Calss C motorhome - On board ONAN generator

I had a high end Class with a top quality transfer switch. I used to start the Gen when plugged in. When I was having some work done on the transfer switch by a mechanic I asked the same question and his answer was "why would you do that safer to shut off your stuff and unplugged then start gen."

When I'm at home an plugged in and want to exercise the generator I hit the breakers and then start the generator. It is very easy as I walk by the door going into my shop and the breaker panel is right inside the door. Flip the door open and cut the breakers keep on walking to the door of the MH and start the generator up. I have an ATS on mine but my previous 2015 View didn't.

I am glad that you can (based on earlier posts). In the Jayco, the fuse will blow if you try this.

I don't mind not having a transfer switch, one less thing to go bad.
I unplug my EMS-PT30C from the post and plug it into the outlet in the power bay I have to store the EMS-PT30C anyway so why not just leave it all together. It also protects the RV from the generator while it is coming up to speed. Once the EMS-PT30C test the input power and senses the proper voltage it releases it to the RV.

Something else to consider, when using a 15 amp service use the EMS-PT30C it will monitor the power and save you from potential brown out situations. The EMS automatically shuts down power to your RV if any of these faults occur.

Easy to read Error Code Chart:
E-0 Normal Condition
E-1 Reverse Polarity Condition (hot and neutral wires reversed)
E-2 Open Ground (means no ground wire connection)
E-3 Line Voltage High (line voltage above 132)
E-4 Line Voltage Low (line voltage below 104)
E-7 Line Frequency High (line frequency above 69 cycles per Second)
E-8 Line Frequency Low (line frequency below 51 cycles per Second)
E10 Replace surge protector module

My Coachmen has the requirement to plug the power cord into either the pedestal or the generator. I have no problem with having to change from one to the other.
My previous Gulf Stream had an Automatic Transfer Switch and the only problem I experienced with it happened during cold weather when the ATS took its jolly time to switch because the switch is thermally activated.

IAMICHABOD wrote:

bukhrn wrote:
If it is plugged into a power pedestal, I can still start the generator without unhooking.

Why would you need the generator when plugged in?:?:h

I normally don't when in a campground, at home it stays plugged in, but once every month, I go out & exercise the generator.

Looking at 2004 WBO products, Vista, Minnie, and Sightseer have receptacle and plug, all others are ATS.

For 2009 the Access, View, Outlook, Aspect, Vista, and Sightseer all are plug and receptacle. All others are ATS.

So it is a mix but you can easily say that the plug and receptacle is a fairly common design, that works rather well.

Charles

My Minni Winni has a transfer switch 2004. It is different most all the rigs I am around have transfer switchs and others the reverse.

LEN

bukhrn wrote:
If it is plugged into a power pedestal, I can still start the generator without unhooking.

Why would you need the generator when plugged in?:?:h

Sam Spade wrote:

bukhrn wrote:
My '07 has an ATS, & glad of it, I just don't like the idea of that "plug & play" system. Just seems like an unnecessary PITA.

Well let's see.......
When you unplug the cord from the shore power pole, what do you do with it ?? We do the same thing, coil it up in a compartment but the last two seconds is consumed by plugging it into the generator outlet.
Yep a real hassle.....not. ;)

It is for me as I don't have to do anything, other than hit the Start switch, whether plugged in or not.
When boondocking or dry camping, I don't unwind the power cord or have to plug it into the generator. If it is plugged into a power pedestal, I can still start the generator without unhooking.