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ClassyClassA · 02-06-2025, 07:02 AM

Hi All, I have a 2001 Fleetwood Southwind 32V and have an intermittent issue with shore power. Twice now, I've done something inside such as starting the microwave and instantly the shore power quits. My little current tester plugged in near where the shore power comes in to the RV changes and indicates "Reverse Polarity". Normally this little current tester indicates "Normal Operation". I've tried every combination of plugging in to another pole, using various adaptors to plug in to the 50 amp plug instead of the normal 30. The only solution to this problem is to unplug the shore power and start the generator. I wait till the generator power connects (as indicated by the timer on the microwave) then shut down the generator and reconnect to shore power. Everything works fine again.

I presume there's something at the transfer switch level going on but on this unit, I don't even know where the transfer switch is.

Thank you for any/all info or advise.
ClassyClassA

YC1 · 02-06-2025, 07:19 AM

This sounds like a dangerous situation in the transfer panel where many fires have started due to loose connections.

Running the generator cycles the transfer switch and likely helps the contacts in the relays make contact again.

Find that thing and inspect it. Use your nose and smell it if there is no appearance of problems. Tighten the connections after unplugging.

It is possible you have a bad shoreline connector but not likely with those symptoms.

d23haynes57 · 02-06-2025, 07:30 AM

I would suspect that whatever you are plugged into does not have sufficient capacity to carry the load and the transfer switch is dropping out on low voltage. What are you connecting it to? A 15- or 20-amp circuit will not support much and if the wiring, all of it from the breaker panel and rig is tool long the breaker may not even be able to trip on over current. If this is at home, I would suggest you have a proper 2 pole 50-amp circuit and receptacle installed.

Unplanned Tourist · 02-06-2025, 07:43 AM

Sounds like a transfer switch or power cord problem. Could be a loose connection or bad contacts inside the transfer switch.

You can try wiggling the cord around while there's a decent load on the system. If it makes the problem happen, likely the cord or cord connection.

chuckftboy · 02-06-2025, 05:12 PM

If you are looking for your transfer switch, follow your power cord. The cord will terminate at the transfer switch. I once owned a 2009 Pace Arrow and found my transfer switch mounted in the bottom of the rear bath cabinet

. No telling where they installed yours.

bigb56 · 02-06-2025, 05:36 PM

You have a bad neutral connection that opens when loaded. A "reverse polarity" indication on an outlet tester is the dead giveaway. When the neutral opens, connected downstream loads cause that part of the neutral downstream of the break to rise in potential to 120 volts. The tester sees the 120 volts on the neutral which lights up the reverse polarity light. The bad connection will be upstream of the outlet tester. Could be in another outlet upstream, could be where your cord connects at the panel or the ATS, inside your power cord end, or could even be at the pedestal itself. Where it won't be is downstream of the tester.

ClassyClassA · 02-13-2025, 03:44 AM

Thank you all for replies, they were very helpful. The most feasible of all offered solutions was the idea of a faulty shore power cord. Since I have driven away with it still plugged in a COUPLE of times, that is where I started. I cut off the gnarled parts of the power cord and reconnected the 12 foot section that was remaining. So far so good, and an unexpected benefit of having the AC units working better, tells me that that power cord probably had some torn wire where it stretched and twisted. I’ll do an autopsy of the old pieces when we return home. Thank you IRV2!

YC1 · 02-13-2025, 05:28 AM

I used to have my customers hang around me while diagnosing their Two way radio and accessories. They would give me their symptoms and as I began I told them I would be playing a game called "Twenty Questions". Reminding them that the same questions might be asked more than once. However the question might be asked in a slightly different way.

During these questions the customer often would give that tiny clue that led me to what was really the problem.

Withholding evidence is a crime. Not telling us you drove off with it plugged in is a significant clue.

Just yanking your chain. I suspect all will be well now.