Using RV generator as backup for house?

coolmom42 wrote:

enblethen wrote:
To determine grounded neutral, you need to isolate genset out put, start genset, you should have 120 volt between both neutral and ground. You should have continuity and no voltage between neutral and ground.
I am guessing you have a transfer switch in your rig!

Yes, in that the generator automatically feeds the power panel without plugging the power cord into the generator. (Although the previous owner told me that was necessary, he was wrong.)

I don't think that would have any impact on connecting to the house panel.

A lot of confusing stuff going on here.

Are you wanting your RV shore cord to double as a "backfeed" so you do not need to run an extension cord?

If so that can present a lot of problems.

The simplest way to go about this provided your gen is wired as 240/120V (which is required to run your home furnance in this case) would be to have a 240/120V 50A outlet wired to your gen, bypassing the ATS of the RV..

Then on your home you install a proper 240/120V gen interface inlet.

That inlet can be wired to your home main breaker panel provided you have space for the required two pole breaker AND you can get a gen interlock kit for the panel. This will require moving breakers in the panel so the gen breaker and the main panel breaker can be serviced by the interlock kit.

Now, all you will have to do is connect a 50A 240/120V extension cord to the gen outlet on the RV, start the gen and flip the breaker interlock to gen..

However, that ALL hinges on IF your gen is wired for 240/120..

MANY RV gens are only wired as 120V basically shooting this idea dead on arrival..

If your RV gen is not wired for 240/120V operation then I would suggest just buying a separate portable gen that does support 240/120V but do get the gen interlock and the gen input installed.