I'm planning to use a Honda EU2200i generator to charge the 330Ah battery bank in my Renegade Valencia motorhome, but I want to make sure I have enough power capacity before making this investment. The generator is rated at 2200 watts maximum, but I know the continuous output is lower than that peak rating.
My main concerns are whether the generator can handle the power draw from my RV's converter system during the charging process, and if so, how long I should expect it to take to bring the batteries back up from a 50% discharged state. I'd rather have all the facts about power requirements and charging times upfront so I can plan accordingly for boondocking trips where I'll be relying on the generator for battery charging.
Honda 2200 easily powers RV converter for charging 330Ah battery bank. Generator supplies 1800W continuous; converter typically draws 800W or less. Full charge from 50% takes 4-6 hours depending on converter amp rating and battery chemistry.
Yes, your Honda EU2200i generator has more than enough power to charge your Renegade Valencia's 330Ah coach battery. The generator produces 2200 watts (about 18 amps at 120V), while most RV converter/chargers only draw between 400-800 watts during the bulk charging phase. Your 330Ah battery will charge efficiently with this setup, though full charging from a deeply discharged state will take 8-12 hours depending on your converter's amperage output and the battery's state of discharge.
The confusion about generator sizing for battery charging often stems from misunderstanding how RV electrical systems work. Your coach battery charging is handled by your RV's converter/charger, not directly by the generator. The converter takes 120V AC power from your Honda generator and converts it to 12V DC power to charge your battery bank.
Most RV converters in Renegade Valencia motorhomes are rated between 35-75 amps DC output, which translates to only 420-1050 watts of AC power draw from your generator (accounting for typical 85-90% converter efficiency). Even a high-end 75-amp converter will only use about 45% of your Honda 2200's capacity. The limiting factor isn't your generator's power output, but rather your converter's charging capacity and the battery's ability to accept charge at different states of discharge.
Battery charging follows a three-stage process: bulk, absorption, and float. During bulk charging (when batteries are below 80% capacity), your converter will draw maximum power. As the battery reaches 80-90% capacity, it enters absorption mode where charging current gradually decreases, and finally float mode for maintenance charging.
Check your Renegade Valencia's converter specifications in your owner's manual or on the unit itself. Look for the DC amperage output rating - this will be something like "45A" or "55A" which tells you the maximum charging current. Also verify that your battery bank is actually 330Ah by checking the battery labels, as this will help you calculate realistic charging times.
Ensure your Honda EU2200i is in good working condition with clean air filter, fresh fuel, and proper oil level. The generator should be able to run for extended periods since battery charging often takes many hours. Position the generator at least 10 feet away from your RV's air intakes and windows to prevent carbon monoxide issues.
Test your RV's 120V shore power connection before starting. Plug the generator into your RV's shore power cord and verify that your converter is functioning properly by checking that 12V lights work and that you can hear the converter's cooling fan running when charging begins.
Connect your Honda EU2200i to your Renegade Valencia's shore power cord using a proper 30-amp adapter if your RV has a 30-amp connection (most Renegades do). Start the generator and let it warm up for 2-3 minutes before connecting the load. Turn on your RV's battery disconnect switch and main breaker panel to begin charging.
Monitor the charging process using your RV's battery monitor or a multimeter. A healthy charging system should show 13.6-14.4 volts at the battery terminals during bulk charging. You should hear your converter's cooling fan running, which indicates it's working under load. Initial charging current will be at maximum (whatever your converter is rated for), then gradually decrease as the battery reaches full charge.
For your 330Ah battery bank, expect charging times of 6-8 hours from 50% discharge, or 10-14 hours from complete discharge. The Honda generator will consume about 0.48 gallons per hour under this load, so plan for fuel accordingly. Don't let the generator run unattended - check on it every 2-3 hours to ensure proper operation.
Once batteries reach 12.6-12.8 volts at rest (generator off and all loads disconnected for 30 minutes), they're approximately fully charged. During float charging, the converter maintains 13.2-13.4 volts. Your converter will automatically switch to float mode, drawing minimal power to maintain the charge. At this point, you can shut down the generator or continue running it if you need 120V power for other appliances.
Call a qualified RV technician if your converter isn't producing the expected 13.6-14.4 volt charging voltage, as this indicates internal converter problems that require replacement. Converter units typically cost $200-600 depending on amperage rating, with installation running another $150-300 in labor.
Seek professional help if your 330Ah battery bank won't accept or hold a charge even with proper converter operation. Batteries that are over 5-7 years old or have been deeply discharged multiple times may need replacement. A 330Ah AGM battery bank typically costs $800-1500, while lithium replacements run $2000-4000.
If your Honda generator won't maintain steady power output under load (voltage drops below 115V or frequency varies significantly), this indicates internal engine or electrical problems requiring generator service. Honda dealers can diagnose and repair these issues, with typical service costs ranging from $150-400 depending on the problem.
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