Non-inverter generator

[Ksz426]

Hello.

We have been invited to go boondock camping for a weekend with some friends. It’s going to be a bit warm, so we would like to be able to use our A/C. We don’t have a generator but one friend has a Champion 4375 Dual fuel that we can borrow. It has the 30 amp RV receptacle, and I think it’s plenty big enough, but it’s not an inverter type. It seems most people have inverter generators. We do have a Bulldog surge protector that we always use. Oh, and we have the Solarflex 400 if that matters.
Is there any risk to the trailer?

Thanks.

[chuckster57]

Non inverter generators are known to produce “dirty” power meaning not steady. If your using it to run the AC I don’t think any appliances in your trailer are in real danger, sensitive electronics are what people worry about.

Years ago I used a non inverter gen and never had an issue but then again I didn’t have a laptop or cell phone.

[jasin1]

may not play well with in·command if you have that in your trailer

[chuckster57]

Originally Posted by jasin1

may not play well with in·command if you have that in your trailer

I wonder. InCommand is a 12V system and as such gets it’s power from the battery/converter. Gen may fluctuate a little, but I’m thinking the converter will continue to produce 13+VDC

I have no idea really, just thinking out loud.

[sourdough]

Yes, the converter should just produce the 13.6vdc unless the whole thing starts getting iffy with incoming power. I ran "dirty" generators for years and they powered the things we needed but did not have today's technology items. OP mentioned trying to run the A/C and think that would be OK with a 4375W gen set.

[jasin1]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

I wonder. InCommand is a 12V system and as such gets it’s power from the battery/converter. Gen may fluctuate a little, but I’m thinking the converter will continue to produce 13+VDC

I have no idea really, just thinking out loud.

Originally Posted by sourdough

Yes, the converter should just produce the 13.6vdc unless the whole thing starts getting iffy with incoming power. I ran "dirty" generators for years and they powered the things we needed but did not have today's technology items. OP mentioned trying to run the A/C and think that would be OK with a 4375W gen set.

ok that makes sense..i keep forgetting in·command is 12 volt

[Ksz426]

Thanks for the replies. We do have the Incommand system. I didn’t think about that.
I assume the generator would charge the batteries and we could recharge cell phones when the generator isn’t running.
Still on the fence about trying it.

Thanks again.

[chuckster57]

Originally Posted by Ksz426

Thanks for the replies. We do have the Incommand system. I didn’t think about that.
I assume the generator would charge the batteries and we could recharge cell phones when the generator isn’t running.
Thanks again.

Just unplug from the gen if your worried about the InCommand.

[flybouy]

Open frame generators are often bashed for producing "dirty power" and they CAN but that doesn't mean they will. I use one for back up power at our house without issue. Some years ago we lost power for 4 days due to the late season hurricane that tore up NJ and Staten Isl. NY.

I was working from home so for that time my generator was powering our gas furnace, gas water heater, refridgerators, microwave, laptop, desktop pc as well as the router, Lan switches, printer, security system, etc. Never had as much as a screen flicker. I think most modern electronics are more tolerant than they were years ago. The open frame (contractor style) generators are load and they don't produce power "as cleanly" as an inverter generator but IMO shouldn't damage anything.

[wiredgeorge]

I think folks who tout inverter clean power for the health of electronics have never used a regular ol' non-inverter. Has anyone had their sensitive electronic stuff damaged by using a non-inverter generator? I know of no one had used a non-inverter genny for years with no damage to my electronics. I think sometimes folks pass along things they have heard as gospel with no first hand experience.

[NH_Bulldog]

I lost a TV to a regular generator but that was years ago when we were out of power for 10 days after an ice storm and the TV was a 27” Zenith CRT (Cathode Ray Tube for our younger members).

In an RV, I would have no issue using any open frame generator. We used to run our hunting camp off a 10k diesel generator in a shed away from the cabin. It powered all the usual items plus TV’s, stereo and Dish Satellite system. No issues

[ChuckS]

The output from that open frame generator isn’t going to bother any appliance, etc inside the RV.

Each appliance has its own circuit board that will somewhat filter and stabilize power to the components on the circuit board.

There will be a small built in power supply on the circuit board to convert the voltage from 120 to 12 vdc and of course each has a regulator on the boards power supply circuit

The converter will adequately rectify the outgoing DC voltage it supplies due to its built in circuits as well

The main issue will be the fact the open frame generator is usually twice as load as any inverter generator

The in command system won’t be affected at all because the converter will control its 12 volt DC it supplies the the power center BUS bar as well as the batteries.

Cell phones, lap tops, etc will not be affected either because their respective power supplies are also filtered..

[Ksz426]

Thanks everyone. The loudness is something that I didn’t consider. With that in mind, we ordered a Champion 4500/3500 inverter generator, 200990. Walmart had the best price at $849.

Thanks again for all of the replies.