Generator trips converter

[ToniTree]

I have a 36’ 2021 Thor Omni. When I am dry camping and start my Cummins generator it trips the converter breaker frequently. (I would say 7 outa 10 times) Does anyone have any suggestions!? It has been so frustrating and such an inconvenience. The dealership where we bought from has not been helpful.

 

[Bob Nodine]

I have a 36’ 2021 Thor Omni. When I am dry camping and start my Cummins generator it trips the converter breaker frequently. (I would say 7 outa 10 times) Does anyone have any suggestions!? It has been so frustrating and such an inconvenience. The dealership where we bought from has not been helpful.

The first thing I would do is check the output voltage of the generator. It may be to high.

If the voltage is ok then the next thing is how much current your battery charger is sending to your batteries. It is not uncommon for low batteries to send the charger into bulk mode when either the generator is started or shore power is connected. I don't know what kind of inverter/charger you have but the one on our previous motorhome had a way to limit the charging current to keep from tripping breakers or overloading the generator when the system went into bulk mode.

 

[ToniTree]

Thanks Bob! I will check all these things.

 

[tlaffourtit]

is it a converter or invertor you are having a problem with?

 

[ToniTree]

The breaker is labeled converter.

 

[tlaffourtit]

The breaker is labeled converter.

do you get approx. 12vdc + out of the converter?

 

[dkoldman]

Can we assume that with SP the Converter does not trip?

You would think you could confirm the input voltage to Converter is same regardless to power source.

Assuming Yes, then issue has to on conditions whereby the converter needs to function and draw is so high that it trips the breaker.

I would start with name make and model of Converter. It is 3 years old and may not be performing properly. I would call the Converter Mfg, not a Dealer.

 

[ToniTree]

Thanks! Definitely will check the converter and make some calls.

 

[deeperry]

I have the same issue, converter CB trips when generator kicks on

What did you discover was the problem? I have a Magnitude BT36 and my converter CB trips when the generator kicks on.

 

[16ACE27]

What did you discover was the problem? I have a Magnitude BT36 and my converter CB trips when the generator kicks on.

Define "Kicks on".

If that means when it is being started AND you are connected to SP then the converter could be overloaded by the starting current if the house batteries are weak or there is a poor electrical connection.

 

[ToniTree]

It is with dealership service department where we purchased it. They have been in close contact with Thor. Replacing our converter though it still seems to trip but less frequent. 1 outa 25 attempts. Hoping a brand new converter does the trick as they were using the service department one they had in shop. I will continue to update as we get more answers. What year is your Magnitude? Just curious.

 

[deeperry]

Hi Ted & Melinda. Thanks for responding. The scenario that I've been able to identify so far is this. While boondocking and with the AGS (Automatic Generator Start) activated, when the batteries get low enough it starts the generator. After the generator starts and the Transfer Switch switches to the generator, the converter CB trips (not every time). I can immediately reset the CB and it stays reset but the next time, or time after, when the generator starts and the Transfer Switch switches over to generator, the CB may or may not trip again. I'd say it trips maybe 6 out of every 10 times.

 

[deeperry]

Hi ToniTree. Mine is a 2022 Thor Magnitude BT36.

 

[16ACE27]

Hi Ted & Melinda. Thanks for responding. The scenario that I've been able to identify so far is this. While boondocking and with the AGS (Automatic Generator Start) activated, when the batteries get low enough it starts the generator. After the generator starts and the Transfer Switch switches to the generator, the converter CB trips (not every time). I can immediately reset the CB and it stays reset but the next time, or time after, when the generator starts and the Transfer Switch switches over to generator, the CB may or may not trip again. I'd say it trips maybe 6 out of every 10 times.

Well that blows that theory.

Breakers trip on overcurrent - real or perceived.

So maybe the converter has a problem with excessive inrush current, or
Maybe the breaker itself is weak/defective - that's an easy swap out to try (cheap too).

 

[ToniTree]

Ours is a 2022 as well.

 

[PS89]

What type of house/coach batteries are installed?


What is the make and model of the converter?


What is the amp rating of the breaker that is tripping?

 

[deeperry]

Thanks Ted & Melinda. I have the CB swap on my list of things to try.

 

[deeperry]

Hi PS89,
A little more history here. In May I was having issues with the batteries keeping a charge so I replaced them with 2 brand new GC2s. The CB tripping was happening for months prior to replacing the batteries and still happens after the batteries were replaced. I haven't noticed any change in the failure frequency. I need to check to see the model of the converter. I haven't even located it yet. I believe its in the under bed compartment area but not alot of access there. The CB is a 15 amp.

 

[Bob Nodine]

Hi Ted & Melinda. Thanks for responding. The scenario that I've been able to identify so far is this. While boondocking and with the AGS (Automatic Generator Start) activated, when the batteries get low enough it starts the generator. After the generator starts and the Transfer Switch switches to the generator, the converter CB trips (not every time). I can immediately reset the CB and it stays reset but the next time, or time after, when the generator starts and the Transfer Switch switches over to generator, the CB may or may not trip again. I'd say it trips maybe 6 out of every 10 times.

On some converter/chargers you can set the maximum charge current so when the batteries are down you do not draw high current from what ever the connection is, shore power, generator. Not sure if you have that option. I would make sure other loads in the RV are off. When the generator kicks on the charge could be putting out a lot of current because the batteries are down.

 

[deeperry]

That makes sense Bob. I will check into that. Thanks.