I bring a 2300 w suitcase generator with me when I dry camp. Why is it that the voltage readings inside read in the low to mid '90s but on one of my plugs I have a voltage reader plugged in and it reads 118.
Which one should I believe? I know it's not good to run the voltage that low but if my plugs are reading 118 maybe I'm okay?
Take an actual reading at the receptacle 118V is fine. My 2200 Honda is 128V no load 115-120v with a load.
You mean at the receptacle at the generator? It is fine there, I'm only getting a low reading at the monitor in the RV
check the actual voltage at the outlet(s) in the coach. If it's low there then start checking backwards till you find the issue. Is the problem still there on shore or big generator?
That's what I did, the voltage at the outlets are within normal range when running small generator...the monitor reads normal voltage on shore and big genny...only reads low at monitor when using small genny but outlets are good.
This is easy once you remember that your 50A plug requires two 110VAC lines, one common and one ground.
Try a new adapter cable first.
I use my house generator when I travel.
Wonder if this is a "square wave" or modified sine wave inverter-type generator, and like the old-generation square wave/modified sine wave inverters, most meters will read low voltage on most meters??
Voltage readings are a difference measurement (potential of power conductor relative to reference conductor). Some portable generators have a floating neutral, which will definitely cause issues like you're seeing:
https://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/f2/when-a-portable-generator-won-t-power-your-rv-187199.html
https://www.rvtravel.com/rv-electricity-bonded_floating_generators/
Floating Neutral portable generator - iRV2 Forums (https://www.irv2.com/forums/f59/floating-neutral-portable-generator-554529.html)
You can further Google floating neutral portable generator RV and read up on it some more.