Generator Transfer Switch

JimMartin wrote:
Having same problem. My Onan 7k generator runs but no power to the interior? Then the generator will just cut off after about 20 mins. and won't restart again? Someone said it might be my automatic power transfer switch? But I can't find it on my RV. 1999 Coachmen Mirada 340MB

do you get any error codes on the Onan?

these guys can help
Smokstak for Onan

My Onan 7k shutdown 30+seconds after starting cause of no power generation. turned out to be the rubber coupler between the engine and the gen rotor. had error code 3-15 (undervoltage)

Having same problem. My Onan 7k generator runs but no power to the interior? Then the generator will just cut off after about 20 mins. and won't restart again? Someone said it might be my automatic power transfer switch? But I can't find it on my RV. 1999 Coachmen Mirada 340MB

darrengryniuk wrote:
I have a Voltage 3950 and the generator doesn't power anything when it is cranked up. No outlets...no microwave...nothing. I am not sure what its supposed to power to be honest. I am think the transfer switch could be bad or maybe the gen isn't even connected to it. Where would the transfer switch be and what do they look like? Any help would be most appreciated.

Thanks
Darren

Not sure about yours, but my transfer switch (ATS) was in the basement. It was a black box about 6" X 6" X 12" and has 3 large cables going into it. The cables are about the size of your outside shore power cable. One would go to your breaker box, one to your incoming shore power cable and one to your generator. When you power up your generator it should make a loud click noise. Best of luck with your problem.

Swamp Man wrote:
Suggest to contact the factory and ask them. They above all else should know. If you are not comfortable with working with electrical systems, then hire someone who is licensed and knowledgable.

This would be true with other RV companies I hate to sound like a pessimist.......Dutchmen is the last company that can answer any questions about their units. They have the worst customer service in the RV industry. They don't even have any connection of parts list to the individual Vin numbers.

Keystone, K-Z, Redwood and many more have parts list connection to the Vin numbers. I've owned some of these others.

I've been up close and personal with Dutchmens factory for 20 months. Their attitudes are by far the worst in the industry.

Alright, I'm done my rant.

Old-Biscuit wrote:

netjam wrote:
Had 2 transfer switches go bad in the space of 1 year. I just jumpered around it and don't use a transfer switch now. In my case when they went neither shore power nor gen power would work.

So with it jumpered both shore and gen power sources are HOT ?

Might want to rethink that....dangerous condition.

I also had 2 transfer switches fail..OEM after 8 months and new replacement came faulty.

I installed a 125A sub-panel with two 50A double pole circuit breakers that are mechanically interlocked.
Shore power in to one 50A breaker
Gen power (front receptacle) in to other 50A breaker
Power out to main panel

Only one source can be hot at a time.......no HOT receptacle or power from bot sources by accident.

I jumpered the shore power (incoming) to the outlet cable of the ATS leaving the ATS totally out of the circuit. (just like there was no ATS) The gen is no longer connected to the ATS. For Gen power I would connect my shore power cable directly to the gen. After 2 ATS failures (leaving me unable to power the RV with shore power or the gen, it was just too much hassle. I had a SURGE GUARD 41260 that let me down twice.....as far as I was concerned, it was junk,,,both times.

Suggest to contact the factory and ask them. They above all else should know. If you are not comfortable with working with electrical systems, then hire someone who is licensed and knowledgable.

netjam wrote:
Had 2 transfer switches go bad in the space of 1 year. I just jumpered around it and don't use a transfer switch now. In my case when they went neither shore power nor gen power would work.

So with it jumpered both shore and gen power sources are HOT ?

Might want to rethink that....dangerous condition.

I also had 2 transfer switches fail..OEM after 8 months and new replacement came faulty.

I installed a 125A sub-panel with two 50A double pole circuit breakers that are mechanically interlocked.
Shore power in to one 50A breaker
Gen power (front receptacle) in to other 50A breaker
Power out to main panel

Only one source can be hot at a time.......no HOT receptacle or power from bot sources by accident.

check the breakers on the generator, and some have pop out breakers in a j-box before the transfer switch, and of course check the transfer switch lugs (there were some recalls on the Iota switch for lose lugs).

It should power everything, I've never seen a generator install that does only part, as that would mean the main breaker panel would need to be split up.

Had 2 transfer switches go bad in the space of 1 year. I just jumpered around it and don't use a transfer switch now. In my case when they went neither shore power nor gen power would work.

Also check the circuit breakers on the generator itself.