7500 Onan Generator/Shore Power

[charlie2]

I have a 2002 Winnebago Journey DL 36' Diesel Pusher Cat 330, and a 7500 Onan Generator. Can I run the generator while plugged into shore power?

[1ciderdog]

I'd think yes, the transfer switch will control the source of power.

[charlie2]

Thanks Ciderdog, this coach is new to us . We had a class C gasser before this and on that you had to change where you were plugged into to get gen power. This is all new to me.

[Tha_Rooster]

My question is why. If you are going to exercise it you want have to worry about the transfer switch screwing up unplug put a load on it.

[charlie2]

The reason I asked is the house batteries were about dead because it was not plugged into shore power. And I thought I needed them charged to start the generator, and wondered if that would be a problem. I did start it and unplug it from shore power.

[Tha_Rooster]

If possible I would plug in to charge weak or dead batteries it could take hours and hours to fully charge weak batteries and you need to fully charge them not just half way.

[charlie2]

Thanks rooster I will do that.

[Gorlininc]

I believe that the transfer switch goes to the generator side if you are plugged in. So once the generator puts out power, the transfer switches over to the generator only.

[charlie2]

Thanks Gorlininc

[bluepill]

Charlie2: Most generators use the chassis batteries - not the house batteries - for starting. It sounds like that is true in your case. The logic is for exactly your situation. House batteries have gone too low to start the genny, but the chassis batteries are strong because they are isolated from the house system.

Welcome to the Class A Adventure.

Half of the adventure is learning how to operate the rig.

[1ciderdog]

Originally Posted by charlie2

The reason I asked is the house batteries were about dead because it was not plugged into shore power. And I thought I needed them charged to start the generator, and wondered if that would be a problem. I did start it and unplug it from shore power.

Assuming your Journey has the same or similar dash there should be a AUX rocker switch (on mine it is the upper left switch on the left side of the dash). Pushing and holding this switch will combine the chassis & house batteries so that you can start the generator if the house batteries are dead or low. Also you can start the Cat engine if the chassis batteries are low using the same switch. I agree the best way to get the batteries fully charged is with shore power (or driving the RV several hours).

[charlie2]

Bluepill and Ciderdog, thanks for the help and education. I'm sure I'll need more, lot's to learn with the A. When the weather warms I will get into more of it's operations.

[FormerBoater]

Charlie2, just a little more info, you can start the genny on shore power and the transfer switch will make the change from shore power to the generator power source as others have said.

However, this transfer will occur under load and is not the best practice as it is hard on your transfer switch.

Best practice, unplug before you start your generator when you are leaving your campsite and need the generator for running the A/C etc.

Plug in to SP for a full battery charge as the others have said.

Hope this is not redundant information...just wanted to give you some "best practice" information vs. things that you can do but might regret later.

DaveS
1998 American Eagle 40EVS

[charlie2]

Thanks Dave, Can't have too much information.