Community Forums

We-R-B.O.B. · 07-14-2021, 06:05 PM

Greetings All,

I did a search before posting here, so my apologies if this has been asked and answered...

Is it possible to have the onboard Onan 5500 generator automatically start if shore power goes out? I am looking for a way to have this fail safe method occur if we are away from the rig while off exploring an area.

I know this is possible with residential/commercial generators, and would like to have this insurance for our Grand Design Momentum 351M Toy Hauler.

Thanks in advance,

twinboat · 07-14-2021, 06:17 PM

Yes, its called a AGS system ( Automatic Generator Start )

https://www.donrowe.com/Magnum-Energ...hoCbJ0QAvD_BwE

HarryStone · 07-14-2021, 08:35 PM

Technically, the AGS won't start the generator when power goes off. You can set the Air Conditioning to on, and the temp setting on the AGS to a medium temp, and if the power goes off, and the temp goes up, then the AGS will start the generator.

Elwood58 · 07-14-2021, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryStone

Technically, the AGS won't start the generator when power goes off. You can set the Air Conditioning to on, and the temp setting on the AGS to a medium temp, and if the power goes off, and the temp goes up, then the AGS will start the generator.

Or if the batteries drop to a level that you set. Assume this accomplishes the objectives you would have if the power drops.

UFO Pilot · 07-14-2021, 10:29 PM

I have a 5500 and a Magnum 2012 inverter and I added the AGS myself. It was pretty easy except for pulling in all of the wiring required.

repeach · 07-15-2021, 08:54 AM

Kind of brut force but what about using the AGS and setting for battery voltage of anything below 13 volts.
My guess is when you have power the converter/charger keeps your batteries above 13 volts and when power goes out it will drop below 13 quickly. Have it set for an hour and hopefully the power will be back on by then.

twinboat · 07-15-2021, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by repeach

Kind of brut force but what about using the AGS and setting for battery voltage of anything below 13 volts.

My guess is when you have power the converter/charger keeps your batteries above 13 volts and when power goes out it will drop below 13 quickly. Have it set for an hour and hopefully the power will be back on by then.

You would still need a short delay. If the battery volts dips from moving a slide or inverter, you don't want false starts.

We-R-B.O.B. · 07-15-2021, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

Yes, its called a AGS system ( Automatic Generator Start )

https://www.donrowe.com/Magnum-Energ...hoCbJ0QAvD_BwE

Thanks, Twinboat. This looks like a great device to have, as it monitors not only loss of power, but temps, and battery drain as well.

We-R-B.O.B. · 07-15-2021, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryStone

Technically, the AGS won't start the generator when power goes off. You can set the Air Conditioning to on, and the temp setting on the AGS to a medium temp, and if the power goes off, and the temp goes up, then the AGS will start the generator.

Thanks, HarryStone. Makes sense

We-R-B.O.B. · 07-15-2021, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UFO Pilot

I have a 5500 and a Magnum 2012 inverter and I added the AGS myself. It was pretty easy except for pulling in all of the wiring required.

Thanks, UFO Pilot. I am hoping that whatever AGS i get, the wiring will not be too daunting of task.

pdeinc · 07-30-2021, 01:34 PM

There is a product that will start the generator in the event of a power failure, has nothing to do with temperature or battery voltage and works independent of the inverter/charger. I can't remember the name of it at the moment.

HarryStone · 07-30-2021, 02:22 PM

https://rvautomations.com/features/

Pdeinc, I believe this is what you are talking about.

pdeinc · 07-31-2021, 05:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryStone

https://rvautomations.com/features/

Pdeinc, I believe this is what you are talking about.

Actually that's not the one I was remembering but it certainly does what I described plus has the ability to send a text alert which is even better yet. I haven't found the one I was referring to but paused in my search to read about this one.