Community Forums

fdmsiv · 06-22-2022, 01:00 PM

I recently acquired a 2007 Daybreak 3276, this is the 2nd 3276 I've owned. In my previous one, I would drive with the generator running the AC. When I got to camp I would leave generator running while setting up and shut it down one I flipped the switch for the 50AMP shore power.

On the unit I have now I do the same however the breaker for the roof top ac's trips when I do the same process as before. Do I need to either shutoff the ac's prior to switching from genset to shore or shutdown generator completely before turning on shore power? If this behavior isn't normal, any thoughts on what and where I should start checking?

Old-Biscuit · 06-22-2022, 01:50 PM

Always best to unload gen prior to shutting down (turn off running items)

And it is better on the Auto Transfer Switch to unload/shut down gen prior to turning on the Power Pedestal CB allowing AC to RV

Auto Transfer Switches are generally set up for GEN Priority.....With AC Power ON and shutting down gen w/o unloading can cause arching when relays swap. Hard on the ATS components

A/C Units CB tripping........?
Shouldn't be going into Start Up current. Loss of AC power the A/C Units should shutdown/have delay start so head pressure on compressor is equalized then restart

*if you turn A/C Unit off you should not be able to restart immediately
S/B 30-90 second delay

Also
Low AC Voltage=high amp draw.
How many A/C Units and are they ALL tripping their CBs?

ATS.......check wire connections inside, Hots/Neutrals & grounds
Could be loose wiring
*2007 vintage....probably hasn't been checked.
(unloosen the retorque 35 - 45 IN/LB **INCH not FOOT/Lbs)
***In other words SNUG

XXXEsq · 06-27-2022, 09:31 AM

My practice has always been to shut everything off when switching between generator and external power. A few years back, I was away from the RV with both ACs running. My transfer switch fried, arching locked on the generator side. An external power grid I was connected to with faulty voltage regulation - causing the switch to flip back and forth rapidly - was the actual culprit. I was unable to get the system back on shore power until I replaced the switch.

fdmsiv · 07-01-2022, 02:03 AM

Thanks for the advice. Is the transfer switch near the shore chord or near the genset?

Toribk · 07-01-2022, 03:46 AM

The transfer switch is usually located in close proximity to your shore power cord where it terminates inside the coach.

Mine (see attached) is mounted in the same compartment as my shorepower cord and the Battery Control Center.

I've worked on some that were hidden in the rear closets of earlier models....depends on the coach, layout and sometimes slide orientation.

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dizcom · 07-01-2022, 04:52 AM

Best to shut down the A/C, let it come to a stop, then shut down the generator. Then turn on shore power and restart the A/C. Leaving it running, it should switch on its own, but if it doesn't something could fry. The circuit popping could be a couple of different things. The switch would be on my early list of suspects. I'd check to make sure it's functioning normally.

XXXEsq · 07-02-2022, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fdmsiv

Thanks for the advice. Is the transfer switch near the shore chord or near the genset?

Mine is hidden in a compartment at the driver's side rear of the coach, inside the nightstand, next to the bed. You need to remove the top of the nightstand to access it. The switch is screwed to the rear wall. The shore power cable comes in through the forward side of the exterior compartment. Which is just below and right of the switch. My main breaker panel is on the front side of that nightstand under the pull out drawer. My BCC is in the front engine compartment on the driver's side.

Sgt B · 07-02-2022, 07:50 AM

I remember attending an Onan seminar at our first Newmar rally many years ago and learned how to care for my new Onan. I distinctly remember the rep teaching me two things. 1) Exercise the gen at least every other month on 1/2 load. He emphasized they NEED to be run. 2) Before shutting down the gen take the load off, let it run for a few minutes to cool down, then shut off. On my fourth Onan now and still heed his advice.
I do the same as the OP, as for driving in hot weather with gen running instead of dash AC, but when setting up site. I shut the AC's off, plug in AC, gen is still running w/o a load cooling down. Then I shut the gen down. And yes it will take the AC's a few minutes to come on again, but no big deal to us.