Onan 5500 Generator question

[LETMGROW]

Originally Posted by twinboat

Your not starting the generator with power connected.

Any RV with an auto transfer switch will not switch to generator power until a 30 to 45 second timer runs out, after sensing generator voltage.
That's there to let the generator stabilize power.

You can see this delay yourself if you start your generator, without shore power, and then watch your microwave. It will not power on for at least 30 seconds.

In my case I have an onboard Onan 5500W. generator but I do not have an automatic transfer switch. My wet bay and my generator compartments are adjacent to each other. My shore power cord is in the wet bay and there is also a box on the wall of the wet bay on the generator's side where I have to plug the shore power cord into when the generator is running to supply power to my coach.
I often do start my generator using the dash button. I let the generator run for a couple minutes then I plug the cord into the power box. Before I shut the generator down I turn off all the loads inside the coach then shut the generator down. Weather permitting I unplug the shore line. I can also shut the main breaker off on my breaker panel to be sure there is no load on the generator.
A little inconvenient but doable and I'm used to it. Personally I don't like turning breakers on and off. They aren't switches and aren't meant to be toggeled on and off constantly.

[wopachop]

Originally Posted by craigd853

My question is, if there is no load on the generator what does it hurt leaving the breakers in the on position full time?

Many people leave their water heater electric element turned on. Also the batteries are usually drained when someone starts a genny. So the charger pulls a load too.

Is it a big load on a 5500watt genny? I guess not.

On a 40F day is the genny warmed up after the 30 second transfer switch delay? Noway Jose

I keep my breakers turned off most the time. Not a big deal because i pull the cover and check for mouse activity before i do a cycle every couple months. Also double check the carb float bowl drain screw is not leaking.

Out on a boondocking camping trip i will pull the cover when we get to camp. Adjust the altitude screw. Hit prime and check float bowl screw. Let the genny warm for 2-5 minutes and then flip the breakers and put the cover back on. Leave the breakers turned on the entire trip. Even though its cold outside and the battery charger and water heater will turn on. Will wait 5 mins to make coffee and add another 1000watts.