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Wolfpack Fan · 02-26-2012, 07:45 PM

We've got a 2005 National Dolphin 5320. I started the gen the other day to circulate the oil and let it warm up, then do a load test. I'd heard it was a good idea to periodically put it on a load for a bit during the off season. I figured I would run the ac for the load test. I set the thermostat as low as it would go which was several degrees below the outside temperature. Outside temp at the time was high 40's. It never came on after several minutes. I checked the gen set breakers, all of the other breakers and the fuses. Non were tripped and everythig else in the coach had electricity. I gave it a light load with the TV's, and microwave. There is a switch in the drivers side, rear most compartment. Not sure if that has anything to do with it or not.

Any idea's or suggestions?

toadog · 02-26-2012, 08:01 PM

Hi just a thought, I wonder if the temp difference was not high enough. I do not know what in side temp was. Thermometers are not always that accurate.

Theberrys · 02-26-2012, 08:36 PM

If you have a heat pump then it may be working right. Was the outside temp below 40 deg F? if so than a heat pump, basement air, may not turn on. The switch outside may select which AC will turn on if you have a 30 AMP coach. Not uncommon to restrict to one AC with 30 AMPS.

Dick

kennersonf · 02-26-2012, 10:07 PM

From my experience, you're AC will not come on if it is that cold outside. I've tried to test mine on cold days and it wouldn't come on. Wait for a warmer day to test it. If you want a partial load for you generator, plug in an electric space heater on cold days.

Wolfpack Fan · 02-27-2012, 05:57 AM

It was pretty cold outside. I thought 40's, but now thinking about it, it was in the morning so it might have been colder. I tried the heat pump for heat also and got nothing.

donhoward49 · 02-27-2012, 09:05 AM

Do you have a heat pump? That is heat and AC in the basement.. or is it furnace in the basement and AC on the roof?
You mentioned not getting any heat, lets also deal with that.. Is the propane on, have you checked fuzes?? Do you hear anything when you try the heat?

garym114 · 02-27-2012, 09:44 AM

First of all you should not run any cooling unit below 55 degrees. The head pressure gets to high. To provide a load in low ampient temperatures use a space heater.

Are you sure you have a heat pump?
With only the gen for power will the AC fan work?

two2go · 02-27-2012, 10:19 AM

Wolfpack Fan, to give you a clear explanation:
The rear compartment switch as stated above is to select the a/c-heat pump operation depending on your power source. If you are plugged into 50 amps, set the switch to the top and both compressors will operate. If you are plugged into 30 amps, switch it down to run only one compressor so the system doesn't trip a breaker. I am not sure about the generator output through that switch. I have a 7000 watt genset, so I know I have plenty of power to run both compressors, but I don't know about 5000 watt units.
If the outside temp is above 40, set your thermostat at 4 degrees (no more) above the room temp reading and use the electric heat mode to run the heat pump. That is what I do to exercise my generator when it is cooler. Or as suggested, use a portable space heater or heat a few cups of water in the microwave.
Do you have the coach user manuals?

Wolfpack Fan · 02-27-2012, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donhoward49

Do you have a heat pump? That is heat and AC in the basement.. or is it furnace in the basement and AC on the roof?
You mentioned not getting any heat, lets also deal with that.. Is the propane on, have you checked fuzes?? Do you hear anything when you try the heat?

Heat pump and ac in the basement. No roof mounted ac. Propane on and working well when thermostat selector switch is in gas heat mode. No fuses or breakers tripped. Did not get heat when thermostat selector switch was in electric heat mode, which is, I believe the heat pump heat mode. Might have been to cold outside.

Wolfpack Fan · 02-27-2012, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by two2go

Wolfpack Fan, to give you a clear explanation:
The rear compartment switch as stated above is to select the a/c-heat pump operation depending on your power source. If you are plugged into 50 amps, set the switch to the top and both compressors will operate. If you are plugged into 30 amps, switch it down to run only one compressor so the system doesn't trip a breaker. I am not sure about the generator output through that switch. I have a 7000 watt genset, so I know I have plenty of power to run both compressors, but I don't know about 5000 watt units.
If the outside temp is above 40, set your thermostat at 4 degrees (no more) above the room temp reading and use the electric heat mode to run the heat pump. That is what I do to exercise my generator when it is cooler. Or as suggested, use a portable space heater or heat a few cups of water in the microwave.
Do you have the coach user manuals?

I also have the 7000 watt gen. I'll try your suggestion with the switch and 4 degrees above when the temp warms a bit more than 40, which isn't today with it snowing outside. Yes I've got the coach manuals. I usually post here on the forum first to see what experienced answers I'll get, I'll check the manuals if suggestions from forum members don't get me good results.

Wolfpack Fan · 03-04-2012, 09:32 AM

Now I'm thinking the mh will be taking a trip to a repair shop. It was in the low 60's yesterday. Temperature inside the mh was 66. Tried the heat pump and ac again with no results. Had the generator running and it's a 7k gen, so plenty of power. Had the switch up/on so that both compressors would run.

Hoping someone might have other ideas.

Fred and Bonnie · 03-04-2012, 03:52 PM

I presume you have checked the two main C/B's? Have you tried to run the fan in the "ON" position? Be sure the system select switch is not in a "Heat" position.

Just out of curiosity, have you tried the LP furnace?

Have you looked at this site? Airxcel | RV Products Tech Info look for the 46000 unit, product 46515-811. (Off roof units)

fred

Wolfpack Fan · 03-04-2012, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred and Bonnie

I presume you have checked the two main C/B's? Have you tried to run the fan in the "ON" position? Be sure the system select switch is not in a "Heat" position.

Just out of curiosity, have you tried the LP furnace?

Have you looked at this site? Airxcel | RV Products Tech Info look for the 46000 unit, product 46515-811. (Off roof units)

fred

Main circuit breakers checked and ok. Fan ran fine in the on position. LP furnace is working fine.