Automatic Generator Starter

[rgrill6211]

I have a 2015 Forester 2801 GTS that, according to the specs, has an automatic generator starter. It is my understanding that if the shore power goes out, the generator will start to keep the AC running. Is that accurate? Is there anything that I have to do to "activate" this feature? To test it, would I just unplug the shore power to see if the generator kicks on? I have 3 dogs and I do not want to come back to the MH and find that the AC has stopped running.

Thanks!

[AncientMariner]

You do *NOT* have auto gen start. It can be added but does not come from factory or dealer that way.

Your idea of how it works and why to have it are correct.

There are two auto genstart addons available, one from Onan and one from Magnum.

[rgrill6211]

Thanks AncientMariner. Maybe I wrote that incorrectly, what is an "automatic generator transfer switch"?

[AncientMariner]

You *do* have an auto transfer switch. This is a device that when either plugged into ac or generator running (and working) will switch the ac to external and away from your battery.

This allows you to run any ac appliance without worrying about the source.

When plugged into ac AND you run the generator, the generator will take priority for providing ac to coach. Yes it is safe to have both plugged in as both the coach and generator BOTH have auto switches.

[ScottBrownstein]

An automatic transfer switch with switch the coach's AC circuits to the generator when it is running and back to shore power when it isn't running. It will not, however, automatically start the generator is shore power fails. So, if you leave the RV with the AC on and connected to shore power, if the shore power fails, the generator will not start on its own without an upgrade to a generator autostart system, from Onan or others.

[rgrill6211]

Okay, thanks very much.

[rgrill6211]

Where would I have an automatic generator start up switch installed and do you know if it is expensive?

[RedLdr1]

Originally Posted by rgrill6211

Where would I have an automatic generator start up switch installed and do you know if it is expensive?

See Here for a recent discussion on that option...