying you are wrong. I have been planning on getting an adapter. If I can't get a full 30 amps, I don't really see the need.

Anyone have one of these that they can check with a voltmeter?
__________________

Tim
13 ST25RB
08 F-250 SC 6.8L XLT 4x4
Tim D is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-10-2014, 07:07 PM   #31
Full Time Camper
 
cw3jason's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 688
I do have one. Not the exact same brand, but similar. I think I bought mine at home depot. I have taken a multi meter to it and only 1 leg rings thru. it does not combine the two.
__________________

Jason & Wendy
2014 Ford F-350 Lariat 6.7L PSD
2015 Keystone Montana 3711FL
B&W Patriot 16K Fifth Wheel Hitch
cw3jason is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-10-2014, 07:24 PM   #32
Weekend Camper
 
ajakarr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: ohio
Posts: 16
hi tim d the first plug will work (it is a L14-30 to rv plug adaptor) but ONLY if your generator is set up with a RV switch that parallels both legs giving you 30 amps. these generators use the L14-30 receptacle which is a 4 prong 220v receptacle and provides the full 30 amps to 1 of the hot legs when the switch is turned on..PLEASE look and read this ebay listing for a generator that does this http://www.ebay.com/itm/DuroMax-Elit...item5d4231ff85 . it is hard to visualize I find being able to see it helps you understand . also Wal-Mart has the rv to generator plug adaptor for about $16.there are other options... 2 gens with a parallel cable, a larger gen with a dedicated 30a twist lock receptacle probably 5000 or larger will have this. from JR IBEW683 electrical union
ajakarr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-10-2014, 07:32 PM   #33
Weekend Camper
 
ajakarr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: ohio
Posts: 16
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=rhXZHjV03iU here is a good video. I have this exact gen
ajakarr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-10-2014, 07:36 PM   #34
Weekend Camper
 
ajakarr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: ohio
Posts: 16
hope this helps tim d. sorry walmart.com has the adaptor (just search rv gen adaptor $16)
ajakarr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-12-2014, 08:54 PM   #35
Weekend Camper
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location:
Posts: 20
Quote:
Originally Posted by DavisK View Post
I use a Champion 3500/4000W generator (not inverter), which does fine to power A/C, microwave, etc. It puts out 30 amps @ 120V on a single circuit. It has a 30 amp RV outlet. It is also very fuel efficient. They are available from Amazon for under $300. They're also available at Tractor Supply, Advance Auto, Cabela's and BJs.
I got the same one at BJ's on sale for $250. I don't dry camp but I figured if the day comes I'm traveling a distance I might need it one night. It's still in the box. My snowblower , lawnmower and home generator are all Honda's. I just couldn't justify buying 2 Honda 2000's knowing someday I may never use them.
mb1953 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-12-2014, 09:02 PM   #36
Site Team
 
DavisK's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: VA
Posts: 1,715
Quote:
Originally Posted by mb1953 View Post
I got the same one at BJ's on sale for $250. I don't dry camp but I figured if the day comes I'm traveling a distance I might need it one night. It's still in the box. My snowblower , lawnmower and home generator are all Honda's. I just couldn't justify buying 2 Honda 2000's knowing someday I may never use them.
I also have a Honda 1000i and a 2000i. I like using one of them when we're watching TV or making coffee, anytime that I'm not going to run the A/C or microwave. They're also good for recharging the battery. They're so quiet and fuel efficient, especially the 1000i.
__________________

2013 Silverado 2500HD LTZ CC 6.6L Duramax Diesel
2023 Rockwood 2445WS
Buster, miniature Dachshund
2023: 9 trips, 48 nights in 12 states, 2 provinces, 8120 miles
2022: 3 trips, 18 nights in 4 states, 2352 miles
2019: 7 trips, 43 nights in 6 states, 5336 miles
DavisK is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-13-2014, 10:13 AM   #37
Family Vacation Member
 
RoadDog66's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location:
Posts: 188
I'm new to generators and not sure how they differ in supplying power to an RV versus any other device. I was off the mindset you plug it in and get up to the rated wattage/amps stated in the generator manual per length/gauge of cord used.

Is the big plug on the right of my generator the one you are saying allows it to provide full 30 amp to my TT without special plugs?

Thanks
RD66
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 20140205_172153.jpg (206.4 KB, 3 views)
File Type: jpg 20140205_172119.jpg (211.2 KB, 3 views)
File Type: jpg 20140205_172059.jpg (213.8 KB, 6 views)
__________________
'14 Sunset Trail 290QB
Towed by a '15 Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi 4x4 CC
Equalizer 1200/12K (just because I still have it)
RoadDog66 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-13-2014, 03:21 PM   #38
Full Time Camper
 
cw3jason's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 688
Quote:
Originally Posted by RoadDog66 View Post
I'm new to generators and not sure how they differ in supplying power to an RV versus any other device. I was off the mindset you plug it in and get up to the rated wattage/amps stated in the generator manual per length/gauge of cord used.

Is the big plug on the right of my generator the one you are saying allows it to provide full 30 amp to my TT without special plugs?

Thanks
RD66
The plug you reference is designed with 4 prongs. 1 ground, 1 neutral and 2 120v legs. to use this plug you will need an adapter as shown in previous post. Your RV if 30 amp service will only use 1 of the 2 120v legs. therefore you only get half the power and half the wattage the generator is putting out. please read my previous link to help explain this. If your RV has 50amp service you will need a different adapter, then half the generators power would go to one part of your electrical panel and the other leg would go to the other half of your panel. still not enough to fire up the AC as it still only operates on 1 of the two legs and can still only tap into half the generators total wattage, unless of course the generator is large enough to power the AC on half power, or the generator is made for RV's in which case it would be wired in such a way to provide full power at 120v. Again only specific generators can do this, most can not. Please read the link I posted
__________________

Jason & Wendy
2014 Ford F-350 Lariat 6.7L PSD
2015 Keystone Montana 3711FL
B&W Patriot 16K Fifth Wheel Hitch
cw3jason is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-13-2014, 05:48 PM   #39
Seasonal Camper
 
mnsunset's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: minnesota
Posts: 365
"Clean" power

A big issue to also look at is if a genny can give you clean power all the time. I would run a saw, coffee maker, drill etc off any generator. But I would not run a tv,microwave,phone charger, computer etc on any genny that does not put out clean power such as done by the Hondas. I am sure others do also, but I wouldn't trust this with a cheap genny. Just my thoughts.
__________________
2013S22BH/2015 f-150 ecoboost
mnsunset is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-13-2014, 06:12 PM   #40
Family Vacation Member
 
RoadDog66's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location:
Posts: 188
Thanks for the explanation. Don't think my 3000/3750 watt genny will power the trailer A/C, fridge & lights at half power (1500/1875), but I can safely use it at the house for power outages.

I'm buying one of the 4-prong/two leg adaptor cords to split the 240 across the two legs for two 120/20A connections. Also getting a 3 receptacle extension to run off one leg for extra plugs. Sounds safer and less stress on the genny.
use for storm power outages .
__________________
'14 Sunset Trail 290QB
Towed by a '15 Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi 4x4 CC
Equalizer 1200/12K (just because I still have it)
RoadDog66 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Crossroads RV or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 05:54 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
×