Could someone explain to me what would be safe to run in my Solitude when hooked up to a generator. NOT AN INVERTOR, just a plain ol' generator. I understand "sensitive' electronics could be damaged, but outside of laptops, cell phones, etc., what CAN I run? My Solitude is a '16 so I don't have the one control, so would the refer be safe? House lights? The television? AC's? Our area was without power for 12 hours on Saturday and I'd like to know if in an emergency a generator would be safe to use , and are there some things I probably shouldn't use.
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I'd use a volt meter to make sure it's putting out 110-125 volts. If so, I'd run with it. Can you run your refrigerator on gas, or is it a residential model?
JimJim and Ginnie
2024 Solitude 310GK - 2020 F350 Dually
GDRV Technical Forum Moderator
GDRV Rally Support Coordinator
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Do you have an EMS? (Electrical Management System . . . commonly called a Surge Guard). Plug your RV into your generator through this and it will watch for voltage irregularities, loss of neutral, etc. If the generator output passes the EMS tests, it is probably OK. Note that you may have to bond (connect) the neutral and ground at the generator to pass the EMS checks.
RobCate & Rob
(with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
2015 Reflection 303RLS
2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
Bayham, Ontario, Canada
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I have the Champion dual fuel 3500w inverter generator. No problems with running this one. Will start and run both AC's, one at a time.
I have the EMS and the bond plug is necessary. $10 on Amazon for the bond plug.USN Engineer Retired
2020 RAM 2500 CC 6.7 Cummins
2022 GD Reflection 315RLTS
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The key is to use an "inverter generator" the power is cleaner than a standard generator. When we first got our Champion 4500w inverter gen we tested it by running our 337 all day on it. AC (1 unit) was on, fridge was on AC and we watched TV and used it as we normally do and it kept up just fine, I monitored voltages and the Progressive EMS system showed no faults. Its so quiet I actually forgot we werent on shore power and this was with the gen sitting about 10 ft behind the trailer.2021 Reflection 337RLS, 2021 Silverado 3500HD 6.6 gas. Nellie the wonder boxer
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I agree I would not use anything except an "inverter style" generator. Your on board Converter, Air conditioner, TV or Fridge that run on 120V AC might not like the other style. Lets just say modern electronics get a bit picky on thier power needs.
Keith2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.
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Originally posted by S&S View PostCould someone explain to me what would be safe to run in my Solitude when hooked up to a generator. NOT AN INVERTOR, just a plain ol' generator. I understand "sensitive' electronics could be damaged, but outside of laptops, cell phones, etc., what CAN I run? My Solitude is a '16 so I don't have the one control, so would the refer be safe? House lights? The television? AC's? Our area was without power for 12 hours on Saturday and I'd like to know if in an emergency a generator would be safe to use , and are there some things I probably shouldn't use.
The larger the generator (more watts) obviously the more amperage it can provide to the camper.
Your owner's manual has a list in it showing the approximate amount of amperage each device in your trailer requires. Managing what is powered on at any given time (don't forget about the converter and that it charges the battery and powers the 12V components!) is critical when on a limited power source. For example, it's a given that when on limited power the water heater and refrigerator (if it's an absorption) are on propane.
HowardForum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.
2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlus
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If an inverter generator is a must, why are those of us with a conventional whole house standby generators able to power home appliances without issue? I've run kitchen appliances, TV's, computers, etc. for several days at a time using a Generac generator. I do monitor voltage but it by no means supplys a pure sine wave. It's never damaged anything to my knowledge. How is an RV different?2020 Reflection 273MK
2005 Dodge Ram 2500 CTD
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Lonestar -- a look at the least expensive Generac's specs shows it outputs clean (they call it "True") power. There isn't a difference (that I know of) between a house and an RV (re: the damage dirty or low voltage will do to appliances, computers, etc.).
From a spec sheet...
Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.
2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlus
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Originally posted by Lonestar View PostIf an inverter generator is a must, why are those of us with a conventional whole house standby generators able to power home appliances without issue? I've run kitchen appliances, TV's, computers, etc. for several days at a time using a Generac generator. I do monitor voltage but it by no means supplys a pure sine wave. It's never damaged anything to my knowledge. How is an RV different?
A modified sine wave generator is an inverter generator, so inverter generators aren’t always good. It’s easier to filter a sawtooth or even a square wave to make something that looks like a sine wave than it is to create the low-harmonic content sine wave over the wide range of load the inverter might see. The advantage of an inverter generator is that changes in engine speed don’t affect the output waveform so it can throttle up and down to meet the load. The best inverters have very low Total Harmonic Distortion, but sadly, some manufacturers seem to just claim good numbers whether their product actually meets them or not.
John & Kathy
2014 Reflection 303RLS
2014 F250 SC SB 6.2
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