Generator for 2021 and beyond

[Jim_Oker]

I've only done the one test but not using the bonded plug was what I needed to do the get power moving through the surge protector. With the eu2200i with co minder

I have not explored further yet. Based on all I've read here and elsewhere it was an unexpected result. My understanding is that the eb2200i is neutral bonded to the generator frame but that my model is not. It's a head scratcher but I haven't broken out the multimeter to see what's going on there...

Edited January 9, 2021 by Jim_Oker

[mossemi]

I think it has been established by multiple OTTO's that most any brand of small generator, 2000 watts and above will run the air conditioner in an OTT.  The question of whether or not it needs a neutral bonding plug is a different set of conditions based upon the generator you use and the electrical management system of the RV you are trying to power.  A really simple solution is use whichever generator you have and plug it into the RV, start the generator and then start the air conditioner.  Did the EMS shut down the electricity from the generator and provide an error code.  If you did receive an error code, check the EMS manual to determine the problem. If you received an E2 error code and you have a Progressive Industries EMS, I’ll bet a cup of coffee that you didn’t even get to start the air conditioner because the EMS shut down the electric input from the generator before you had a chance to start the air conditioner.  The E2 error code is for an open ground and your generator needs a neutral bonding plug or it’s a rare possibility that you have a defective power cord.

I just checked my Magic 8-Ball and it said there is something blue in Susan's future.🥶

Mossey

 

[Ray and Susan Huff]

7 hours ago, mossemi said:

I just checked my Magic 8-Ball and it said there is something blue in Susan's future.🥶

Mossey

 

Do you know something I don't about Yamaha availability????

[Ray and Susan Huff]

A little off topic, but still regarding generators . . . . . and this is my post, so I guess that's ok 😀

Our plan has changed from getting a tonneau cover to a pickup bed toolbox; my husband feels it will be more versatile, since the pickup is also his everyday vehicle (along with a jeep and a motorcycle).  It will be used to secure some tools, trailer gear, 12v portable air compressor,  and a portable generator.  In sizing up cross-body toolboxes, it seems they are just shy of being deep enough to carry our anticipated Yamaha 2200i.

I haven't seen this question answered elsewhere, so here goes:  Can the portable generator be stored laying on its side, or at least tipped slightly for transport?  Where do others carry a smallish portable generator? The generator in questions has dimensions of 21.9 L x 11.8 W x 18.5 H.  

[SeaDawg]

I wouldn't carry a genset on its side, as it would probably mess with the oil. 

There are tonneau covers made to accomodate tool boxes. Undercover used to do that. Not as waterproof,  but gets stuff out of sight/mind.

Otherwise,  I  recommend the battered tomato box. 🙂

Edited January 9, 2021 by SeaDawg

[mossemi]

1 hour ago, Ray and Susan Huff said:

Do you know something I don't about Yamaha availability????

Not a thing!  I am still happy with my 16 year old Honda 2000i, so I haven’t been looking at availability.  But I do know you are very patient.  So I do believe you will get your Yamaha generator.  My Magic 8-Ball can not be that specific.

Mossey

[mossemi]

Susan, all kidding aside, this is what we carry our Honda EU2000i inside of when we take it our SUV.  It will also fit in the tongue box.

Mossey

Edited January 10, 2021 by mossemi

[SeaDawg]

I found this site, with several types of tonneau covers that work with toolboxes. Even Diamondback makes one. Pricey, though.

https://www.autoanything.com/tonneau-covers/20A50299A1.aspx

[Ray and Susan Huff]

8 hours ago, mossemi said:

Susan, all kidding aside, this is what we carry our Honda EU2000i inside of when we take it our SUV.  It will also fit in the tongue box.

Mossey

Thanks . . . .  Do you secure it to the pickup somehow?  And do you lock it?

Looking at the dimensions, it won't hold the Yamaha 2200i, which is 21.9 x 11.8 x 18.5

Maybe we should consider a smaller generator; a 2000w might even fit in a toolbox.

 

Edited January 11, 2021 by Ray and Susan Huff
additional info

[Galway Girl]

Roughneck 24 Gal -
Outside Dimensions 26.000 in. L x 18.500 in. W x 17.000 in. H
Inside Dimensions 20.000 in. L x 14.500 in. W x 15.000 in. H

[Ray and Susan Huff]

7 hours ago, ctshort09 said:

Roughneck 24 Gal -
Outside Dimensions 26.000 in. L x 18.500 in. W x 17.000 in. H
Inside Dimensions 20.000 in. L x 14.500 in. W x 15.000 in. H

I'll see if there is a larger size . . . . this one isn't big enough for the Yamaha 2200i, unfortunately.

[jordanv]

On 1/5/2021 at 6:38 PM, Mike and Carol said:

2KW Champion inverter generator and I can start and run my AC (13,500) with it

Does it have a 30amp plug ? Or do you use a converter?

[Mike and Carol]

No 30A plug.  I just use the little 30a adapter.

[Ray and Susan Huff]

So, a question for those using a portable generator that doesn't have a 30 amp plug (with plug adapter):  Aren't you only getting 20 amp service?  Doesn't this limit the amount of power you can use while running on the generator?   

We will mostly be using our generator for charging batteries and off-grid use of high wattage appliances such as an 1800w toaster oven (that we use in lieu of deleted microwave)

[AndrewK]

54 minutes ago, Ray and Susan Huff said:

So, a question for those using a portable generator that doesn't have a 30 amp plug (with plug adapter):  Aren't you only getting 20 amp service?  Doesn't this limit the amount of power you can use while running on the generator?   

