Legacy Elite II with 3000w Inverter - Generator Setup

[EurekaJ]

This being my first season of use, I am still in the process of learning the proper procedures for many tasks.  My trips so far, both on and off grid, were successful with minimal issues.  As I approach the summer season, I purchased the Honda eu2200i companion generator to ensure I will meet the power needs when air conditioning may be used extensively.   I’d like advice regarding my understanding of the proper process for connecting generator power to the trailer.   Here is the current process I have put together, please tell me where I’m missing anything:

1. Turn of AC devices in the trailer and secure the trailer main AC power breaker
2. Set up the generator to run per the instructions
3. Connect neutral ground plug into the 120v 20 amp generator connection
4. Connect the 30 amp cord supply side to the 120v 30 amp generator connection with a locking adapter (noting that it will only be sending 20 amps)
5. Connect the 30 amp cord to the trailer connection
6. Start the generator to run at normal setting (not eco)
7. Re-engage the trailer main AC breaker

Given these steps, the generator will be providing shore power at ~20 amps which should run necessary AC functions (with the exception of the air conditioner) and will also charge the lithium batteries alongside the solar charging.  

Do I need to alter any settings in the xantrex controller app to ensure safe operation under this shore power configuration?  

My hull (#1056) has the Truma air conditioner retrofitted into it.  As I understand it, my eardrums should be grateful to the previous owners.  In order to use the air conditioner while using the 2200i, I will either need a soft start installed inside the Truma (all signs point to this not currently being the case) or I can use the inline soft start product in between the generator and the trailer.   

I appreciate your guidance.

Edited May 13 by EurekaJ

[Rolind]

I think your process is great. I usually don’t turn off the main ac breaker prior to starting the generator, but maybe it is best to do so. Eco mode is also fine if you are not running the air conditioning. Lastly, if you should lose or misplace your neutral grounding plug, you can still use the generator to power the trailer if you switch the ems to bypass mode. I usually use the grounding plug but have misplaced mine on occasion. 
I also change the xantrex breaker rating to 15 amps. I remember that the xantrex will trip the overload on the generator if the batteries are significantly discharged and the breaker rating is set higher. We have the larger lithium bank, not sure if the smaller bank would also trip the overload. 

[EurekaJ]

Thanks for the feedback.  I do have the larger lithium package.  I will set the xantrex to 15 amps as you suggest.  It will be interesting to monitor the battery charging and amperage.  I debated whether to go with a DC to DC charger off the Tundra and decided against it. 

[Ronbrink]

15 hours ago, EurekaJ said:

 I debated whether to go with a DC to DC charger off the Tundra and decided against it. 

Many praise the addition of a DC to DC charger, more is better!

[topgun2]

Just now, Ronbrink said:

Many praise the addition of a DC to DC charger, more is better!

THIS week's KYD post addresses their opinion on this subject.

Bill

 

[EurekaJ]

I think the DC-DC charging may be there at some point in the future when I can find a local shop that can do a proper install.   I have an understanding of the system but I am not an expert and would prefer anything with the truck be done professionally.   I do agree that having redundant methods for charging (in addition to the stock solar) would be a nice situation in the long term.  I do  expect to be traveling for much longer periods after retirement.  

[ScubaRx]

22 hours ago, Rolind said:

I think your process is great. I usually don’t turn off the main ac breaker prior to starting the generator, but maybe it is best to do so. Eco mode is also fine if you are not running the air conditioning. Lastly, if you should lose or misplace your neutral grounding plug, you can still use the generator to power the trailer if you switch the ems to bypass mode. I usually use the grounding plug but have misplaced mine on occasion. 
I also change the xantrex breaker rating to 15 amps. I remember that the xantrex will trip the overload on the generator if the batteries are significantly discharged and the breaker rating is set higher. We have the larger lithium bank, not sure if the smaller bank would also trip the overload. 

I agree with you. I never turn off the main 30 amp breaker prior to starting the generator. I can’t see any reason to do that as we don’t turn it off prior to plugging it into a power post. As far as misplacing or losing your bonding ground plug, I leave mine permanently in the generator. There’s no reason to remove it. If I were to remove mine, I wouldn’t be able to find it five minutes later much less on the next camping trip.

Edited May 14 by ScubaRx

[aaronorange]

It is my understanding that the Xantrex 3000 Freedom Pro XC should be able to load share. So if your running the Honda 2000w generator with the inverter switched on and you start the air conditioner the inverter should make up the difference in the start up surge. You should not require a soft start. You said you had the large battery bank so my assumption is you have the 640ah batteries with the 3000w inverter. I run our Truma off the battery bank no problem. The generator we carry is 4000w propane, but I have been looking into using our 2000w Honda which is about half the weight. You may want to check with Oliver or Xantrex but I’m pretty sure it should work. There is a setting for transfer speed Oliver suggests it be set to “Appliance” 20ms but it can also be set to UPS 10ms. I would think that might be better but maybe someone more knowledgeable than me can chime in. I know in the past we have lost shore power and didn’t even know since the inverter takes over instantly. Which is why I keep it off until needed. 

[aaronorange]

The Xantrex Freedom XC Pro 3000 inverter/charger load shares by prioritizing AC loads. It reduces the charge current to the batteries while maintaining the total input current below the breaker setting, ensuring that connected AC loads receive the power they need. This is particularly useful when running multiple appliances, including those with high startup surges like air conditioners. 

 

This video demonstrates how the Xantrex Freedom XC Pro 3000 handles various AC loads and its surge capability: 

 

 

42s

 

Love Your RV & Boat!

YouTube · Jan 11, 2024

 

Here's a more detailed explanation:

• Prioritization of AC Loads:

  The Freedom XC Pro 3000 prioritizes the AC loads connected to it, ensuring they receive the power they need to operate. 

