on rv generators

[markwho40]

i have a 1996 36ft winnebago adventure and i have a generator that works and runs good but i dont know how to use it right there was a power out in the rv park a few weeks ago so i turn my generator on and it was running but nothing went on inside my rv so is there something im doing wrong and can i here from others please that has had a rv like mine same year and brand i do have a 50amp plug in in my sewer clean out under nieth but please help thanks all

[94-Newmar]

Mark,

There could be a few different reasons for this...

There is an automatic transfer switch that switches between your shore power and your generator power - this switch could be bad.

On the front of the generator (depending upon which model you have you may have to remove a cover) there could be 1 or 2 circuit breakers that may be tripped.

[markwho40]

Originally Posted by 94-Newmar

Mark,

There could be a few different reasons for this...

There is an automatic transfer switch that switches between your shore power and your generator power - this switch could be bad.

On the front of the generator (depending upon which model you have you may have to remove a cover) there could be 1 or 2 circuit breakers that may be tripped.

i have a 650 onan generator so does a 50amp plug in the sewer dran out for the generator or what

[94-Newmar]

Well, there is no 650 Onan generator.. getting an exact model would be helpful on the circuit breaker location.

A picture of your bay/compartment showing exactly what you're talking about would be helpful. On SOME RVs there is no transfer switch and you have to plug the shore cord into an outlet mounted in the compartment that is wired from the generator. I have never seen a 50 amp coach like this however - only have seen 30amp coaches setup like that. Can you post a picture of your compartment/bay? Does your shore cord have 3 blades and 1 round or 2 angled blades and 1 round?

[vsheetz]

• If no transfer switch, then likely the shore power cable plugs into the generator
• If transfer switch, then the switch could be bad
• Circuit breakers tripped on the generator
• Generator bad

[Newellri]

On my 50amp coach I have to plug into generator.

[clyon51]

Originally Posted by markwho40

i have a 650 onan generator so does a 50amp plug in the sewer dran out for the generator or what

If you have a 50a receptical in a bay which your 50a shore cord can plug into, than that's what you need to do when running the generator. If there is no place on the coach to plug your cord into, then you have an automatic transfer switch, which is not working. As stated, check the breakers on the generator first.

[markwho40]

Originally Posted by markwho40

i have a 1996 36ft winnebago adventure and i have a generator that works and runs good but i dont know how to use it right there was a power out in the rv park a few weeks ago so i turn my generator on and it was running but nothing went on inside my rv so is there something im doing wrong and can i here from others please that has had a rv like mine same year and brand i do have a 50amp plug in in my sewer clean out under nieth but please help thanks all

i just figured out my rv generator i have to unplug my rv from the rv power and plug it into the plug in in my sewer bay to have my generator work in a power outage

[wa8yxm]

Just one question... WHAT IDIOT PUT THE POWER OUTLET IN A WET BAY?. (ok enough shouting).

Yup, that is what I call a poor man's transfer switch.

NOW, a question... So you park your RV at home when not traveling?

If YES. then

Have a proper GENERATOR transfer panel installed with an INELT on the outside of the house.

Get a TWIST LOCK outlet that fits the inlet (often included with the thing)

Get some 8ga cord (long enough to make the trip)

And a 50 amp plug (Camco power pull) assuming that is what your RV has. for an outlet (or 30 if not if 30 then you use 3-wire cord instead of 4)

Put only 120 volt loads on the transfer panel (Central Air, Cloths dryer (electric) Elictric water heaters and ranges need to be left off the panel)

now..When the power fails.. Hook up, fire up and enjoy.

I can tell you.. Box was I think 300 bucks, plus installation and I paid over 100 for the cord (Do not recall the cost of plugs) But when the power failed on Dec-31.

Warm wife.. Priceless.

[markwho40]

Originally Posted by wa8yxm

Just one question... WHAT IDIOT PUT THE POWER OUTLET IN A WET BAY?. (ok enough shouting).

Yup, that is what I call a poor man's transfer switch.

NOW, a question... So you park your RV at home when not traveling?

If YES. then

Have a proper GENERATOR transfer panel installed with an INELT on the outside of the house.

Get a TWIST LOCK outlet that fits the inlet (often included with the thing)

Get some 8ga cord (long enough to make the trip)

And a 50 amp plug (Camco power pull) assuming that is what your RV has. for an outlet (or 30 if not if 30 then you use 3-wire cord instead of 4)

Put only 120 volt loads on the transfer panel (Central Air, Cloths dryer (electric) Elictric water heaters and ranges need to be left off the panel)

now..When the power fails.. Hook up, fire up and enjoy.

I can tell you.. Box was I think 300 bucks, plus installation and I paid over 100 for the cord (Do not recall the cost of plugs) But when the power failed on Dec-31.

Warm wife.. Priceless.

i live in my rv 24/7 my rv is my home im whats called a full rver

[jcgribks]

If the OP has the same setup that I do with my 34ft instead of his 36 ft, my power cord compartment is right next to the wet bay. But to be able to lock up the power cord compartment and the wet bay compartment, you run the power cord into the wet bay and then out through the bottom. There is a tray in the bottom of the wet bay compartment that has 3 slots in it. One for the power cord, one for the sewer hose and on for the city water hookup hose.

My 96 didn't come with a ATS ether and you have to plug the shore power cord back into the MH to get any power from the generator.

[markwho40]

Originally Posted by jcgribks

If the OP has the same setup that I do with my 34ft instead of his 36 ft, my power cord compartment is right next to the wet bay. But to be able to lock up the power cord compartment and the wet bay compartment, you run the power cord into the wet bay and then out through the bottom. There is a tray in the bottom of the wet bay compartment that has 3 slots in it. One for the power cord, one for the sewer hose and on for the city water hookup hose.

My 96 didn't come with a ATS ether and you have to plug the shore power cord back into the MH to get any power from the generator.

yep my rv is the way you tell about your rv