We will mostly be using our generator for charging batteries and off-grid use of high wattage appliances such as an 1800w toaster oven (that we use in lieu of deleted microwave)

2,200 watt generators only output 18.3 amps at peak and 15 amps constant.

Andrew

[Ray and Susan Huff]

4 hours ago, AndrewK said:

2,200 watt generators only output 18.3 amps at peak and 15 amps constant.

Andrew

So, the 30 amp plug is just a convenience?

[AndrewK]

40 minutes ago, Ray and Susan Huff said:

So, the 30 amp plug is just a convenience?

A 30 amp plug on a 2000 or 2200 watt generator would just be a convenience, if it were a 30 amp plug. 

As far as I have seen, that does not exist and still you would need to use an adapter.  

Andrew 

[mjrendon]

The Honda companion version would require an adaptor like this to work with your standard 30 amp cable.

[Jim_Oker]

1 hour ago, Ray and Susan Huff said:

So, the 30 amp plug is just a convenience?

If I understand correctly, at least  on the Honda e2200 there's  only a 30 amp plug on the "companion"  model,  which you would want if you were  looking to run  two  together to get 30 amps/3600 Watts of output. In which case said plug is a necessity.

[Ray and Susan Huff]

21 minutes ago, Jim_Oker said:

If I understand correctly, at least  on the Honda e2200 there's  only a 30 amp plug on the "companion"  model,  which you would want if you were  looking to run  two  together to get 30 amps/3600 Watts of output. In which case said plug is a necessity.

Now it's making sense. . . . . so, the Yamaha already has the 30amp plug, so is there even a companion Yamaha, or do you simply connect two of the same model?  Is the "Companion model" just a Honda thing?

[Ray and Susan Huff]

1 hour ago, AndrewK said:

A 30 amp plug on a 2000 or 2200 watt generator would just be a convenience, if it were a 30 amp plug. 

As far as I have seen, that does not exist and still you would need to use an adapter.  

Andrew 

But the Yamaha 2200i has a plug configured for the RV 30amp cord, so an adapter isn't required.  I think it is more likely capable of handling 30amps, but since the 2200w generator will only generate 15-18.something, it will only supply the actual output of the generator.  If two 2200i generators are connected, it will then supply 30amps.

[SeaDawg]

From what I've seen, the 30 amp on the companion model is pretty much a Honda thing.

You need two generators, of 2000 or 2200 watts,  in parallel, with yamaha, honda, any brand to gain the full 30 amps.

Watts ÷ volts = amps, forgetting resistance. 

That doesn't mean you can't run your ac with one yamaha. If you have the easy start,,as you do, you should be fine.

I  can't personally attest to that, as we don't have that genset, and run our ac only once a year, to test it, at home.

 

Edited January 19, 2021 by SeaDawg

[John E Davies]

On 1/9/2021 at 2:53 PM, Ray and Susan Huff said:

A little off topic, but still regarding generators . . . . . and this is my post, so I guess that's ok 😀

I haven't seen this question answered elsewhere, so here goes:  Can the portable generator be stored laying on its side, or at least tipped slightly for transport? 

A great big NO, do not transport one in any position but dead upright. You could maybe get away with a steep angle (not sideways) when it is completely stationary, but not in motion. Even if you drain the gas - and you should run the carb dry every time - the oil will maybe run out the breaher vent, and the engine mounting system is not designed to support weight in the “wrong” direction. If you don’t  drain the gas, it will run out the carb, either into the cylinder head or through the paper air filter and onto the floor. At the very least a mess, at worst a fire hazard and it might maybe possibly screw up the generator. So, just forget this idea.

John Davies

Spokane WA

Edited January 19, 2021 by John E Davies

[Landrover]

So the best idea is to get a 3400 watt with the thirty amp rv plug. Go to the gym for awhile so you can pick up the little extra weight or get a portable lift hoist to put it the Tv. And call it a day.  I’ll take my champion 3400 duel fuel with 30 amp Rv plug all day long never worry and  not expensive to buy.

Edited January 19, 2021 by Landrover

[NCeagle]

15 hours ago, Ray and Susan Huff said:

So, a question for those using a portable generator that doesn't have a 30 amp plug (with plug adapter):  Aren't you only getting 20 amp service?  Doesn't this limit the amount of power you can use while running on the generator?   

We will mostly be using our generator for charging batteries and off-grid use of high wattage appliances such as an 1800w toaster oven (that we use in lieu of deleted microwave)

I've thought about the need for a 30 Amp generator - thinking primarily that I'd be able to charge the Lithiums faster - however, that's not true in our case.  Our 3000 watt inverters are configured to charge the Lithiums at 100 Amps, which requires about 11 amps of 120V power, so a single Honda/Yamaha 2200 is plenty of generator to charge the batteries at full speed.  In fact, a generator that can deliver 15 amps sustained at 120 volts can deliver ~150 amps (in theory) sustained at 12 volts.  Your 1800W toaster will require (1800W / 12V) nearly 150 amps, which a single 2200 can also support.  Just don't charge your batteries and run your toaster oven at the same time unless you have 30 Amps - and even then it's gonna be borderline for something like a charger and a toaster oven.

Bottom line - I don't see the pressing need for more than a small, 2200 Watt generator at this time - and whether or not it has a 30 Amp plug is not a differentiator when it comes to generators.

Edited January 19, 2021 by NCeagle