Is there a switch when using the generator

[dallasrules]

I bought a 1995 GeorgieBoy motorhome and have been rehabbing it. We got the onboard Kohler generator running. There is power coming out of the generator wired into a 110v box in the top of the generator compartment. However, in the next compartment there is no power to the breaker box.

Is there a switch to go between the generator and shore power? How does it know to get power from the generator or if you are plugged in to shore power. I would like to use the generator this weekend so any help is appreciated.

Also, how much gas (approximately). Will the generator burn per hour.

BTW. That is one heavy sob. We had to use an engine hoist to get it in and out. 2 men can hardly lift it.

[clr]

There is normally a transfer switch. The main purpose of the transfer switch is to ensure that only one source is connected to your rv at a time. The transfer switch will only allow shore power to the rv when you are connected to the shore power. If you do not connect to shore power or it is not available the generator should provide power to the rv.

[dallasrules]

Originally Posted by clr

There is normally a transfer switch. The main purpose of the transfer switch is to ensure that only one source is connected to your rv at a time. The transfer switch will only allow shore power to the rv when you are connected to the shore power. If you do not connect to shore power or it is not available the generator should provide power to the rv.

Should that be automatic or would there be a manual switch somewhere?

[nvs4602]

It would be automatic if there is a transfer switch. On ours a Class C you have to plug the shore power line into an outlet that is connected to the generator. That way there is no need for a transfer switch.

[dallasrules]

Thank you. We will look for an outlet.

[clr]

Every one that I have seen are automatic but given the age of the camper there may be a manual one. But if not automatic it sort of defeats the purpose of the switch.

[CHICKDOE]

Originally Posted by dallasrules

I bought a 1995 GeorgieBoy motorhome and have been rehabbing it. We got the onboard Kohler generator running. There is power coming out of the generator wired into a 110v box in the top of the generator compartment. However, in the next compartment there is no power to the breaker box.

Is there a switch to go between the generator and shore power? How does it know to get power from the generator or if you are plugged in to shore power. I would like to use the generator this weekend so any help is appreciated.

Also, how much gas (approximately). Will the generator burn per hour.

BTW. That is one heavy sob. We had to use an engine hoist to get it in and out. 2 men can hardly lift it.

what is this box in the generator compartment? it could be several things. it could be:
the transfer switch (this will be larger than a junction box)
a junction box that simply connects the generator leads to another cable
a junction box with a power receptacle built into it.

how do you know there is power to this box?

[dallasrules]

Originally Posted by CHICKDOE

what is this box in the generator compartment? it could be several things. it could be:
the transfer switch (this will be larger than a junction box)
a junction box that simply connects the generator leads to another cable
a junction box with a power receptacle built into it.

how do you know there is power to this box?

It is just a junction box. There was a set of wires coming from the breaker box on the front of the generator to wires in the box. It was a tight space to get the cover off the box to disconnect the generator, so before we put it back, I wired a 30 amp plug on the gen wires and into the junction box so I can just plug it in
. I know there is power there because I checked both sides of the plug with a bolt meter. Since the breaker box and power cord are just in the next compartment, there is probably an outlet in there somewhere.
I just didn't know what to look for. I will check tomorrow.

[CHICKDOE]

this is just a guess so take it for what it is worth.

i'm thinking that you do not have an automatic transfer switch. the reason a think so is that the output cables from the generator would normally go directly to the transfer switch. yours don't, they go to the junction box.

how does your shore power cord attach to the rv? is is a completely detachable cord that connects to a receptacle on the outside of the rv? or is it a cord that is attached inside the rv and you just bring the make end of the cord out of a small hatch to plug into the power pedestal? if it is the later go take a good look and the compartment where the power cord is attached inside the rv. there is a good chance there is a power receptacle in there that brings power from the generator into the compartment where the power cord is. you select generator power by plugging the shore power cord into this receptacle.

again this is just a guess based on some rv's i have seen.

[bubbles]

My 2000 Georgie Boy had a receptacle for the shore power cable to plug into for genny use. The receptacle was in the power cable storage bay. It was a GB Cruise Master.

[aircommuter]

Originally Posted by clr

There is normally a transfer switch. The main purpose of the transfer switch is to ensure that only one source is connected to your rv at a time. The transfer switch will only allow shore power to the rv when you are connected to the shore power. If you do not connect to shore power or it is not available the generator should provide power to the rv.

The main purpose of the transfer switch is so the shore won’t backfeed the generator and the reverse also.

[dallasrules]

Thanks everyone. Found the outlet. I wouldn't have found it tucked up into the corner if I didn't know what and where to look. Everything works great except for the ac. The compressor seems to be working, but the fan seems to be froze up. The only thing so far that is not working.