Trailer Generators

Mike-Casella · Postby **Mike-Casella** » Thu May 25, 2006 2:36 pm

I figured I better start a new topic on this subject so we don't keep derailing other ones. Maybe BP can drag the other posts into here sometime.

The generator in the motorhome is a 5500 watt and last year we found that it just couldn't take the load of running the AC unit in the motorhome and power the trailer also, so I have this 4000 watt portable generator sitting in the garage collecting dust. The nitrous filling station I put in the trailer this season requires an air compressor, not to mention the 1500 watt bottle heater I picked up. I tried it this past weekend and even with a 6' extention cord the compressor wouldn't kick over till I let a bunch od air out.

Rapid Randy Baker · Postby **Rapid Randy Baker** » Thu May 25, 2006 2:56 pm

Your compressor does have an unloader on it doesn't it?

However even with on added to ours, it would not always start. We have always had to shut off the A/C in order to start the compressor. Lucky for us, we really only use it for the pro-jacks, raising the car for service.

The thing would try to run, but sounded like a toyota with 3 plug wires off. If you would turn it off, shut down other stuff, most of the time it would then take off like it was supposed to. We just had to listen to it when it would start to make sure it was sounding correct.

Sometimes, like you said, we would have to bleed the air off, then it would start. It was never enough of a problem to dig into it, just enough to be irritating if you know what I mean. We also wired it so it had it's own circuit. No real change.

The new industrial a/compressor can be 110 or 220. Well on 220, it would probably kick right on. However, when you buy your generator, you have to tell them you want the 220 option, another couple of hundred bucks. It wouldn't have been a big deal, and we would have bought that just to have it,,,,,if we had known about it.

Mike-Casella · Postby **Mike-Casella** » Thu May 25, 2006 3:01 pm

This generator has a multitude of recepticles on it. Two 15amp one round 20 amp and a round 30 amp. I wonder if it would be easier to get an adapter to be able to use the 20 or 30 amp plug.

jim sanders · Postby **jim sanders** » Thu May 25, 2006 3:16 pm

very interesting thread.. it sounds to me that Doug has a great understanding of all above.... good info for the future... maybe Bob K. could jump in with the math.. watts. amps. volts. etc... our bracket deal is dependent on everyone having good flashlights, a couple full air tanks, a good jack and stands...

Rapid Randy Baker · Postby **Rapid Randy Baker** » Thu May 25, 2006 3:21 pm

I am not the electrical guy, it seems like they would make something like a capacitor to store a bunch of energy that would go between the breaker box, and the item to start. This could stand a heavy load and step up the power for just this type of thing.

Maybe this could be the next big thing!

Mike-Casella · Postby **Mike-Casella** » Thu May 25, 2006 3:24 pm

Me either, I'm waiting for someone with more electrical knowledge than I have to reply. I think the problem I am having is the compressor requires more amperage to start, and I'm hoping that by using the 30 amp circuit I can make it happy.

Rapid Randy Baker · Postby **Rapid Randy Baker** » Thu May 25, 2006 3:29 pm

We couldn't with ours. It will sometimes, that way. Not others depending I think, on how imparitive it is that it works right then.

jim sanders · Postby **jim sanders** » Thu May 25, 2006 3:30 pm

on the subject Randy and all following this topic... i have witnessed multitudes of street et bracket guys rolling a gasoline powered generator just to power a battery charger and a walmart air pump.. because they don't run an altenator, or they have electric water pump and cooling fans. 4 guys running around hooking up cords and charging junk batteries trying to make the call to the lanes for next round to run a 13.80 et.... we could drive our car home if the trailer broke

Doug · Postby **Doug** » Thu May 25, 2006 6:12 pm

Mike, if you can give me some information off of your compressor, I can try to help you.

Otherewise, maybe you should just bring i over to my house and i'll look at it.

Hey, since your heading this way, can you bring my transmission?

Seriously, look at the compressor motor and there is a plate attached to it. Give me all the information on the motor plate and we'll do a little math and see if we can't find your problem.

Mike-Casella · Postby **Mike-Casella** » Thu May 25, 2006 6:47 pm

It works fine when it's plugged into the house, and as long as I let most of the air out, the generator will run it, but after it reaches the pre-set pressure and shuts down I have to unplug it or shut the switch off so it won't try and start again. I'll get the numbers anyway/

Trailer Generators

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