Community Forums

dbauman33 · 07-20-2019, 08:43 AM

Hello all. I have a 2008 windsport . Everything works fine with onboard generator, however when plugged into 50 amp service at campground only one ac unit will work and refrigerator will stay on gas and not switch to electric. Can this be a transfer switch problem? Rv was plugged in while I was away for 4 days(when i left everything was ok) had some storms roll through also without a surge protector. Thanks for any help.

JJH3rd · 07-20-2019, 08:54 AM

My first thought is that only half of the 50A service is being used. (pardon me if you already know this) the 50A 220v service is really two 120 v 30A lines and your description would indicate that only one "leg" is operating in your rig. It could be a problem at the electric post. It could be that your transfer switch didn't work. It could be that the 50A circuit breaker isn't working. So you need to CAREFULLY follow the current.

Just sayin.

MSHappyCampers · 07-20-2019, 09:37 AM

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

I would suspect a problem with the campground power pedestal! Can you move to another site on a different row and see what happens? Have fun and keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

mobilemike · 07-20-2019, 09:52 AM

Think of electricity like water. When you have a problem you must start at the source and follow it through the path to the final user. Testing along the way.

Mr_D · 07-20-2019, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJH3rd

My first thought is that only half of the 50A service is being used. (pardon me if you already know this) the 50A 220v service is really two 120 v 30A lines and your description would indicate that only one "leg" is operating in your rig. It could be a problem at the electric post. It could be that your transfer switch didn't work. It could be that the 50A circuit breaker isn't working. So you need to CAREFULLY follow the current.

Just sayin.

Actually a 50 amp RV service has two legs of 50 amp power, not the 30 as stated.
30 amp = 3,600 watts (120 volts X 30 amps)
50 amp = 12,000 watts (120 volts X 50 amps X 2 legs)

Dutch Star Don · 07-20-2019, 12:20 PM

"dbauman33".....Simply speaking, your 50 amp power cord is really two different power sources supplying your coach. It has two sides of power. One side goes to one air conditioner and maybe the microwave and the other side goes to the other air conditioning and refer. The rest of your outlets are split up between the two.

With that said, it sounds like you're only getting power from one side. Where to start? You could have a bad power cord (plug) or circuit breaker at the campground box. If that is working, and power is being sent through the cord, the next stop is your transfer switch (big black box) in your power bay. The transfer switch decides where you get your power, from the generator or the shore cord. It does this automatically. So depending on what power source you're using, shore power or generator, it decides which source to send into your coach. Simply stated, it does this by changing contacts from one to another. Most likely, your issue is here. The contacts are stuck in the generator mode and not switching to shore power.

Unless you're capable of using a volt meter and tracing the power through the cord and into the transfer switch, you may need to get some help. Here's one thing you can try. Take a rubber handled screwdriver or hammer and rap the black box in your power bay several times. Sometimes this will free the contacts and get them to change. Do this with the shore power connected and the generator off. If it works, you need to look at getting the transfer switched replaced.

Ray,IN · 07-20-2019, 03:15 PM

A simple and quick method of detecting electricity presence is a non-contact voltage tester.

dbauman33 · 07-21-2019, 08:59 AM

Thanks to all for you input. Very helpfull! After trying a few things I just pulled stakes and tried another site and that solved my problems. Campground will look into bad pedestal soon so I can move back to better site. A relief it's not my RV though. I must look into a surge protector though. Thanks again!