Portable Generator GFCIs trip when connected.

[TravelWithTheColes]

We have a 2015 LM 365 Newport. It has generator prep. We are experiencing power outages and decided to purchase a portable generator. It is a 5500 Caterpillar. The generator works fine, but when we connect the coach to it, the GFCIs pop. We’ve spent hours on the internet and have read about a neutral bond that needs to be disconnected on the generator because the transfer switch in the rig is already neutrally bonded. We tried that, but now we show low voltage in the rig, and when we test the outlets using a multimeter, there is current running through the neutral. We are going crazy trying to figure this out. Has anyone else experienced this? Any suggestions???

 

[danemayer]

Actually, you need to bond the neutral and ground at the portable generator. Read this article.

Also, your LM 365 has a Power Control System that sheds loads to stay within the available power. It should automatically detect the diffeence between a 50 amp (2 hot legs) power source, and a 30 amp (1 hot leg) power source. But if your generator delivers less than 3,600 watts (30 amps), you need to manually set the PCS to 20 amps for it to work correctly.

You can read a little about the PCS control system starting on page 42 of our owner-written Landmark 365 User Guide V1.1.

 

[rxbristol]

That's good stuff, Dan. As usual, your the man.

 

[porthole]

5500 Caterpillar. The generator works fine, but when we connect the coach to it, the GFCIs pop.
We’ve spent hours on the internet and have read about a neutral bond that needs to be disconnected on the generator because the transfer switch in the rig is already neutrally bonded. We tried that, but now we show low voltage in the rig, and when we test the outlets using a multimeter, there is current running through the neutral. We are going crazy trying to figure this out. Has anyone else experienced this? Any suggestions???

You say the GFCI's pop.
How many are there on your rig?
If more then one circuit protected, do they all pop?

Do other electrical items work- correctly when using the generator?

How are you connecting to the trailer, through the trailers 50 amp cord and adapters?

If so, then you are not using the transfer switch. The only way you could use the transfer switch is if you wired in a separate generator only receptacle.

How did you remove the neutral bond?
That generator should be wired internally from the stator to the frame - and should not be removed.
With it removed, the PCS should have locked it out for a missing neutral - ground bond.

Have you tried one of the simple circuit testers with 3 lights?

https://www.amazon.com/Sperry-Instr...qid=1520261257&sr=8-4&keywords=circuit+tester

It is possible you have a different wiring issue either internally with the generator or the adapter you are using.
Hot - neutral reverse, Hot - Ground reverse etc

- - - Updated - - -

Actually, you need to bond the neutral and ground at the portable generator. Read this article.

Need to re-read it.

His Caterpillar RP5500 contractor generator is internally bonded

 

[carl.swoyer]

We have a 2015 LM 365 Newport. It has generator prep. We are experiencing power outages and decided to purchase a portable generator. It is a 5500 Caterpillar. The generator works fine, but when we connect the coach to it, the GFCIs pop. We’ve spent hours on the internet and have read about a neutral bond that needs to be disconnected on the generator because the transfer switch in the rig is already neutrally bonded. We tried that, but now we show low voltage in the rig, and when we test the outlets using a multimeter, there is current running through the neutral. We are going crazy trying to figure this out. Has anyone else experienced this? Any suggestions???

I had 5 kipor 6500 watt gensets. Not one of them was wired for running the fifth wheel. As soon as we applied power the genset would go into overload protection. I ended up getting a onan 5500 lp Marquis.

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