Generator

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Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
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URL: https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14756
Printed Date: 21 May 2026 at 1:03pm
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Topic: Generator

Posted By: Rodg Pod
Subject: Generator
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2021 at 4:11pm

Hello all,

I have a

A-iPower Powered by Yamaha Inverter Generator that I got from costco.

2000w/1600w

I can't get it to run the microwave even though nothing else is running. It runs for about 20 seconds then the microwave quits.

Does anyone have an idea how to get this to run the microwave, or is it just not a powerful enough generator.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thank you

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Rodger
Santa Rosa, CA
2017 179 Hood River Edition
2012 F-150 FX2

Everyday is Saturday - No more work

Replies:

Posted By: podwerkz
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2021 at 4:37pm

Give us a bit more info and we wont have to make it a guessing game.

Are you plugging a microwave directly into the generator? And it shuts off? If so, it may be defective, or maybe you are at high altitude and the generator output ratings have to be de-rated.

Or are you trying to operate the convection/microwave installed in your r-pod, and the r-pod is plugged into the generator? And it shuts off? If that is the case you will have to turn off ALL other items such as the 120-12v converter/charger and the water heater 120v switch and the roof A/C.

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r･pod 171 gone but not forgotten!

Posted By: campman
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2021 at 4:38pm

Hello Rodger. Sorry to hear you are having a problem with your genny.

I think it won't help you to try keeping your generator at max speed when turning on your microwave (turn off your eco mode), but you could give it a shot.

On another recent "generator not big enough" thread "Johninidaho" mentioned that if your TT battery(s) are low, your converter in your trailer will suck a lot of energy from your genny as it tries to charge them. This can also be contributing to overloading your Yamaha when you try using your microwave.

You should have an overload light on your genset that comes on if it senses an overload condition...if the overload condition continues for too long, power is cut off via a cb as it tries to protect itself. If your loads are too large, a bigger generator would be needed.

You could try running an extension cord directly to your microwave to see if it indeed overloads your genny as it would take all other loads out of the equation. I think it will still not be enough generator, but that is just me.

Your generator sounds like it is too small for what you are demanding from it and this could damage your Yamaha genset if you keep overloading it. I would keep that in mind as well.

I have a 3300i (3300 watts surge, 3000 watts continuous) I will be using for our trailer. A bit extra capacity you may wish to consider. Mine is a FIRMAN from Costco, great little unit, super price. I also use it at home during power outages. I did swap out the spark plug when I got it as the one provided was cracked.

There you go, hope this helps you out!

Andy

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Andy and Laurie
'16 F150 5.0 4X4 w/factory tow pkg
'21 RP192
"If the women don't find you handsome...at least let them find you handy!"
Red-Green

Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2021 at 5:47pm

2 kw peak, 1600w continuous should run the microwave. It might not run anything else with significant demand (fridge, water heater element, a/c, or converter if the battery is low) at the same time. My 2kw Honda will run everything in the trailer but not all at once.

Try shutting off all the breakers except the micro and see if that works. Or run the micro directly as others have suggested.

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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold

Posted By: Colt
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2021 at 11:30am

A typical 1000 watt micro draws over 1800 watts. Mine at home pulls 1835 watts continuously. I haven't tested the 'Pod micro because the plug is hard to get to.

You prolly need more generator.

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John
'16 R-Pod 180

Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2021 at 12:07pm

I tested my micro and it was around 1300 watts IIRC, less than the a/c. My 2kw Honda will run either one, but of course not both simultaneously.

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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold

Posted By: Rodg Pod
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2021 at 10:45am

Thank you for the feedback. I shut all the breakers, but the main, and the generator ran the microwave. when plugged into the POD. I guess I'll need another 2000w generator to run in parallel when necessary. I typically never run 120v items, but it is nice to have the option.

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Rodger
Santa Rosa, CA
2017 179 Hood River Edition
2012 F-150 FX2

Everyday is Saturday - No more work

Posted By: campman
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2021 at 11:44am

Good to hear your generator can work if you load manage! A 2nd Yamaha generator to parallel if/when needed is a good idea as they are easier to handle individually rather then one larger generator.

Only downside is the extra cost to get another genny as well as now having 2 generators to fuel up and maintain...also takes up a bit more of your storage space.

All in all a successful resolution. Have a great day.

Andy

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Andy and Laurie
'16 F150 5.0 4X4 w/factory tow pkg
'21 RP192
"If the women don't find you handsome...at least let them find you handy!"
Red-Green

Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2021 at 3:51pm

Next step is to find out what other ac loads are left on. I would suspect the water heater element or the fridge might be on ac rather than propane. Turn on one breaker at a time and listen for the generator loading up. If it's the water heater just leave that breaker off unless you are on shore power, or you can shut it off using the little partially hidden switch inside the water heater external cover.

You quite likely do not need a second generator as long as you manage your loads carefully. Especially you can't run the micro and a/c simultaneously, but that's really not much of a hardship. That's the way several of use do it here.

You will need an Easystart soft starter for the a/c. A 2kw generator can run the a/c but does not provide enough current for compressor startup. Lots of posts here on the Easystart. Cost is about $300, install is pretty easy but you do need to get on the roof to do it.

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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold