Community Forums

category5 · 09-06-2014, 05:39 PM

When boondocking (no shore power available), our generator runs fine and starts putting out 120 Volts within a minute or so, we always check the clock on the microwave to confirm. After about 20 minutes the roof Air Conditioner just stopped. I checked the microwave and the power was not there either but the generator is running fine. Repair guy replaced the Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) and we were ok for about a year when the exact same thing happened.

Both times it was over 100 degrees. Both times, when we got home the generator started just fine and there is power - I used it for the vacuum cleaner in the coach.

It seems to be heat related, what might cause that?

Could the ATS be intermittent?

dvmweb · 09-06-2014, 06:26 PM

Is the generator putting out good amperage?

Coach?

Generator?

2013 FleetWood Expedition 38B

chboone · 09-07-2014, 11:29 AM

Do you have a volt meter and know how to safely use it around live circuits? If you do, when to you lose voltage inside the coach check the voltage from the generator to the input side of the transfer switch. Also check the voltage at the load side of the contactor. If there is voltage only on the input side of the contactor from the generator, there is a problem with the transfer switch. If no votage on either side there's a problem the generator. Check for loose wires inside the transfer switch, with ALL power off, generator off and not connected to shore power. Look for any discoloration of all connections in the transfer switch, if there is they are getting hot from loose connections. Check all connections in the transfer switch for loose connections by tightening them.

Chuck

Dr4Film · 09-07-2014, 11:38 AM

If the generator is running and outputting good power but the power isn't getting to the distribution panel in your coach, it's either the circuit breaker on the generator or the auto transfer switch.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

category5 · 09-09-2014, 10:10 PM

We have a 2006 Four Winds Hurricane 34N with a 5500 guardian generator. Since the ATS was replaced and we experienced the same problem with the new ATS as the old one, I was wondering if maybe there was some other component that could be heat sensitive? Because both times when we got home in cooler temperatures the generator provided power.

chboone · 09-09-2014, 10:43 PM

Sounds like it is heat related. When it happens you need to check if the generator is or is not out putting power. If you don't have a volt test meter or don't want to test live circuits you'll have to have someone do the testing for you. Easiest place is at the generator side of the transfer switch with a volt meter. If no power then it's a generator problem. If there is power to the transfer switch but not out of it, its a transfer switch problem. Could be the time delay circuit. Mine has a red indicator light that comes on when the time has elapsed and pulled in the contactor for the generator power. Check inside the transfer switch for loose connections with ALL power off generator and shore. Without proper testing there no way to tell what the real problem is. You can also safely do the testing with a non-contact tester available at Home Depot or Lowes.
Milwaukee Non-Contact Voltage Tester-2202-20 at The Home Depot

Chuck

category5 · 10-11-2014, 07:56 AM

We ended up taking it in to our regular RV mechanic on a day when the temperature was 102 degrees, and he FINALLY was able to see for himself that the generator motor keeps running but stops putting out power at some point.
Once he witnessed the power stopping, he was able to trace the cause back to the voltage regulator.
That has now been replaced and I will give it a try on the next hot day to confirm.
Thanks to everyone for your advice.