How to use Generator

Hi Taigarazz,
We also have a Winnebago Aspect 26. One of my first tasks was to locate GFI plugs just in case.

We always travel with the generator plugged in. We don't worry about flipping breakers. Just turn it on let it warm up a little then use the microwave/convection or air conditioner or heater. Have you ever used the heat pump or do you have one?

We always make sure that we remove any significant load before shutting down. All appliances work well, no problems to date with this approach. I did enjoy the transfer switch in our other MH but am getting used to this new procedure.

I also cut the 30a electrical cord short, just long enough to plug into the generator, then store the 30A extension in a different compartment. We find that long big 30A cord was just to big to fit in the electrical compartment.

RetSgt7114 wrote:
Forgive my ignorance, but do I understand this correctly? In order to use the generator on this rig, you must connect the shore power cable to the generator before turning on the generator? In my rig, I just turn on the gen and I get power inside. No plugging in any cable. Did I misunderstand?

You have a transfer switch that detects if your are plugged into a shore source or if you are running a generator and switches automatically to the proper source. Some RV's do not have that switch and you have to manually move a plug from shore to generator.

One of the big reasons for not turning things on until the generator has stabilized is to eliminate sparking and excessive loads on the auto transfer switch. They don't have one so why not just leave the cord plugged in the gen. outlet unless you have CG access to an outlet? Just don't turn on any big loads until the genny has stabilized on speed.

Bobbo wrote:

John Wayne wrote:
Why are all you people telling her to plug into a hot plug. Even when plugging into the power post you should turn off the power post breaker before plugging in. Then after plugging in turn the breaker back on. Every time you plug or unplug a hot socket you cause sparking on the metal parts of the plug and socket which causes pitting and makes for a bad plug which over time will cause heat and start melting plug ends.

Actually, there have been 3 suggestions to prevent this.

1. plug in before starting the generator
2. turn off the generator's breaker before turning on
3. turn off the main breaker in the RV before turning on

All 3 of those would prevent the kind of sparking you are describing. Personally, I subscribe to option 1 above with the caveat that the only thing of 120v turned on when I start the generator is the converter, and maybe the refrigerator.

Bobbo

Exactly:)

John Wayne wrote:
Why are all you people telling her to plug into a hot plug. Even when plugging into the power post you should turn off the power post breaker before plugging in. Then after plugging in turn the breaker back on. Every time you plug or unplug a hot socket you cause sparking on the metal parts of the plug and socket which causes pitting and makes for a bad plug which over time will cause heat and start melting plug ends.

Actually, there have been 3 suggestions to prevent this.

1. plug in before starting the generator
2. turn off the generator's breaker before turning on
3. turn off the main breaker in the RV before turning on

All 3 of those would prevent the kind of sparking you are describing. Personally, I subscribe to option 1 above with the caveat that the only thing of 120v turned on when I start the generator is the converter, and maybe the refrigerator.

Bobbo

Why are all you people telling her to plug into a hot plug. Even when plugging into the power post you should turn off the power post breaker before plugging in. Then after plugging in turn the breaker back on. Every time you plug or unplug a hot socket you cause sparking on the metal parts of the plug and socket which causes pitting and makes for a bad plug which over time will cause heat and start melting plug ends.

Just make sure to run the generator with some load on it (A/C, portable space heater) for a few hours monthly. This keeps the carb clear, as well as the windings working. Nothing kills generators worse than them sitting without proper storage preparation (as in fogging, draining the lines and carb of fuel, oil change, etc.)

Glad to hear the GFI got your power on. Running stuff is easy. If you expect to get a decent fast battery charge you should also review the charging system including the converter. Low batteries need to be brought up to 14.2+ volts for fast charging. Some converters are good and others trickle away at 13.6 volts.

It was the GFI ! But it is not located in the kitchen or bath, but on the entryway by the stairs.
Anyway, now the outlets work.
Thanks for your generous advice
Linda

Doug and Cassi Glass wrote:
Check the GFI. There might be two, one in bathroom, one in kitchen. That's where my money is going to be bet. You have power if the micro is working.

X2