Mixing / Matching Generators

[JTCougar]

I recently bought 2 Smarter Tools AP-2000iQ Digital Inverter Generators so that we could parallel them when dry camping this summer. After taking one of them out, we discovered that it was reaching an overload condition just powering our 900 watt microwave. Has anyone tried running different brand generators (same capacity) in parallel? I am thinking of replacing the one S/T gen with a Yamaha EF200i.

[Festus2]

Honda and Yamaha both have parallel kits that you can get allowing you to run two gens at the same time essentially doubling the wattage. I'm not sure if there are other, less expensive inverter/gens that may be paired - Champion for example ???? It might not be possible to parallel two different brands of the same wattage.

[cdawrld]

Just giving a thumbs up for the yamaha. Runs quiet, starts first pull, kicks up when needed.

[Steve S]

Just giving a thumbs up for the yamaha. Runs quiet, starts first pull, kicks up when needed.

Another thumbs up for the Yamaha, mines dead quite and it doesn't surge or lag when more power is needed.
My Chinese one for the house is noisy, a pia to start and I knew it was a mistake buying it. Lol

[JRTJH]

The Champion 2000 watt generators are "pairable". The out put per generator is 1700 watts for a total of 3400 watts when paired. They are "stackable" when paired together saving floorspace. Rated at 53dB, same as Honda and about half the price.

[AlbertaRvMan]

I have the honda eu2000i.

This is a fantastic generator. Very quiet, very efficient, very portable for one person (compared to lifting a 3000 or greater size generator).

I bought this knowing I have the option to buy another eu2000i if I wanted to parallel a few.

I think Hondas are a bit more pricy, but after much research I decided to invest in this generator and am glad I did!

http://powerequipment.honda.com/generators/generator-parallel-capability

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N14--EO1akc

Also there are videos where people triple and quad (8000 watt) parallel these generators.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WmCHf-AemlU

[GMcKenzie]

Those up you up here in the great white north with Honda eu2000's, last time I checked we can't pair them. The pairing setup was never CSA approved so units sold up here do not have the connections.

Now this may have changed since I went looking to pair mine. It's been a few years. But I know I can't pair my unit.

[jtyphoid]

I recently bought 2 Smarter Tools AP-2000iQ Digital Inverter Generators so that we could parallel them when dry camping this summer. After taking one of them out, we discovered that it was reaching an overload condition just powering our 900 watt microwave. Has anyone tried running different brand generators (same capacity) in parallel? I am thinking of replacing the one S/T gen with a Yamaha EF200i.

Am I understanding correctly that a single S/T was overloading with the microwave? It would be interesting to know the actual load on the generator.

Keep in mind that the trailer has various things, like the converter and its battery charging circuit, that pull current even when nothing seems to be turned on. The load on the generator may have been higher than you thought.

[JRTJH]

jtyphoid,

That was my thought too. I considered that the HWH electric element may have been "left on", the refrigerator on Automatic and the battery somewhat drained which would have put the converter "charging circuit" in the "rapid charge mode". Those would account for at least 1500 watts, so it would seem reasonable that turning on the microwave would induce an "overload"....

I might be thinking too far into the "I always forget" things (my personal way of camping) but it does seem strange that a 2000 watt generator would overload with a 900 watt microwave......

[JTCougar]

Thanks for your reply. The S/T generator is rated at 1650 continuous. The frig was on propane and I turned off the circut breaker for the water heater. the batteries were at half charge. So ended up taking the generator back to Costco, but really would like to know if mixing different brands will work or if you need to have like generators to parallel.

[allmi01]

I have a Generac 2000 which is 2200 surge and 2000 continuous watts. With my TT, the power converter / charges with 50% depleted batteries will overload the generator all by itself. I am guessing its because the WIFCO converter is rated at 75 or higher amps on the 12 v side (its on a 20 amp breaker on the 120 v side).

Forget the microwave. that won;t fire up at all. Not enough power. If you have a 50 amp server into your unit, check the load. With my old 30 amp TT, no issues using the microwave. Same generator.

Lots of things can cause ou to go over surge and or rated output of your generator.

[st_pinetree]

They need to be like generators. Can't pair a Honda with a Yamaha for example

Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk

[superdog404]

I have a Progressive ems? eme whatever it is. The hardwired one. It has the external readout box. Anyway our microwave is like the other's. It's supposed to be 900 watts out but actually draws 1300 watts. 13 AMPS! I can't believe it but it does. My eu2000i will run it but has to be run pretty much on its own.