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Generator use

Yahoo Message Number: 96313
I am at a location with only 30 amp service. With temps in the 90's one air conditioner is not doing it. I have not been where I would need to run the generator to use both airs.


Question is, do I need to disconnect the 30 amp or with the generator and on board system do the change automatically?


Jock Vargo

2005 Inspire
51428

Re: Generator use

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 96314
Jock,

The electrical system usually gives precedence to the generator. When you start it the transfer switch should flip to the generator automatically and flip back to the shore power once the generator is shut down. There is no need to disconnect the 30 amp service. Don't forget there may be some time delay involved while the system decides the shore power is ok.

Don Seager
Ex CC Owner

I am at a location with only 30 amp service. With temps in the 90's one air conditioner is not doing it. I have not been where I would need to run the generator to use both airs.

Question is, do I need to disconnect the 30 amp or with the generator and on board system do the change automatically?

Jock Vargo

2005 Inspire
51428

Re: Generator use

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 96316
When you fire the generator, the power transfer switch automatically changes over to generator power only. When the generator stops, it will switch back to shore power. The generator is very capable of running both ACs and supplying all the 110 power you need.....as long as your diesel fuel lasts. Some campgrounds will not be happy if you run the Gennie past quiet time, though. D JeanCC 81072Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone From:

Jock Vargo jockvargo@... [Country-Coach-Owners] ; To:

Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com ; Subject:

[Country-Coach-Owners] Generator use Sent:

Sat, Jul 12, 2014 11:11:06 PM

I am at a location with only 30 amp service. With temps in the 90's one air conditioner is not doing it. I have not been where I would need to run the generator to use both airs.
Question is, do I need to disconnect the 30 amp or with the generator and on board system do the change automatically? Jock Vargo2005 Inspire51428

Re: Generator use

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 96323
The transfer switch will indeed change the power over from the shore power to the generator. It is better to reduce the large load as much as possible before doing the transfer, which means less current the switch contacts have to break and make. Less current means less arcing on the switch contacts and longer life. It is also better to add load to the generator gradually instead of large loads all at once. The large loads I switch off prior to transfer are the AC units, microwave and, the electric water heat.

Dale Collier

2005 Inspire #51477
Dale Collier
05 Inspire 53477

Generator use

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 96329
Thanks to all that gave me the same answer. I did reduce the power use and the switch went as expected. Most of my generator use has been running the generator just to exercise while traveling. We don't dry camp and never will, so no need to use of generator.


Jock Vargo

2005 Inspire
51428

Re: Generator use

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 96331
IMHO, Wrong thinking about your generator. We were in an ice storm in Dallas last December. 6 inches of solid ice fell. Shore power out! No way to leave our CC for 2+days. The generator saved us from freezing. Also, always run your Gennie while rolling in hot weather. It uses only small amounts of diesel and it keeps the ACs running for max comfort. Take care of your Generator. It's a VERY important part of your CC.
AGAIN, just my opinion.
D Jean
CC 81072

Re: Generator use

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 96332
Oh boy do I agree with that, we were in the same ice storm here in Dallas. Our Country Coach was our home for a couple days also. The lesson I learned from that experience is to always keep the fuel full to run the genset.

Walt

Re: Generator use

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 96335
We're in with the group that keeps the generator well exercised and ready. When at home, we always swing in to the same sation to top off as we come off the road. The next day as we are unpacking, I always top the water, and dump the Grey/Black. We also keep the RV stocked with dry and can foods, pet food, and one months supply of our medications. (We rotate the meds and pet food every three months to keep them in good date ranges.)

We make a half day out of exercising the coach, and generator, with an hour drive and then lunch at a favorite place we like, then a shorter route home of about 30 mins. I top off the fuel when it gets towards 3/4 of a tank.

Our Sticks & Bricks is in the San Diego area, so we use the RV as our full families emergency getaway station. Earthquakes and fires are always a possibility to be ready for. We have an extended family in town, and based all of us have roles to help the younger kids and older family members. And if travel is possible, we have different meeting points. Finally, if Voice Cell is not available, we know to use text (sometimes text will get out when voice won't in these situations) and when close enough, we have CB radios with known channels to to tune too.

Jock - I understand your usage of your coach, and the seldom need for the generator. And you did say you exercise it which always keeps it ready for you. All of the above was not directed to you, it was just my info sharing with the board on how our family has our 'emergency' situation covered. Hoping it helps others think about this, if they don't have a plan. Seems strange, but it was after 9/11 when I sat down with my Sister, BIL and SIL along with my wife, and we spent a few days planning this all out. We have it printed out, covering different times of the day (at work, at school, etc.). We keep copies in our glove boxes of all cars. I also made a deal with our nieces and nephews, and the worst offender, my daughter - to make it a habit to always keep the car fuel level at half a tank. And, if money was a problem for that, to let us know and we'd from them funds to keep the tank at half full or above. Post 9/11, with San Diego being a military town, who knew what might happen. We then had the first of several very major fires after this, and earthquakes are always a reality that could happen. We're really not paranoid, but we see no reason to not be ready in case...

Best to all, be safe, have fun,
Smitty
04 Allure Sold to a nice new owner! Now enjoying a 07 Magna Rembrandt 45' ISX600 #6775
"We're ONDROAD for THEJRNY!" (Toad and Coach license plates, say Hi if you see us!)

Re: Generator use

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 96336
We learned about keeping the gas tank full after the 94 North ridge quake. House was OK motorhome was ok. So pulled mh out and figured use gen if power stayed off very long to power freezer and fridge.
Well went to start gen and no joy. Turned the key on and checked fuel level, you not it less than quarter tank! Dumb but we learned and even if late and down to 3/4 or less fill it up. On time return if not above full on gauge top off.

Re: Generator use

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 96337
Smitty, Thanks for the info. I am something like you. I do exercise the generator about once a month. I always fill fuel if I am stopping for more than a few days. Same with tow car, Need to be ready. My BF will not dry camp so no need for further discussion.


Thanks, Jock Vargo