Troubleshooting etrailer 3,200-Watt Portable RV Inverter Generator Bogging Down Under Load

Published 10/06/2022

Question:

I bought a pair of the ETrailer 3200 watt generators a couple of years ago. I rarely use them in parallel but in single 30-amp mode. I occasionally have to use the A/C and one generator starts either unit, not both. Recently one of the generators started ping offline after starting the a/c. I switched generators and the other one started the a/c just fine. Do I need the other one serviced? How do I know what the load is when the generator trips? Its just weird that one trips and the other doesnt under the same load conditions.

asked by: Bill H

Expert Reply:

In regards to the 3,200-Watt Portable RV Inverter Generator, if you look in the owner's manual at the end you'll see a troubleshooting section. In this section, it states that if the unit bogs down under load but not while running without a load, you could be suffering from the following causes:

1. Short circuit in a connected load.
2. Engine speed is too slow.
3. Generator is overloaded.
4. Shorted generator circuit.
5. Clogged or dirty fuel filter

The corrections for these causes are then attached below:

1. Disconnect shorted electrical load.
2. Contact authorized service facility.
3. See Don't Overload Generator
4. Contact authorized service facility
5. Clean or replace fuel filter.

Please note, the generator is covered by a two year warranty. If there is an issue with the generator and it's no longer under warranty, the best replacement option we offer for this is the Firman 3,300-Watt Portable RV Dual Fuel Inverter Generator part # FIR54FR.