Community Forums

Jack Barbic · 09-10-2005, 07:08 AM

Based on what I have read about generators that run but do not pick up the electrical load for the AC units, I suspect that my power transfer switch may need replacement. I need some direction on where to find it. The coach is a 1994 Gulfstream Scenic Cruiser.

Looking the compartment where my shore power cord is I have found two electrical boxes and a Lectra Surge Protector (it has a little red light that is on when there is power). The one box has the 30-amp receptacle that the power cord plugs in to when running on the generator. The other box is at the where the power cord connects to the coach, with wires that distribute the power to the coach. I couldn't find anything that would appear to be the transfer switch but I might not recognize until it jumped up and bit me.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
Jack

Jack Barbic · 09-10-2005, 07:08 AM

Based on what I have read about generators that run but do not pick up the electrical load for the AC units, I suspect that my power transfer switch may need replacement. I need some direction on where to find it. The coach is a 1994 Gulfstream Scenic Cruiser.

Looking the compartment where my shore power cord is I have found two electrical boxes and a Lectra Surge Protector (it has a little red light that is on when there is power). The one box has the 30-amp receptacle that the power cord plugs in to when running on the generator. The other box is at the where the power cord connects to the coach, with wires that distribute the power to the coach. I couldn't find anything that would appear to be the transfer switch but I might not recognize until it jumped up and bit me.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
Jack

ArtB · 09-10-2005, 10:14 AM

You don't have a power transfer switch. You manually switch between 30amp by plugging into outlet or plug (switch) to the generator by plugging into the generator 30 amp docket.

My class C was that way.

Now in my Class A If I am plugged in to a 30amp outlet the power comes from there. If I start the generator it switches to the generator.

It is recommended that you don't have the rig plugged in when you start the generator as it can cause the switch to act with more force causing premature wear.

Newer coaches may not have this problem.

I used to plug into the generator all the time except when using base power. There's a buzz word for the base plugin but I'm half out of it this morning. Call it a senior moment.
Art

RV Wizard · 09-11-2005, 01:25 AM

Jack, first let me welcome you to iRV2. We are glad to have you join us here and look forward to reading of your adventures and experiences. As Art has said your unit does not have an automatic transfer switch; you do it manually by plugging coaches power cord into a receptacle coming from the generator. If you do not have power getting into the coach check the circuit breaker on the generator itself. Let me know if this does appear to be ok. Do you have any electrical wiring experience? If not do you have a friend that does? Otherwise if resetting breaker does not correct the problem you will need to have a qualified technician help you out. Good luck and keep us posted.

rvgrandma · 09-17-2005, 07:21 PM

We had a similar problem with our generic generator. When we would turn on the A/C or other power eaters our generator would bog down. It was corrected by turning down the hertz. Now it purrs like a kitten!