Community Forums

nena · 07-25-2013, 08:15 AM

I was wondering if you can run your engine while hooked up to land power.I have a 2012 monaco knightpdq 40' with diesel. Thanks Guy McWilliams

Route 66 · 07-25-2013, 08:55 AM

Yes, no problem.

PyrateSilly · 07-25-2013, 10:27 AM

We've done that several times testing things while trying to track an electrical problem.

Gorlininc · 07-25-2013, 12:58 PM

Yes. Same as for running the generator.

nena · 07-25-2013, 02:47 PM

Thanks for your input,appreciate the help. Guy McWilliams

terry735001 · 07-25-2013, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gorlininc

Yes. Same as for running the generator.

????? why run the gen as the neutral to ground auto circuit well not give power out to the rv if land power is on

Barlow46 · 07-25-2013, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by terry735001

????? why run the gen as the neutral to ground auto circuit well not give power out to the rv if land power is on

Terry,
Not sure how your setup is but I believe in many cases, generator power trumps shore power if both are on at the same time. I am fairly certain this is true of my coach but will defer to someone more knowledgeable than me.

Mr_D · 07-25-2013, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barlow46

Terry,
Not sure how your setup is but I believe in many cases, generator power trumps shore power if both are on at the same time. I am fairly certain this is true of my coach but will defer to someone more knowledgeable than me.

Ours is wired to override the shore power if the gen is running. However, it's not good for the transfer switch to have both on at the same time. I disconnect the shore power before starting the gen.

EDALLSAILS · 07-25-2013, 08:22 PM

Most MH mfg have wired units to default to GEN when hooked to shore power so you don't burn up your MH. Generators get very angry when they make power and have no place to send it, usually causing problems. Running the MH engine has no effect except the MH generator will charge the chassis batteries. The Generator and shore power send power to the transfer switch then to convertor / invertor to power and charge the "House batteries:. At least that is my understanding...safe travels...ed

BobGed · 07-25-2013, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by terry735001

????? why run the gen as the neutral to ground auto circuit well not give power out to the rv if land power is on

I think he means running the engine while connected to shore power is no different than running the engine when the generator is running. (Whew, lot of "runnings" in that sentence).

Gorlininc · 07-26-2013, 08:41 AM

Thanks Bob.

That's exactly what I meant. I was just watching all the threads with amusement.

Drifter · 07-26-2013, 11:19 AM

I know that some who have posted do not have a Monaco products, so I can't speak about there coaches. But on a Monaco product you can run the engine while plugged in to shore power, you may notice a ALT light on the dash that may come on.

rgreen45 · 07-26-2013, 05:43 PM

All MH's I've dealt with default to gen when both gen running and shore power connected. We often run both while working on one and I can't figure how it hurts anything as once the transfer switch opens the shore connection, it's simply as if you unplugged your hair drier or toaster. The RV is nothing but a "load" to the shore power line.

As for battery charging, I've seen any and all combinations. Some have isolators that whether you're running the engine, genset, or plugged it, it'll charge any batteries that are below a certain level. On all, shore or genset will charge house and sometimes chassis. Engine will usually charge both.