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Hi-Laker · 05-30-2019, 10:40 PM

Hey I got a great used generator off CL and it runs awesome, powers my 91 class C, and isn’t as loud as I thought it would be. I did have to convert it from an “above floor” to “below floor” with new exhaust parts.

Ok here’s my dumb question: Is it standard that the key must be in the on position in order for your generator to start? I have to on mine and the guy that sold it to me had to do the same to start it for me.

It actually may be a good safety mechanism so someone can just hit the button and fired it up.

Thanks much.

Mr_D · 05-30-2019, 10:44 PM

None of my rigs have ever needed the ignition switch to be on to start the generator.

rk911 · 05-30-2019, 10:47 PM

we're on MH #3 since 1986 and all would run without the key.

Old-Biscuit · 05-30-2019, 10:51 PM

Sounds like it is wired thru an ignition relay......
Bypass the relay and wire it directly to battery

twinboat · 05-31-2019, 04:23 AM

In previous posts, you had battery or battery cable issues. I believe you still do.

When you turn on the key, you are connecting the chassis ( starter) battery to the house ( generator ) battery thru a solenoid.

That says there is no or a very poor connection from the generator cable to the house battery OR the house battery is dead. Turning on the key is by-passing that problem.

Hi-Laker · 05-31-2019, 10:06 AM

Yes I did have problems and I must still have them . I’ll have to have it looked at because wiring is not my forte.

By the way, does the large gray strap that goes from the generator to the mounting plate serve as the ground?

twinboat · 05-31-2019, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hi-Laker

Yes I did have problems and I must still have them . I’ll have to have it looked at because wiring is not my forte.

By the way, does the large gray strap that goes from the generator to the mounting plate serve as the ground?

Yes, you need a ground from the generator to the chassis.

Craig1960 · 05-31-2019, 01:52 PM

So you bought just a regular generator and installed it like the ones for the RV are, right? If so I have seen a few portable generators that have a remote control and most have to have the key on for the remote to work.

Hi-Laker · 06-02-2019, 06:35 PM

Just got back from a weekend camping trip. It worked great...just have to turn the key on to start it!

It’s the exact model for my rig and came out of the same year of another. His was in a storage compartment and I needed it to mount to my existing bracket. Runs awesome. I thought the ground was achieved through the large gray braided strap that goes from the generator to the bracket it’s mounted to but maybe it’s not getting grounded until I turn the key to make the ground connection through the grounded battery? Again, electrical is not my forte.

I’ll try to ground it to the frame to see if it solves it. If not, I think the bypassing of the ignition relay is the answer.

Not tech savvy either and not understanding how to attach photos. Picture an Onan Genset 4000 emerald plus.