   
• Charge Current Reduction:

  To accommodate the AC loads, the unit intelligently reduces the charging current going to the batteries. 

   
• Input Current Management:

  It manages the overall input current, keeping it below the breaker setting, even when multiple appliances are running simultaneously. 

   
• Example:

  If you have a 50-amp shore power connection and are using a 30-amp load, the charger might reduce its current to 20 amps to ensure the 30-amp load gets enough power. 

   

This video explains how the inverter/charger manages power distribution between AC loads and battery charging: 

 

 

1m

 

Love Your RV & Boat!

YouTube · Dec 23, 2023

• Load Sharing with Generators:

  The system can also work with generators, allowing you to run multiple appliances simultaneously, including those with high startup surges, by managing the power flow from the generator and batteries. 

   
• Benefits:

  This load sharing feature allows for more efficient use of available power and prevents tripping of breakers due to excessive current draw. 

   
• Example:

  You can run a microwave and an air conditioner at the same time, even if they are both drawing a significant amount of power. 

[Rolind]

20 hours ago, aaronorange said:

It is my understanding that the Xantrex 3000 Freedom Pro XC should be able to load share. So if your running the Honda 2000w generator with the inverter switched on and you start the air conditioner the inverter should make up the difference in the start up surge. You should not require a soft start. You said you had the large battery bank so my assumption is you have the 640ah batteries with the 3000w inverter. I run our Truma off the battery bank no problem. The generator we carry is 4000w propane, but I have been looking into using our 2000w Honda which is about half the weight. You may want to check with Oliver or Xantrex but I’m pretty sure it should work. There is a setting for transfer speed Oliver suggests it be set to “Appliance” 20ms but it can also be set to UPS 10ms. I would think that might be better but maybe someone more knowledgeable than me can chime in. I know in the past we have lost shore power and didn’t even know since the inverter takes over instantly. Which is why I keep it off until needed. 

Our Honda eu2200 will not run our Truma air at sea level.  The overload on the generator trips when the compressor kicks on.  As I understand the xantrex 3000 freedom pro, it will prioritize sending ac power to the ac and send less to the charger for instance if the ac input is not great enough to support both (load share).  But the Xantrex will not supplement ac loads with battery power as a Victron Multiplus will.  I would love to be wrong about this but I think the only way my generator will run our ac is if a soft start is installed.

[aaronorange]

Got it, thanks. I think the soft start is a good idea. We will probably get one too. I was planning on doing some testing when I get home. I see Ray (in the video linked here) says his same inverter will load share, his generator will not start the A/C on its own. He talks about this towards the end of the video @ 16:36 min. He also uses a soft start. We had one on our Dometic AC but upgraded to the much quieter Truma. 

 

[jd1923]

1 hour ago, Rolind said:

But the Xantrex will not supplement ac loads with battery power as a Victron Multiplus will.

True that!

[John Dorrer]

On 5/13/2025 at 2:40 PM, EurekaJ said:

This being my first season of use, I am still in the process of learning the proper procedures for many tasks.  My trips so far, both on and off grid, were successful with minimal issues.  As I approach the summer season, I purchased the Honda eu2200i companion generator to ensure I will meet the power needs when air conditioning may be used extensively.   I’d like advice regarding my understanding of the proper process for connecting generator power to the trailer.   Here is the current process I have put together, please tell me where I’m missing anything:

1. Turn of AC devices in the trailer and secure the trailer main AC power breaker
2. Set up the generator to run per the instructions
3. Connect neutral ground plug into the 120v 20 amp generator connection
4. Connect the 30 amp cord supply side to the 120v 30 amp generator connection with a locking adapter (noting that it will only be sending 20 amps)
5. Connect the 30 amp cord to the trailer connection
6. Start the generator to run at normal setting (not eco)
7. Re-engage the trailer main AC breaker

Given these steps, the generator will be providing shore power at ~20 amps which should run necessary AC functions (with the exception of the air conditioner) and will also charge the lithium batteries alongside the solar charging.  

Do I need to alter any settings in the xantrex controller app to ensure safe operation under this shore power configuration?  

My hull (#1056) has the Truma air conditioner retrofitted into it.  As I understand it, my eardrums should be grateful to the previous owners.  In order to use the air conditioner while using the 2200i, I will either need a soft start installed inside the Truma (all signs point to this not currently being the case) or I can use the inline soft start product in between the generator and the trailer.   

I appreciate your guidance.

Not sure why you are flipping the AC breaker. We have a 2022 LE2 with Lithonics lithium batteries, Xantrex 3000, and solar. 

 

We start the Honda 2200i, install the bonding plug, connect the 30 amp to the Oliver, plug into 30amp/110 dog bone and plug into the generator. Never had an issue.

 

Maybe I'm not doing it correctly. When you refer to AC breaker, are you referring to the inverter breaker. If not, where is this breaker?

 

Thanks for your onsite.

[connor77]

10 hours ago, Rolind said:

Our Honda eu2200 will not run our Truma air at sea level.  The overload on the generator trips when the compressor kicks on.  As I understand the xantrex 3000 freedom pro, it will prioritize sending ac power to the ac and send less to the charger for instance if the ac input is not great enough to support both (load share).  But the Xantrex will not supplement ac loads with battery power as a Victron Multiplus will.  I would love to be wrong about this but I think the only way my generator will run our ac is if a soft start is installed.

This is our experience as well with a Houghton 3400 Air Conditioner/heat pump and a Yamaha 2400W inverter generator.  We don't have a soft start and the generator doesn't have enough power to run our AC.  We just run the AC off the batteries when we don't have shore power (which is rare) and then use the generator to charge up the batteries.