Forum Discussion

cgmartine's avatar
cgmartine
Explorer
May 24, 2014

Automatic Transfer Switch

Whenever I ran the generator, the lights on the microwave would come on. This led me to believe that my 2008 Tioga 31M had an automatic transfer switch. I had never actually operated the micro or tried turning on the ac. Today I did, and found that neither one worked. I remembered that some folks on this forum had mentioned having to connect their shore power cord to the receptacle to make the switch from shore power to generator. I did that and the micro and ac worked. My question then is this. Does this mean my motorhome does not have the ATS? How can I tell? Is there any real need for one? It seems to me that plugging in the shore power cord to the plug after removing it from the power pedestal is not a major inconvenience.
Class C
  • ronfisherman's avatar
    ronfisherman
    Moderator
    May 24, 2014
    My motorhome has a ATS. Could I get by without it. Sure I could.
    But if I need the generator because of a power failure I can start generator and have power without going outside to move plug to generator receptacle.
    I also have a Automatic Generator Start. Use it most in warm weather to keep MH cool if power fails in RV park. ATS is needed to transfer power when AGS starts generator.
  • philandterri's avatar
    philandterri
    Explorer
    May 24, 2014
    We have a 2008 Tioga 31W and it does not have an automatic transfer switch, you have to plug the 30amp electric cord into the recepticle in the compartment to get power to the motorhome from the generator.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    May 24, 2014
    Our 96 Southwind has an Automatic Transfer Switch. It's convenient and has not given us any problems.

    When we buy a newer RV it will not make a difference if it has or does not have the ATS.

    Sometimes I think simpler is better. If you have an ATS, it's just something else that can fail or give you problems.
  • Dakzuki's avatar
    Dakzuki
    Explorer
    May 24, 2014
    I put an ATS in mine for the relative peace and quiet for me and my neighbors. I dry camp with a Honda EU1000 (quiet) generator for battery charging. If we need the big (loud) generator (like for the oven) we just fire it up and it switches over.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    May 24, 2014
    You are correct.......you do not have an ATS
    You have to plug cord into receptacle.......therefore YOU are the ATS :B

    I had 2 ATS fail.
    OEM at 8 mos. and replacement right out of box from factory.

    I threw them both in the trash and installed a manual switching system because it WORKS, can get parts (breakers) at ANY hardware store, and I have to plug gen cod in anyway so I don't need no sticking ATS.
    Course my set up is different (5th wheel) but principle is same.
  • IAMICHABOD's avatar
    IAMICHABOD
    Explorer II
    May 24, 2014
    My 2006 Tioga is set up just like yours is, the plug has to be inserted into the receptacle in the power cord bay to power the 120 volt appliances and wall sockets from the generator.

    Such as your microwave and A/C. I would rather have it that way so I am the ATS and I do not fail.......:B
  • JNorton's avatar
    JNorton
    Explorer
    May 27, 2014
    My Tioga did not come with a ATS I added one. I have no problem plugging the generator in manually when it's dry but I sure as heck don't want to do it during a storm. I'd rather stay dry.
    John
  • Bobbo's avatar
    Bobbo
    Explorer II
    May 27, 2014
    JNorton wrote:
    My Tioga did not come with a ATS I added one. I have no problem plugging the generator in manually when it's dry but I sure as heck don't want to do it during a storm. I'd rather stay dry.
    John

    The occasions that I have to go out and move the cord from the pedestal to the genny are very rare. The occasions when I have to do that AND it is raining are rarer still. I will just put on a rain slicker and get wet.
  • Bordercollie's avatar
    Bordercollie
    Explorer
    May 27, 2014
    When you run your generator, the converter/charger puts out 12 volts DC to operate the electronic controls on your microwave, etc., therefore the panel lights up. With genererator running, you should be able to operate your microwave and roof AC together on the 4000 watt AC power it feeds to the 110vac circuits. Start roof AC first, then microwave. Watch your after-market plug-in line voltage monitor/meter when running the generator or when plugged into shore power to make sure it stays in the green. Low voltage can damage AC and or microwave.

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