Using my onboard generator?

[SantinoDad]

Going dry camping for 3 nights in the first time in awhile. Doubt we will use the AC since we are camping at San Elijo State Campground.

I have a 2016 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22r with a factory generator.

I the event I need to fire up the generator, here's my question:

Do I fire up the generator 1st and then plug in my power cord?
OR
Do I plug in my power cord 1st and then start the generator?

Appreciate positive feedback

[rk911]

Originally Posted by SantinoDad

Going dry camping for 3 nights in the first time in awhile. Doubt we will use the AC since we are camping at San Elijo State Campground.

I have a 2016 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22r with a factory generator.

I the event I need to fire up the generator, here's my question:

Do I fire up the generator 1st and then plug in my power cord?
OR
Do I plug in my power cord 1st and then start the generator?

Appreciate positive feedback

not familiar with your coach. Do you not have an automatic transfer switch (ATS)? you have to plug in your electrical cable either into the electric post at a campsite or into a receptacle in the electric bay of the coach? if that's the case check your owner's manual but in our old MH we would plug in and then start the genny.

[SuperGewl]

Plug in the Power Cord and then fire up the generator. You don't have an ATS(auto transfer switch). Also remember to shut down all loads before shutting down the generator and then unplugging the shore power cable.

[Soppy]

It doesn't really make much difference as long as your loads are all turned off until the generator has run for a minute or to to warm up.
When turning off the generator , disconnect the loads and allow the generator to rune for a couple of minutes to cool down before shutting it down.

[followingsea]

Originally Posted by SantinoDad

Going dry camping for 3 nights in the first time in awhile. Doubt we will use the AC since we are camping at San Elijo State Campground.

.......:

Do I fire up the generator 1st and then plug in my power cord?
OR
....

That is what I do to let the generator warm up when using a portable generator. Also make sure all large loads are turned off such as a hot water heater.

I would also test to see if the generator works before before heading out.

[Old-Biscuit]

Gen Receptacle will be HOT if you fire up gen before plugging in your shore power cord

So best practice is Open your RV Main CBs, plug in your shore power cord and then fire up gen.......after gen is up to speed and idling close your RV Main CBs

[Archer2]

From page 6-6 of the 2016 Minnie Winnie Operator's Manual “To use the 120-volt generator, plug the powercord into the generator receptacle within theutility compartment before starting the generator.”

[Unplanned Tourist]

Start up the generator and let it run for a minute or two. Then plug in the cord. That way any load will not cause the generator to stall because it’s not stabilized.

[sibe]

I would make sure any loads are off, AC off, heat off, elec hot water off.. then plug in, fire genny.. or flip all brakers off then fire grnny. let warm up, turn on..

I added a ATS to my Winnie but still kill big loads,,

[cruizerEd]

If you haven't been using it make sure it works before you need it.

Others have answered your question but the question implies you haven't been exercising it.

Read the manual. Mine suggests/requires a 2 hour run at 50% load every month. I do a 5 minute warm up and 5 minute cooldown.

I've seen two generators with super low hours come into shops while we were waiting. One had a ceased armature, the other was spewing oil. They weren't run regularly and that will cause problems.

[96 Wideglide]

Originally Posted by SuperGewl

Plug in the Power Cord and then fire up the generator. You don't have an ATS(auto transfer switch). Also remember to shut down all loads before shutting down the generator and then unplugging the shore power cable.

^^ This ^^,

E
When I owned a coach with no automatic transfer switch, it was always plugged into the generator power supply. If I was in a park with shore power, I'd unplug from gen, and plug into shore pedestal. When leaving, the cord would be plugged back into gen power in case it was needed.

[bill06447]

Originally Posted by Unplanned Tourist

Start up the generator and let it run for a minute or two. Then plug in the cord. That way any load will not cause the generator to stall because it’s not stabilized.

This. Plugging in first then starting the generator is a good way to cook a converter, or any ac load inadvertently left on.

[fusejockey]

Isolate shore power cord when I run my 4 kw Onan power generator. Isn't it possible to backfeed AC power through the shoreline power cord?