Forum Discussion

Horizon170's avatar
Horizon170
Explorer
Jul 16, 2016

Transfer switch

New to me 2010 Freelander 22TB'
My instruction book reads:
1. Turn off MH engine.
2. Crank generator.
3. Once Gen. is running plug Electric cord into Gen.
Any other sequence may/could damage the electrical circuits.

Yea right, it gets clammy in the RV going down the road and it's raining and I am expected to pull over, stop, crank Gen and plug in the cord.
I have a better idea (light bulb flashing)----------------
Install on of these: http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/30-amp-auto-transfer-switch/65907
Should work OK, right? I added one to my old "B".
Marvin

7 Replies

  • Horizon170's avatar
    Horizon170
    Explorer
    Jul 17, 2016
    smkettner wrote:
    Of course you are right however sometimes it is best to make it family proof as the OP might be behind the wheel giving instructions. Easier to say "just push the button".

    Correct, I have had automatic on a "B", two MH, and a 5th wheel since 1986 and have NEVER had a problem. Maybe I can muster up enough COMMON SENSE to install one in my "C". I just wasn't sure about the 2010 on a Sprinter chassis. BTW most Xfer switches, if not all, have a built in delay to insure the Generator is running before changing modes.
    Thanks smskeeter,
    Marvin
  • Dusty_R's avatar
    Dusty_R
    Explorer
    Jul 17, 2016
    But an auto-transfer switch is one more thing that can go wrong/fail.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Jul 16, 2016
    Of course you are right however sometimes it is best to make it family proof as the OP might be behind the wheel giving instructions. Easier to say "just push the button".
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Jul 16, 2016
    Just Plug in the 30 amp cord. LEAVE the inside 30 amp main breaker OFF. Start the Genset. Once it is running for 15 seconds, turn on that 30 amp breaker. Jeez, people have NO common sense any more. The reason they have that warning is, unless you have a Auto Transfer box, it is not a good idea to have a LOAD when starting your Genset. There can be voltage spikes as the Genset gets to running speed. Doug

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