C class genertor

Hmmmm. Unclear on the concept..........

By unplugging, the generator will take the load of the AC. It uses more fuel. It will heat the engine up much faster and is that not the object of starting the engine? Stator windings dry out. So does the voltage regulator. The oil boils off condensation and gasoline vapors.

Leaving it plugged in is sort of similar to watching someone else exercise on TV.

I disconnect my rig from shore power even though it has an auto transfer switch - only takes a second and you occasionally read a thread about transfer switches sticking.

We are at Cummins right now having our Onan generator repaired. I asked the guy working on it if it is okay to run the generator while plugged into shore power. He said since we have the automatic switch, there should be no harm, but he still wouldn't do it. He also said that shore power was the default.

So I ask you, Kayteg1....If I understand your post correctly, you are indicating that it doesn't matter if one is plugged into shore power when running the generator. Are you saying that the automatic switch will switch over to generator power when shore power is already plugged in?

If you have automatic switch-over it will switch the power for you.
No need to worry.
Ditto on putting some load on generator. Give it 2 minutes to warm up and than switch-on AC or electric heater.

It is normal to operate the generator with a load to help the engine get warm enough. So that means disconnecting from shore power, running the generator for a minute or so unloaded then switch on the roof air conditioner. The object is to get the generator lube oil hot. This boils off contaminants.