Generator Overload w/ very little load

[CasaMoreno]

First time out with the new Hike and our Ryobi 2300 generator was overloading while only running one appliance. We had not had any problem with the generator in our old trailer, running the microwave or AC. The generator has only been used a few times and is very clean still, we just confirmed that carburetor is clean. It doesn’t seem like a generator problem but perhaps a setting on the trailer? What could we be missing?

[Trax]

Welcome to the forum. A few more details on your trailer might help. Is this a FLX Hike? If so there may be some inverter settings that need adjusting. I haven’t run any appliances while running the generator on my Micro Minnie but just recharging the battery was putting quite a load on the generator.

[CasaMoreno]

No, we do not have the FLX package but we do have on board solar. Specifically, it is the Hike 100 1316FB. We did try disconnecting the batteries and then running the ac but we had the same result.

[Bones2003]

To use this generator with your Hike, do you just plug the main power cable from your camper into the generator or do you have it hardwired?
1)Does the generator work okay if you plug other things (not associated with your camper) into it? You could try coffee maker, electric heater, hairdryers, etc.
2) With the camper plugged into the generator with all appliances off, how much current does the generator say it is providing to the camper? It should be pretty low with everything off.
3) Does your water heater have an electric heating element? That could use a lot of power.
4) You can open the circuit breakers one at a time to try and isolate what circuit might be drawing too much current and then go from there.

[CasaMoreno]

These are some good things to check, we will investigate more this evening. Thank you! And just plugged in, not hardwired.

[No1Hunter]

Are you using a Neutral Ground Bonding Plug on your generator/

[Four Seasons]

In some cases, a generator may experience an overload condition even when nothing is connected to it. This can occur due to various reasons, such as a malfunctioning voltage regulator, a faulty circuit breaker, or even an internal short circuit

[Keith H]

What altitude are you running the generator at? You could loose 6% of power /1000 ft.

[Four Seasons]

Originally Posted by Keith H

What altitude are you running the generator at? You could loose 6% of power /1000 ft.

That's a good point. Check the generator for an altitude adjustment screw.

[Keith H]

The altitude adjustment will correct the fuel /air mixture only. If the mixture is correct than at altitude less air means less fuel to maintain balance so less power.

[eyecando]

What is the setting on your converter. If it is set like mine is to limit the 12VDC current to 80 amps or so, the batteries could be consuming 1200VA or more by themselves. Any other loads would be added to that.

[CasaMoreno]

We are at nearly 5,000’ when home and usually 8,000-11,000 when camping so we will definitely check for this. Thank you for the tip! Also, since we lose 6% power for every 1000’, is it possible that the generator is not powerful enough for our purposes?

[Four Seasons]

You mentioned " Ryobi 2300 generator." Does the 2300 refer to peak watts? Because one household appliance, like a coffee maker, toaster, whatever would be about 1500 watts, so that could be just borderline.

[eyecando]

Originally Posted by CasaMoreno

We are at nearly 5,000’ when home and usually 8,000-11,000 when camping so we will definitely check for this. Thank you for the tip! Also, since we lose 6% power for every 1000’, is it possible that the generator is not powerful enough for our purposes?

That’s definetly possible depending on the load you require. You might want to get a Kill A Watt meter to measure your generator load.

Keep in mind that generators are rated in volt amps (VA) and not Watts. Unless the load is purely resistive and it is not, your VA will be significantly higher than the Watts. The meter I suggested would give you the information you need.

[No1Hunter]

Ryobi - 2,300 Starting Watts and 1,800 Running Watts

[eyecando]

Originally Posted by No1Hunter

Ryobi - 2,300 Starting Watts and 1,800 Running Watts

That’s really a small unit. You need to manage the load closely with that size unit. You could probably power a microwave or a converter, but not both at the same time. Get a meter and see what load you are actually putting on the generator.

Also, realize when they specify the load in watts that means VA at unity power factor. Your actual VA will not be at unity power factor.