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qhumberd
Moderator

T@B 400 how to connect up a generator safely

New T@B Forum 
T@B 400 How do I safely connect to a generator. Do I connect up wiring then start the generator or the revers.
What is the best method

Thanks for your help

Comments

  • Bayliss
    Bayliss Member Posts: 1,496
    edited August 2025
    @Saxon, it depends on whether you have an electrical management system (EMS) connected (i.e., hardwired inside your trailer, or a portable type surge guard/protector between the campground 30-amp pedestal and your trailer.

    If you are not using an EMS, you can plug your trailer directly into the generator.

    However, if you are referring to using a generator like Honda or Yamaha, and you DO have an EMS, you likely will need a "Neutral-Ground Bonding Plug."  I made my own (easy to do), but you can buy one on Amazon (inexpensive.)

    Some generators have an internal N-G bond.  If so, you don't need the N-G plug.  The below article will help you understand why and when it is necessary, and how you can make one.

    https://rvelectricity.substack.com/p/diy-generator-bonding-plug?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

    I have a Honda 2000i (inverter) generator.  I plug the N-G Bonding Plug into one of the two available 120V AC outlets on the generator.  I then use a 30-Amp to 15-Amp "dog bone" adapter to connect the trailer 30-Amp cord/plug into the other 120V AC outlet on the generator.  After doing that, I fire up the generator and I'm good to go.  I have a hard-wired "Progressive Dynamics" EMS, so it takes a few seconds for it to confirm the power connection is good, then I have full power to the trailer.
    2019 T@B 320 S Boondock Lite2025 Toyota Tundra CrewMax 4x4
    (Alde: 3020; Refrig: Isotherm Cruise 65 Eleg; Battery: BB 100Ah LiFePO4; Solar: Renogy 220W Portable Suitcase w/ Victron SmartSolar MPPT 75/15 Controller; Victron BMV-712 Battery Monitor w/ Shunt; Pwr Cntr: PD-4135KW2B; EMS: PI-HW30C)
    Greg & Marlene (Tucson, AZ)


  • AnOldUR
    AnOldUR Member Posts: 1,725
    Wait until the generator is up to speed before connecting so that it's providing full voltage.
    Stockton, New Jersey
    2020 nuCamp T@B 320S * Jeep Wrangler
    60,865 camping miles through the end of 2025

  • Bayliss
    Bayliss Member Posts: 1,496
    edited August 2025
    I agree with @AnOldUR.  I should have noted that I let the generator run for about a minute or so (depends on the ambient temperature) to warm up, and then I plug the dog bone connection into the generator.  I run the Honda generator using the "eco" mode to reduce the generator noise significantly.
    2019 T@B 320 S Boondock Lite2025 Toyota Tundra CrewMax 4x4
    (Alde: 3020; Refrig: Isotherm Cruise 65 Eleg; Battery: BB 100Ah LiFePO4; Solar: Renogy 220W Portable Suitcase w/ Victron SmartSolar MPPT 75/15 Controller; Victron BMV-712 Battery Monitor w/ Shunt; Pwr Cntr: PD-4135KW2B; EMS: PI-HW30C)
    Greg & Marlene (Tucson, AZ)