New to on board generators. Parked for the winter with 50 amp service, and it's time to exercise the genny. Do I have to disconnect first?2006 Bounder, Onan 5500, ATS

Depends. You need to exercise it once a month for 2 hours with at least 50% load. Can you get a 50% load on it while still plugged into shore power? When I had an on-board genny, I used the A/C in the summer and a pair of space heaters in the winter, but I had to unplug from shore power for that.

The ATS will switch the RV from shorepower to the generator, but that should not be done with any significant loads present. I recommend flipping the park stanchion breaker off before starting the generator. Make sure the park rules allow running the generator at that time though.

Bobbo wrote:Depends. You need to exercise it once a month for 2 hours with at least 50% load. Can you get a 50% load on it while still plugged into shore power? When I had an on-board genny, I used the A/C in the summer and a pair of space heaters in the winter, but I had to unplug from shore power for that.Why two hours? I am not being snarky, I am being sincere.My brother works on electric motors and said to make sure to give the windings a regular workout, but he said it doesn't need to be a large load, but they do need a load. I have been doing monthly runs on my Hondas for over 10 years, and running them 10 or 15 minutes, enough to warm up the oil good and give them a load.

To be absolutely sure nothing bad happens, I would unplug shore power first (or turn off breaker). I have an automatic transfer switch. One time I turned on the generator while plugged into shore power...don't remember if a load was on it, but I think not...and the situation burned my EMS that was plugged into shore receptacle.

Exercise genny while on shore power? | Good Sam Community

43 Replies

Dutch_12078
Explorer III
Dec 11, 2020
The ATS will switch the RV from shorepower to the generator, but that should not be done with any significant loads present. I recommend flipping the park stanchion breaker off before starting the generator. Make sure the park rules allow running the generator at that time though.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Dec 11, 2020
Exercise with a load.
Bobbo
Explorer III
Dec 11, 2020
Depends. You need to exercise it once a month for 2 hours with at least 50% load. Can you get a 50% load on it while still plugged into shore power? When I had an on-board genny, I used the A/C in the summer and a pair of space heaters in the winter, but I had to unplug from shore power for that.

Forum Discussion

Exercise genny while on shore power?

43 Replies

About Technical Issues

Related Content

Predator gennys?

12 Volt Power Issue

Newbie power question

exercising Genny in the winter

genny conundrum