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Old 06-20-2018, 12:30 PM   #2
JRTJH
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Gaylord
Posts: 26,846
I think your problem is in your first sentence. "I have an 11 year old...."

Chances are very good that your generator has problems and simply can't deliver the rated output. Whether it's from worn brushes, corroded armature windings, shorted windings or some other cause, I'd suspect that the generator isn't up to the task.

If your trailer can be plugged into a 30 amp (3600 watt) RV outlet and power the air conditioner, then it certainly should be capable of running on a properly functioning 5550 watt source. I'd say your generator isn't providing 5550 watts, and from the "bogging down" that occurs, if the A/C operates on a 30 amp source, the generator is providing significantly less than 3600 watts.

One of the comments I've made over the years is that running any generator "at or near" capacity, then turning it off without following a proper "cool down sequence" will destroy the insulation on the armature windings. It usually starts with one or two windings and you'll never notice the loss. Over the years, each time the insulation "heat soaks" and breaks down, a bit more "wattage capability" is lost, until one day, you start the generator, power it up, plug in something that it should run easily, and realize that it bogs down and "craps on itself".... I'm guessing that's where your 11 year old generator may be......

Try it with someone else's "known good" generator. I'm guessing your A/C will work without problems. As for the generator, troubleshooting and potential repair may be an option, then again, you may find that the parts to repair it cost more than a new, better generator.
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