Soft Start not working on my generator-HELP

[KRHDACM]

Hi,
I know there have been many threads on here about how great the Soft starts work. But I cant seem to figure out why mine won't. Its installed properly and works fine on shore power.
Many people say that they are able to run their AC units off of a 2200 or 2300W generator like the Honda EU2200. I have a Duromax 2300 that has the same specs and every time the AC startys up, it goes into overload mode.

Before spending $$ on a new generator, does anyone have any advice?

TIA.


2022 Grand Design Imagine 17MKE

 

[el Rojo]

You're probably pulling too many amps for the generator. That size gen will only pull 1 AC.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[el Rojo]

And if you only have 1 AC, you probably have other devices pulling power, ie Frig. water heater, battery charger etc.

 

[triplethreat]

Hi,
I know there have been many threads on here about how great the Soft starts work. But I cant seem to figure out why mine won't. Its installed properly and works fine on shore power.
Many people say that they are able to run their AC units off of a 2200 or 2300W generator like the Honda EU2200. I have a Duromax 2300 that has the same specs and every time the AC startys up, it goes into overload mode.

Before spending $$ on a new generator, does anyone have any advice?

TIA.


2022 Grand Design Imagine 17MKE

Do you have an "eco" mode switch on the generator? That switch allows, if it is turned on, for the generator to run at reduced RPM until is senses a load on it. If you have an "eco" switch, make sure it is turned OFF.....and the generator is running at the full rated speed. Check out that situation and let us know.

And yes, as previously stated above, pretty much anything everything else that uses 120VAC needs to be turned off except for the A/C unit........and only one of them at a time.

 

[KRHDACM]

Thanks for the quick replys.
a) Yes, I am obviously pulling too many amps still on start up. The display shows an overload light. Running amps should be OK on this according to GD. . The reason I went the 2300 with softstart was to keep the generaato size down for ease of transport. On all the forums, everyone said they were running the AC on the smaller generators without a problem once the SoftStart was installed, specifically, the Honda 2200. So I assumed the Duromax would also do the same. Its not.

b) I did turn off the Eco mode and its still tripped.

I guess my question is what is the smallest size generator I would need to run the AC with a softsart? Obviously, I can always put another generator in parallel but Im trying to avoid having to lug around 2 generators just for AC. Otherwise, the 2300 powers everything perfectly.

And Thank you for the welcome.

best, Ken

 

[Tom Traveler]

Thanks for the quick replys.
a) Yes, I am obviously pulling too many amps still on start up. The display shows an overload light. Running amps should be OK on this according to GD. . The reason I went the 2300 with softstart was to keep the generaato size down for ease of transport. On all the forums, everyone said they were running the AC on the smaller generators without a problem once the SoftStart was installed, specifically, the Honda 2200. So I assumed the Duromax would also do the same. Its not.

b) I did turn off the Eco mode and its still tripped.

I guess my question is what is the smallest size generator I would need to run the AC with a softsart? Obviously, I can always put another generator in parallel but Im trying to avoid having to lug around 2 generators just for AC. Otherwise, the 2300 powers everything perfectly.

And Thank you for the welcome.

best, Ken

If you can find a helpful fellow camper with a Honda 2200, ask to try their generator on your unit. Even though they have the same specs, they are not all created equal. The problem may be your generator.

 

[KRHDACM]

Great idea!

 

[Soundsailor]

[MENTION=62579]KRHDACM[/MENTION], I had the same problem with my generator. The fix was to throw the breaker to turn off the charger/converter. With that, no more overload. The 12-volt loads will be serviced by your batteries.

 

[KRHDACM]

Hi Steven,
Can you explain that a little more?

I also just got off the phone with Honda. So they have 3 different 2200 generators and he couldnt really explain the difference very well. But here is my take:
-Honda EU2200i- internal electrical board and floating nuetral
-Honda EU2200i Companion- It has a locking 30A for RV hookup.
-Honda EB2200i- "commercial grade" with bonded nuetral

The specs are pretty much the same so I have no idea of the exact difference but maybe your fix will solve it. Im gonna tray that tonihgt when I get home. Is it one of the bigger breakers on the panel?

thanks, Ken

 

[el Rojo]

Hi Steven,
Can you explain that a little more?

