I recently upgraded TC's from a 2004 Lance 1161 to a 2011 Lance 1191. My 1161 had an auto transfer switch and when the generator was fired up, the switch would transfer AC power source to be from the generator. When connected to shore power, the switch fed AC power from the shoreline to the system.
On the 1191 I also have a generator but that feeds power to a receptacle in the rear sewer dump compartment that I have to plug in the coiled up power cord that is also stored in that compartment in order to feed generator AC power to the camper. Anyone that has the same set up would probably agree that this is a pain to do as the compartment is somewhat small and the placement of the generator outlet is such that I have to strategically route the cord around the black water dump valve. I nearly (accidentally) opened the black water valve when performing this procedure once! I am surprised at this set up from Lance on one of their top of the line campers - that they have placed electrical components in a "wet" compartment.
I have looked around behind a set of four drawers in the coach on the back wall and there is room to place an automatic transfer switch behind there and still be close enough to route the generator AC power to it. I am then thinking of removing the power cord all together from the "wet" compartment and adding a Marinco 30 amp twist lock receptacle on the back of the camper and feed my shore power from that. This would require me to then have an RV cord with a 30 amp plug to go into the receptacle and I would have to unplug it and store it in another compartment when not in use. I made this type of a mod on my 1161 and it worked out great. This would take all power connections away from a wet area and would also allow an automatic transfer of generator AC power when the generator is running and alleviate having to manually plug in a cord to a behind-the-scenes outlet supply from the generator.
Has anyone done this type of mod before and could tell me the pros and/or cons of doing it? I am well versed in electrical work and, electrically speaking, this is a very easy job for me to DIY. I am looking at the PowerMax 30 amp automatic transfer switch and a Marinco brand 30 amp receptacle and Marinco brand 30 amp twist lock plug with the weather boot.
2011 Ford F350 Superduty DRW SD
2011 Lance 1191 (picture below shows 2004 1161-will update soon!)
2010 HD Street Glide
2005 Pace-American MC trailer
2010 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
