Generator not powering motorhome

Maybe. Some rigs have an automatic transfer switch and some require plugging into a generator powered receptacle.

In something that is 30+ years old, anything could have been changed over the years.

time to grab a multimeter and start following wires.

The older style motor homes (which yours is) usually had a plug (female receptacle) in one of the storage bays. Probably the bay where the power cord enters the motor home. When you plug into shore power, the plug goes to the receptacle on the pedestal. When you need the generator, the plug goes into the receptacle in the storage bay. If you don't plug the cord into the receptacle, the generator will run but will not connect (power up) to the motor home.

Chum lee

Looking at this photo,Telstar
I believe the genset power receptacle would be in same compartment(hatch where the shore power cord comes out.

Another possibility - check the generator circuit breakers if those breakers have triggered the generator will run but won't provide electricity.

I love these ones......:?:h then :S

Chum lee wrote:
The older style motor homes (which yours is) usually had a plug (female receptacle) in one of the storage bays. Probably the bay where the power cord enters the motor home. When you plug into shore power, the plug goes to the receptacle on the pedestal. When you need the generator, the plug goes into the receptacle in the storage bay. If you don't plug the cord into the receptacle, the generator will run but will not connect (power up) to the motor home.

Chum lee

Look in your electric bay or one of the others see if you can find something like this


Plug your shore cord into it to power the RV from the generator

above replies are all good, and should be checked out. If there is no generator receptacle, the you have an ATS (automatic transfer switch) to handle switching between the landline and generator. Typically, the generator commands the switch (will switch to generator power if available) but defaults to landline if no generator power available

Great appreciation for all the responses. I've passed the info on to my friend! Thank you so much!