Generator question.

[Captjacksparrow]

Hi, I have a 09 41 foot Raptor with an Onan 5500 watt. My problem is that when I run both AC units on generator, the one 30 amp breaker on the genny will trip shutting off all power to the trailer. It will run both great for a while, like 15 minutes to a 1/2 hr, then trip. Nothing else on. The second AC starts no problem everytime. Could it be a weak breaker?

I assume the second 30 amp breaker must be for the hot water tank? Only ever use propane for water heater. Have never blown the upper breaker.

I should add that both AC's run forever on 30 amp shore power.

[wifi_guy]

Condensation touching something it shouldn't? Assuming this doesn't happen on utility power?

[LHaven]

30A service usually isn't enough to run more than one A/C, even on shore power, that's why big rigs have 50A service. If you're trying to put both A/C's on one 30A service, I don't see that this behavior is in any way unexpected.

[wifi_guy]

Originally Posted by LHaven

30A service usually isn't enough to run more than one A/C, even on shore power, that's why big rigs have 50A service. If you're trying to put both A/C's on one 30A service, I don't see that this behavior is in any way unexpected.

True. I didn't think about that.

[Captjacksparrow]

Thanks for the replys guys. I got it fixed. it was the run capacitor getting weak. Changed it and everything works good now.

Actually, 30 amp is more than enough to run 2 AC's. I've done it for years on gen set, and shore power. As long as they both don't kick in the same time, you are good. I even ran my microwave with both AC's running on 30 amp. I know lots of other guys running 2 AC's on 30 amp service as well.

[chuckster57]

If my brain is engaged, the Onan 5500W gen has a 30A feed and a 20A feed.

[Javi]

Must be small A/C units

[flybouy]

I must be doing something wrong. If our 15K a/c unit compressor cicks in with the microwave on and the outside kitchen fridge running it trips the 30 amp breaker.

[Brantel]

I run a 13.5Kbtu and a 15Kbtu off of a WEN 3800 Inverter Generator often. I did however install two soft starters on the AC's.

[Captjacksparrow]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

If my brain is engaged, the Onan 5500W gen has a 30A feed and a 20A feed.

My Raptor has 2 30 amp breakers on the gen. 1 runs most of the trailer, the other is for the hot water tank.

[Javi]

Originally Posted by flybouy

I must be doing something wrong. If our 15K a/c unit compressor clicks in with the microwave on and the outside kitchen fridge running it trips the 30 amp breaker.

I know that on a 100+ day either of my 15K units will pull 15 amps running.. don't see how I could run 2 on the same 30 amps circuit...

[wiredgeorge]

Originally Posted by flybouy

I must be doing something wrong. If our 15K a/c unit compressor cicks in with the microwave on and the outside kitchen fridge running it trips the 30 amp breaker.

Ours did the same if we ran the microwave and 15K BTU Brisk II at the same time. Thought it was our unique issue and put a Marinco outdoor female plug on the back of our camper, routed the romex from the microwave's outlet to the Marinco outlet directly bypassing the circuit breakers and plug in to the 15A or 20A pedestal outlet. I have a dedicated heavy duty power cord for this application. No more popping main breakers.