Community Forums

sandiekay · 07-28-2013, 05:00 PM

My husband and I just purchased our first rv, a 2001 Four Winds Chateau. We are learning by just poking around in it and what info we can find online. We were able to start the generator and run it several times but now it starts and just shuts back off. Also we tried to connect to external power but when we plug in the cord at the rv receptacle nothing happens. What do we need to do?

wildtoad · 07-28-2013, 05:16 PM

So how much gas is in the tank? Most are setup to not run if the tank is less than 1/4. What do you mean by nothing happens when you plug in? Does the roof AC not work? MicroWave not work ? Some older models required that either the gen powered the 110 system or the power cord did and you had to physically swap the plug. Do you have a manual for the RV?

sdennislee · 07-28-2013, 05:21 PM

Hi and

The generator may be out of fuel. Typically the generator draws its fuel from the same fuel tank as the the engine for the RV. It has a shorter pick up tube so it cannot run you out of gas. The pickup tube will lose its draw when your tank is somewhere around 1/4 full.

Could also be a clogged fuel filter. Check oil level in the generator it may have a low il cut off.

Assume you have a 30 amp rig.

When using the generator one end of the power cord goes to the generator and the other end goes to the RV receptacle, when using shore power one end of the power cord goes to the pedestal (30 amp outlet) the other ends goes to the RV receptacle.

Check the breakers on the pedestal and in the RV.

Caution, 30 amp outlets in your house will typically be 240 volts, the RV requires 120 volts. Plugging in to a dryer, welder, etc... 30 amp circuit will fry your RV electrical system.

sandiekay · 07-28-2013, 06:04 PM

The fuel tank was full (first thing we thought of). When we plugged the cord in to the house circuit we could hear backfeed at the generator. We tested the microwave, tv and ac, nothing worked. We also tried plugging the cord from the generator to the house circuit. Not to worry, we were connecting to a 30 amp breaker.

Ramblin · 07-28-2013, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandiekay

The fuel tank was full (first thing we thought of). When we plugged the cord in to the house circuit we could hear backfeed at the generator. We tested the microwave, tv and ac, nothing worked. We also tried plugging the cord from the generator to the house circuit. Not to worry, we were connecting to a 30 amp breaker.

that breaker was 30A 120V, or 30A 240V?

What sdennislee warned about is that household dryer, welder, stove, outlets may look the same as the rv's plug, but they are not compatible and will damage your rv.

Go Dawgs · 07-28-2013, 07:44 PM

OK I have an 03 Chateau and it took me a few days to realize that there is a plug in in the electrical bay that the generator must be plugged into for it to power the house side of things. My last MH had automatic transfer switch. Big PITB. Also beside the passenger side of the bed is your circuit box. Try checking to make sure nothing has tripped. I would start by plugging into the 110 and see if the frig or microwave lights come on, or turn the fan on the AC unit. Normally you can't run the AC on 110 because it draws too much power. Also check your fuses. If you have any specific question send me a PM and I'll see what I can do.

Arnold