Forum Discussion

Cheryl_B's avatar
Cheryl_B
Explorer
Mar 26, 2023

Genny won't start a/ trying to turn on while on shore power.

I went to look at a 2000 Winnebago Adventurer 37G today and while it was plugged into the home's electricity, he tried to start the generator to show me that it worked. It wouldn't start but while he held the button down, the lights inside the rig were flickering.

We checked fuses and such but found nothing wrong, but now the generator won't start at all, even when shore power is disconnected. Generator makes zero sounds.

Can you guys help me figure out what this could be? I bought said rig and there is a mobile RV mechanic that is going to take a look at it and I'd really rather not incur that cost. (Frankly, he should be the one paying that but we'll see what it ends up running.)

I wish I could remember what the generator was. I think it was a "green" something or other and was 5000 watts. Hope you can help me figure this out. Really hope no real damage was done.
  • Cheryl,
    It the spirit of trying to help you - Hire and pay a good person to fully inspect the RV. Problems can go way beyond the gen not starting.

    The gen didn't start and now you're willing to hear it run on the phone? Instead THINK - what was wrong and changed? And why in the world would you listen on the phone and possibly conclude everything is OK? Why do you think he should be pay for gen repairs? Did you BUY it (as stated) or NOT? All sales are AS-IS unless you have a written warranty.

    Just thinking you need help.
  • I think you might need a different mindset.
    You are buying a 23 year old RV.
    There will ALWAYS be something that isn't working quite right. If the price is right, accept it, and make friends with that mobile tech. Just about everything can be fixed, in exchange for cash.
  • I agree, there will always be something wrong when you have an older motorhome. I had my share of generator problems, mainly hard starting. I rebuilt the carb twice, replaced the fuel pump twice, replaced the circuit board, and replaced the plugs/wires. It always generated good voltage at 60Hz when it ran.
    I finally got it right after being persistant. Onan 4.0 version.