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k9dad's avatar
k9dad
Explorer
May 20, 2013

Onan EC-30 Auto Start

Just purchased a 2011 Fleetwood Southwind. Have always had concerns about leaving dogs in motorhome during hot days. I have had several conversations with dealer and other rv'ers about adding an "auto start" to my system. This would turn on the generator in the event of a power failure. Dogs would have air and all would be safe. The problem with this, is that the generator in my motorhome requires me to "prime it" before starting. Any suggestions,experiences and knowledge would be greatly appreciated. I do not have a great deal of RV experience (3 yrs.) and would welcome any help.
Class A

3 Replies

  • Hikerdogs's avatar
    Hikerdogs
    Explorer
    May 20, 2013
    We used the EC-30W on our 2001 Adventurer with the Onan 5500 watt generator. If we didn't use the generator for an extended period of time it did need to be primed. However after it had been run for a while it started easily for a couple weeks without the prime. One nice feature of the auto start is that according to the manual it will only crank the starter for 15 seconds then give it a couple minute break to avoid overheating it.

    I would start your generator in the usual manner, let it run for a while then shut it down. The next day I would try starting it without priming it. If you're successful the EC-30W should be able to start it without any problems.
  • smlranger's avatar
    smlranger
    Explorer
    May 20, 2013
    It the genset is an Onan, their EC30W AGS should work. Easy to install. The most difficult task is finding a 110v outlet that is not connected to your inverter.
  • ksg5000's avatar
    ksg5000
    Explorer
    May 20, 2013
    Have you ever tried to start your gen without priming it first?

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