I also just got off the phone with Honda. So they have 3 different 2200 generators and he couldnt really explain the difference very well. But here is my take:
-Honda EU2200i- internal electrical board and floating nuetral
-Honda EU2200i Companion- It has a locking 30A for RV hookup.
-Honda EB2200i- "commercial grade" with bonded nuetral

The specs are pretty much the same so I have no idea of the exact difference but maybe your fix will solve it. Im gonna tray that tonihgt when I get home. Is it one of the bigger breakers on the panel?

thanks, Ken

It should be marked charger.

 

[Mr. Goodwrench]

Thanks for the quick replys.
a) Yes, I am obviously pulling too many amps still on start up. The display shows an overload light. Running amps should be OK on this according to GD. . The reason I went the 2300 with softstart was to keep the generaato size down for ease of transport. On all the forums, everyone said they were running the AC on the smaller generators without a problem once the SoftStart was installed, specifically, the Honda 2200. So I assumed the Duromax would also do the same. Its not.

b) I did turn off the Eco mode and its still tripped.

I guess my question is what is the smallest size generator I would need to run the AC with a softsart? Obviously, I can always put another generator in parallel but Im trying to avoid having to lug around 2 generators just for AC. Otherwise, the 2300 powers everything perfectly.

And Thank you for the welcome.

best, Ken

You might need to make a neutral grounding plug to plug into your generator. Some generators don't like to hook up to a load that is not grounded and you need to trick it with a grounding plug.

 

[Riverbug]

What actual amperage are you seeing with the soft start on startup and running? I have run my A/C on my old EU2000i. It's revving for sure, but it handles it fine. Do you know what your actual amperage readings are on Peak Startup and Live Current (running current)? With my EasyStart it starts up at 15-16A and running amperage is 11-12A. My generator outlet has a max rating of 13A but it can be pushed higher without overcurrent. Before I installed my off-grid system, I shut off the converter/charger and made sure nothing else was running on AC.

Perhaps you need to confirm all of your readings to make sure the soft start is working as intended...

 

[RV2600RB]

The advertised ratings on those Chinese generators are not accurate. Go with a Honda if you want a quality generator.
Rich

 

[Riverbug]

The advertised ratings on those Chinese generators are not accurate. Go with a Honda if you want a quality generator.
Rich

I think we're all talking about Honda generators aren't we?

 

[Soundsailor]

It should be marked charger.

Says converter on mine, but yes, check the label.

 

[Soundsailor]

The advertised ratings on those Chinese generators are not accurate. Go with a Honda if you want a quality generator.
Rich

Agree that Honda generators are the gold standard. However they also cost a lot more. I have a Pulsar 2300 watt generator that cost under $400, the Honda is 5 times that. The Honda is much quieter and will probably last longer. But I rarely use my generator and so far it has done everything I have asked.

 

[Scott'n'Wendy]

I like soundsailor's idea of opening the converter breaker. If your battery is not near 100% it can pull a reasonable load. Probably enough to o/l your gennie with the A/C.
I would turn EVERYTHING off first. All 120vac breakers except the A/C. Then fire up the gennie and try the A/C. If it works ok, then you need to determine which load is just a bit too much for the gennie to handle with the A/C. My Honda 2000i will start and run our Coleman A/C, I think Mach10?, but the fridge needs to be on propane not 120vac. So your 2200i should be able to do it. Unless you have a model of A/C with a higher current draw?

And...of course. The soft start may be faulty. Call them and see what they say?

 

[robmcqueen]

What altitude are you at ? Higher altitude will cause a loss in performance

 

[RV2600RB]

Agree that Honda generators are the gold standard. However they also cost a lot more. I have a Pulsar 2300 watt generator that cost under $400, the Honda is 5 times that. The Honda is much quieter and will probably last longer. But I rarely use my generator and so far it has done everything I have asked.

Honda 2200 is only about $1200. It’s worth it for the quality to me.
Rich

 

[KRHDACM]

Thank you!
Im gonna give it a try.