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Old 05-23-2016, 06:02 AM   #1
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Generator

What size generator would I need to run my longhorn Texas edition? I have a 30 amp 3600 watt generator. I tried turning 1 breaker off then the over for the ac but it still won't work. Or am I missing something?
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Old 05-23-2016, 06:15 AM   #2
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If it is a standard generator and not an inverter generator or one with an rv30 connector you are really only using half the rated wattage. Standard generators put out 2 seperate legs of 120v power up to the 240 plug. Each in your case would be around 1750 watts for a total of 3500 at 240 volts. Because a 30 amp rv only uses one of the hot connections and runs on 120volts you are only being supplied with 1750watts. Not enough to power the AC.

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Old 05-23-2016, 08:59 AM   #3
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If it is a standard generator and not an inverter generator or one with an rv30 connector you are really only using half the rated wattage. Standard generators put out 2 seperate legs of 120v power up to the 240 plug. Each in your case would be around 1750 watts for a total of 3500 at 240 volts. Because a 30 amp rv only uses one of the hot connections and runs on 120volts you are only being supplied with 1750watts. Not enough to power the AC.

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That's true for most, but not all. Our generator, similar to this, has both windings in parallel, and thus produce a higher amperage 120 VAC output, but does not provide any 240 VAC. Things to look for: 30Amp RV outlet, 3-prong, but no 4-prong twist outlet.
3000W/3500W Generator, 196cc - Champion Power Equipment
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Old 05-23-2016, 09:08 AM   #4
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My setup.


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Old 05-23-2016, 09:24 AM   #5
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My setup.


Lloyds setup is great because it removes the bulk of one big inverter generator - much easier to handle two small ones and I know several people who use this setup. I would use this too if we did any dry camping (which we don't). It's too pricey for me as just an occasional backup. I travel with a small inverter generator (3,500W peak) in case of emergency but it won't start my AC.
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Old 05-23-2016, 10:26 AM   #6
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What would be a good suggestion for a generator that could handle the ac? We don't need it to run the appliances just the occasional guest or dry camping in the summer. What should I be looking for on the box? I have a ryobi 3600 running 4500 start up with 120 volt. Still nee to all this!
Thanks again for the help!
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Old 05-23-2016, 11:25 AM   #7
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Originally Posted by MartyinSC View Post
That's true for most, but not all. Our generator, similar to this, has both windings in parallel, and thus produce a higher amperage 120 VAC output, but does not provide any 240 VAC. Things to look for: 30Amp RV outlet, 3-prong, but no 4-prong twist outlet.
3000W/3500W Generator, 196cc - Champion Power Equipment
Yes. Generators with an RV30 plug are wired differently to accommodate RVs

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Old 05-23-2016, 12:59 PM   #8
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What would be a good suggestion for a generator that could handle the ac? We don't need it to run the appliances just the occasional guest or dry camping in the summer. What should I be looking for on the box? I have a ryobi 3600 running 4500 start up with 120 volt. Still nee to all this!
Thanks again for the help!
If this is your Ryobi Ryobi 3,600-Watt 212cc Gasoline Powered Portable Generator-RY903600 - The Home Depot , then it should work, that is, if your camper is wired for 30 Amp service. I can't tell when you say Texas Longhorn, since there are so many variations.
If, as I guess, you are wired for 30 Amp, (i.e. one AC) this generator, at 3600 running amps will handle a full 30 Amp load. Try this. Turn off the single circuit breaker that feeds the AC. Run the camper on the generator. Once everything is up and running, (and BTW, heat water with propane, not electricity in this case), turn on the AC breaker. If the system bogs down, you have an abnormally high current drain.

If however, your camper has a 50 Amp plug, and you are using an adapter to plug into the TT-30, the it will surely bog down if your camper has two AC's on at the same time.
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Old 05-23-2016, 01:35 PM   #9
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Its a 50 amp with the adapter for 30. The dealer told me to turn one ac breaker off and limit the amount ofvothet thongs being used. Even with nothing being used the 1 ac still wont turn on.
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Old 05-23-2016, 01:41 PM   #10
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Marty, I saw somewhere that if you had a single a.c. & a 30 amp gen, it you hooked 30th to gen, turned on a.c. fan only, let run a minute or so then turned a.c. on low for a few then turned up it didn't hair the system with a hard start. Similar to what u said. Never tried it, have you?0
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Old 05-23-2016, 01:46 PM   #11
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Its a 50 amp with the adapter for 30. The dealer told me to turn one ac breaker off and limit the amount ofvothet thongs being used. Even with nothing being used the 1 ac still wont turn on.

Have you ever checked the generator to see if it's actually putting out what they say it should?
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Old 05-23-2016, 01:49 PM   #12
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Marty, I saw somewhere that if you had a single a.c. & a 30 amp gen, it you hooked 30th to gen, turned on a.c. fan only, let run a minute or so then turned a.c. on low for a few then turned up it didn't hair the system with a hard start. Similar to what u said. Never tried it, have you?0
That might work, but the real load comes on when the compressor kicks in, i.e. when set to cool and the thermostat wants cool. Worth a try, of course.

Jereseth, try the other AC. Turn the other breaker off instead. BTW, don't forget to run fridge and water heater on propane. Depending on your wiring, configuration, and even the design of your 50-to-30 amp adapter, you might be in the market for a bigger generator. BTW, most adapters place both 50 amp hot leads on to the one 30 Amp hot. Sometimes however, you will find one that only runs power to one of the two hot legs. That's just one reason to try the other AC.
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