Generator

TNGW1500SE wrote:
I don't think any RV manufacturer would ever build an RV that could backfeed through the power cord to the campgrounds panel. People would be laying dead all over the campgrounds so the answer must be "No, don't unplug".

It has nothing to do with no back feed

It has to do with Arcing contacts under heavy loads
Like the A/C or the MW
The Arcing caused by switching under load Pits the contacts
Then they will either stick/weld together
Or not make good contact when closed and get hot and burn , like bad extension cords do

They might work ten times, then fail in one of these manners, the damage is culminative it keeps adding up getting worse, each time it arcs being switched with a load on

It's amazing people come on here and say be careful turn off the pedistel breaker before plugging in, don't burn/pit the cord contacts
Then say it's OK to start the generator while plugged in and risk Arcing pitting burning the contacts and damage to an expensive switch that is more trouble to replace and cost more than any cord end does
And has the potential for that to cause even more problems than a bad cord end

The No's have it right. Your Holiday Rambler has an automatic transfer switch which makes the generator the priority power source. Anytime the generator is powered on, after a short delay, the transfer switch will provide the coach with power from the generator only and disconnect the RV from shore power.

wtmtnhiker wrote:
Hi all,
I'm a new class A owner after having had a 5th wheel for many years. I'll be going to a campground that only supplies 15amp service. If/when I start my generator for the microwave or AC do I need to unplug from shore power?
2005 Holiday Rambler Ambassador 36PDD

NO - simple answer - you can only use power from a single source.

I don't think any RV manufacturer would ever build an RV that could backfeed through the power cord to the campgrounds panel. People would be laying dead all over the campgrounds so the answer must be "No, don't unplug".

We spent six weeks plugged into 15A service. We turned on the generator as needed and did not unplug. But our rig was set up to allow us to do this.

It depends on what equipment you have. My transfer switch says that I don't need to unplug. I start my generator once a month at home and never unplug. Do you have any manuals or the make of your transfer switch handy?

I agree. Your rig should be equipped with an Automatic Transfer Switch that will disconnect the shore power when the generator starts.

However, I always disconnect from shore power, pull the plug or turn off the breaker, before starting the generator.

A couple time I forgot to disconnect before starting the generator. Nothing happened, no damage or electrical problems.
I still disconnect from shore power. Just In Case.

Enjoy traveling in your HR. :)

I would imagine there is a transfer switch that should protect the system, but it's always a good practice to kick off the breaker at the post before starting the gen. The 30 seconds it takes could very well save you a nightmare in electrical issues. An ounce of prevention...