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phred6185's avatar
phred6185
Explorer
Nov 18, 2013

Generator power question

I have a 2007 Newmar Bay Star with an Onan 5.5k generator. This past weekend I attempted to run the generator under load for its monthly workout. The generator runs fine but there is no power getting to the coach. I checked the breakers both on the generator and inside and no issues, no bad fuses. The power came on twice when I restarted the generator but cut off instantly when I turned something on and drew power.

Reading some forums suggest that the automatic transfer switch may be bad. I am trying to get a tech to look at it but it's snowbird time in South Florida and I'm having trouble getting an appointment (there is no way I would attempt to fix myself).

My question is, I'm supposed to leave Thursday on a 2 week trek with it. Will I be able to use shore power despite the possible bad switch or is it a bad idea?

4 Replies

  • If the transfer swx, the failure will depend on what set of lugs are loose or burned, contacts welded in what position, or of the coil is open.

    O the fun...
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    And I had power from Shore only.. But then mine the "Resting" state is shore power connected.. (Resting means no power present from either source)
  • Just depends......

    When my transfer switch failed I didn't have power from either generator OR shore power

    So......if possible hook up to shore power and check.
    If you have power from shore source......good to go. Just don't try gen power again as it could fail and leave you without any power.
  • phred6185 wrote:
    The generator runs fine but there is no power getting to the coach. Will I be able to use shore power despite the possible bad (transfer) switch or is it a bad idea?


    Plug into shore power where yer at now and see if she holds!!! If ya got shore power, take off and get yer gen set looked at down the road if it really bugs you not having back-up generator power

    Happy camping!!! See y'all down the road!!!:)

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