Forum Discussion

joelyn's avatar
joelyn
Explorer
Jun 04, 2015

When to plug in TT???

have a TT and mounted a separate genny on the back of it for when we stop at night or dry camp.
its a 3100 watt genny and my question is... when should i plug the TT into the genny before i start the genny and let the power go to the TT after it gets up and running OR should i start the genny first and let it warm up and than plug in the TT's plug???

at a CG i always shut off the breaker before plugging in and when disconcerting but don't have that luxury with the portable aux genny.

thanks for any help.
  • joelyn's avatar
    joelyn
    Explorer
    Jun 05, 2015
    thanks for the responses. will start genny first and if to much of a arc when i plug in i will flip the main breaker in the TT next time.
    thanks again
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jun 05, 2015
    It's better for the gen to be running when the load is applied but it's a bit hard on the plug and receptacle contacts. I start the gen first though.
  • RJsfishin's avatar
    RJsfishin
    Explorer
    Jun 05, 2015
    Oh, you worry too much. I get a helluva arc just from my PD 9245, and nothing I can do about it. A little ole arc (load) never hurt nothin. And if it does take its toll after 10 yrs, it gets a new plug/receptical, right ??
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Jun 04, 2015
    Typical motorhome transfer switch waits 30 to 60 seconds before connecting to generator.
    If you do the same I think you will be fine.

    You can turn off your main breaker in the RV to prevent arcing at the time you plug in.
  • K_Charles's avatar
    K_Charles
    Explorer
    Jun 04, 2015
    Don start the generator with a load on it and don't plug into it with a load.
    Plugged in or not doesn't matter. After it's plugged in and running or after it's running and plugged in then flip the breaker on.
    Our powerhouse generator has a switch that flips itself after the generator starts and gets up to voltage.
  • bfast54's avatar
    bfast54
    Explorer
    Jun 04, 2015
    YES.....YES...YES.... Start genny with NO LOAD...... let warm up a bit, then plug in.

    Try to want the Load cut down a bit when you plug in.....
    You could turn your main breaker (s).. OFF then bring them up.
    Same effect as turning off campground plug.
  • joelyn's avatar
    joelyn
    Explorer
    Jun 04, 2015
    Trackrig wrote:
    If you can't control what electrical load is going to hit the generator when it starts, I let them warm up for a couple of minutes otherwise it's like starting your car / truck and taking it to full throttle right away.

    Bill



    so are u saying to start the genny first and let it warm up and than plug in the TT plug into the genny while the genny is running?
  • Trackrig's avatar
    Trackrig
    Explorer II
    Jun 04, 2015
    If you can't control what electrical load is going to hit the generator when it starts, I let them warm up for a couple of minutes otherwise it's like starting your car / truck and taking it to full throttle right away.

    Bill

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