Gen power transfer issue

Explain what you mean by "coughs". The usual Transfer time is about 45 seconds to 1 minute. Once the ATS sees the 120 volts, it starts its timer and after that 45 second delay the Transfer relay closes and then you have 120 power in the RV. COMPLETE 120 power, to all 120 appliances, not just some. The reason you turn off LOADS(appliances) is simple. There are contac points on the Transfer relay's and if you close and open with a load, especially a heavy load, it causes arc'ing of those points and eventually a failure of the points. Most Rv'ers that understand this will turn the inside main breaker OFF when connecting to Shore Power or Genset. Once the shore power is connected or the Genset has come online, they then turn the interior main breaker ON. This helps ATS boxes last a long time. Doug