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raphaman · 10-15-2015, 10:15 PM

Hi All
I'm a Newbee. I just bought a 2006 Monaco Diplomate 400 diesel with 53,000 miles on it. I drove it 500 miles and had 3 stops a various RV parks. Everything went pretty well. I'm learning a new language.

Here is my question. I tried to run the air conditioning just using the generator and I can't seem to get the air to run. I ran the generator for two hours today to charge things up hoping that would give it what it needed. I had just cleaned the batteries and everything looks good. I plugged it into 120 and the air ran fine. It just doesn't run off just the generator. Can anyone help me?

John Nielsen.......... New to the RV life

JFXG · 10-15-2015, 11:38 PM

John........Welcome!! You're in the right place!

What else is not running when on the generator? Stuff that would usually use 110VAC-- elec outlets, microwave, elec side of the water heater, elec feed to the refrigerator, that sort of thing?

John & Diane, fulltiming since '12
'02 DS, FL, 3126, '04 Element

H. Miller · 10-16-2015, 04:59 AM

Sounds like the Transfer Switch is not "transferring" a/c power from the park to the generator. If you still have the IOTA switch - it's been recalled. Seems there was an overheat (fire) problem.

Bigd9 · 10-16-2015, 05:21 AM

There are probably two circuit breakers on the generator itself. One or both may be tripped.

Bigd9 · 10-16-2015, 05:22 AM

RV Wizard · 10-16-2015, 06:03 AM

Hello and

We are glad to have you join us here and we look forward to reading of your adventures and experiences. I am sure you will enjoy our website and forums. Good luck, stay safe and keep us posted.
As stated above, check the generator circuit breakers on the generator itself. If it still fails to start the air conditioner after 5 minutes, you will have to find out if power if getting to the distribution panel. If no power is getting to the distribution panel you have a transfer switch issue.

jacwjames · 10-16-2015, 08:27 AM

X3 on the circuit breakers on the generator of a problem with the transfer switch.

wa8yxm · 10-16-2015, 02:16 PM

I will describe some different Generator/RV/Air COnditioner configurations

In all cases the generator is at least 5,000 watt

30 amp one A/C.. the Generator usually has two circuit breakers. ONE powers the A/C the other the rest of the RV when on Generator, you do NOT need to practice "Turn off A/C or Water heater if running Microwave" (On shore power you can not run all 3 of those at once)

30 amp 2 A/C ONE of the A/Cs will be on a separate breaker on the Genny. The other is not.. IF running both you still need to count loads (Switch off Water Heater or A/C when Microwaving) You may have a FRONT/REAR/BOTH switch (the both is optional) needs to be usually in the FRONT position.

50 amp.. Two power legs, Breakers on the Generator feed one leg each, A/C's should be one to a leg.

Some RV's have an Energery Manager like the Intelletec system.. I can not properly describe those or help you with them.

Also, a question: you said A/C did not work on Genny... Did other 120 volt things?
Assuming an RV Fridge, did it auto switch to AC or did it remain on GAS
Did water heat on AC.. Did batteries actually charge?

raphaman · 10-16-2015, 10:18 PM

Outlets, lights, pumps.... only air

Bigd9 · 10-17-2015, 05:35 AM

OK, All of those things could be coming from the 12 volt circuit either directly (water pump) or indirectly by the inverter(outlets). We really need to narrow down the problem area, so get ready for many questions as these very experienced and knowledgeable iRV2 members try and help you!

I can see two different possible problems here. One being the generator is not producing any electricity at all (bad transfer relays, dirty slip rings or failure of generator circuit boards or worse) or...

The other scenario would be the air conditioner it self. Does it run when plugged into "shore power?" How many air conditioners does the coach have?

Do you feel comfortable checking 12 volt and 120 volt voltages using a multi-meter? As you can see being a "RV detective" is necessary to find solution to these and other problems.

Good luck and keep us posted, OK?