Automatic Generator Transfer Switch

[Noah4448]

I have a 2018 Sunseeker MBS 2400W. Forest River literature says the switch is included. I can't find any literature on how it works. Any help here would be appreciated.

[ScottBrownstein]

If it is there, when you start the generator the switch drops the shore power cable and connects to the generator after about 15 seconds. If you have no shore power connected, start the generator and you should have 110 VAC in 15 to 30 seconds. Nothing more to know or do.

[CHICKDOE]

as mr brownstein says there is really not much you need to do as it is automatic. do you know where it is located? most probably very near the generator. find it and get the make / model number. then go online to the manufacturer's web site and download the manual for it.

[ScottBrownstein]

You will find it in the bay that the power cord comes out of or if there the cord is removable, in the bay close to the cord connector. It is a metal box with conduits going to it.

[Noah4448]

Thanks for your feedback.

An AGS would start the generator if the shore power went off. Since the name is different I wasn't sure.


PS All RV with generators should at least have an AGC as an option!!!! I have dogs and in summer if shore power goes out an AGS would provide great comfort. As it is, I have two different RV temperature systems that tell me the temp every 15 minutes. If it goes up over 83 degrees, then I know A/C is not working and I need to rush back. This has never happened but you never know.

[berkdriver]

In my 2017 Berkshire I have the AGS as well. It works off of temperature, low house battery or both. The temperature is controlled by the HVAC thermostat. So if I set it to AGS at 85 degrees F it will start if the temp rises to that. I would like to have had a setting that would allow it to start if you lose shore power.

[WayneLee]

I am not sure that the Sunseeker has an "auto start" option for the generator. I had "auto start" on my previous coaches where the generator would start up automatically if the shore power went off. I don't have an auto start in my Sunseeker.

In my Sunseeker, the ATS monitors the source of power and automatically switches between them. So, if power is available from the shore power, then the ATS will switch power sources to shore power. If the shore power is not available, but the generator is running, then the ATS switches the power input to the generator.

But, if you are in a site with shore power, and the campground loses power, without an "auto start" on your generator, you have to manually start the generator. I am not aware if you can add "auto start" to your generator.

[pdqparalegal1]

These auto power systems are great for peace of mind for pets left inside but I would still worry if it was the air conditioner that failed and not the power

Just a thought. 👍

[ScottBrownstein]

auto start is a high end feature that is not included in most, if not all, FR coaches. You have an ATS, not autostart.

[ependydad]

That said, you can always add an Auto Generator Start as an aftermarket mod. Doesn't need to be a factory option to make it work.

[formerFR]

right, the terms are similar - ATS is the Automatic TRANSFER switch, to transfer power from the Generator to the coach, or Shore Power to the coach, automatically...though it will 'default' to the generator, if it is running and it's breaker is not tripped, otherwise it will switch to Shore Power, IF it is available.

AGS is a term used with generators, the Automatic GENERATOR starter, which provides settings, usually VOLTAGE and TEMP, to trigger the system to automatically start and run your generator, REGARDLESS of whether you have shore power or not, though mostly it's when you don't : )

the AGS is really not a big ticket item, and probably not very difficult to add later, but it requires either/both a Voltage sensing device on the batteries(house battery bank), and a Temperature sensor(either separately, or integrated within the Air Conditioner Thermostat, as some do). You can set the AGS to allow either/both of these to trigger the Generator to start, and provide either/both recharging of the battery bank and running the Air Conditioner(s).

Ours has one, and it's a magnificent invention, a real benefit to off-grid RVing, and even a great 'back up' power source when you loose Shore Power, especially when you are in hot weather with pets inside while you may be away.

[michael.wehrer]

Originally Posted by ScottBrownstein

You will find it in the bay that the power cord comes out of or if there the cord is removable, in the bay close to the cord connector. It is a metal box with conduits going to it.

The front part of long short bay under the bed portion of the slide out has a panel held on by 4 screws. The ATS is located behind that panel. I found it while adding an automatic generator start module for my generator.