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Old 09-21-2017, 02:43 PM   #1
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Generator Mod

Looks like this may be the correct place for my question.

Is it possible to set up the MH Generator to start up should the power be disconnected for any reason. Same as a home generator system.

We had a power outage this past weekend in a State park for about 1/2 hour. This brings up the question of what happens to pets on a hot day should we loose power and we are out and about taking in the local sites?
I'm thinking there should be a way but beats me how.
Has anyone done this?
Thanks.

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Old 09-21-2017, 02:59 PM   #2
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I think that you'd need to figure out how to deal with the generator's priming sequence...
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Old 09-21-2017, 03:04 PM   #3
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assuming you have an onan...
I'm pretty sure (not positive) that they make a plug and play device for this.

This type of controller comes standard on many high end big coaches as I understand it... (I wouldn't know 1st hand...)
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Old 09-21-2017, 03:24 PM   #4
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It sounds as if there's hope for this project!
Thanks! Now the research has a direction in which to proceed...
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Old 09-21-2017, 03:54 PM   #5
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What you want is called "Auto Generator Start" but it is usually included on coaches with an inverter and starts the generator when the coach batteries drop below a set voltage.

I'm sure there is one available that would start on 120Vac loss (or you could just use a 12V supply from the 120 to provide the 12V loss signal to a standard controller).

Seems to be a lot of information on this here:
https://www.rvtechmag.com/electrical/chapter10.php
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Old 09-21-2017, 04:33 PM   #6
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If the failure is the AC itself, probably more likely then power outage, the generator will do you no good. I use a temp stick to monitor inside temperature, since we leave our dog in the motor home when we go places she can't. Have it set up to text me if the temp goes over a pre-set temperature, then I know I have to get back there to see what failed and save the dog.
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Old 09-21-2017, 04:59 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Laco View Post
If the failure is the AC itself, probably more likely then power outage, the generator will do you no good. I use a temp stick to monitor inside temperature, since we leave our dog in the motor home when we go places she can't. Have it set up to text me if the temp goes over a pre-set temperature, then I know I have to get back there to see what failed and save the dog.
He's talking AC (alternating current) power from the generator to operate the air conditioning, not that the (AC) air conditioner has failed.
Too many acronyms!
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Old 09-21-2017, 05:11 PM   #8
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I understood he was talking about a power failure, but IMO failure of the air conditioning unit is a more likely scenario. In over twelve years of RV'ing, Have only experienced a power failure one time, though air conditioning units have failed several times.
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Old 09-21-2017, 06:02 PM   #9
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All the more reason to take the "fur kids" with you!
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Old 09-21-2017, 10:44 PM   #10
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Whatever backups you do.... Something like the temp stick gives peace of mind that all is well...
Many things can go wrong.... Power loss, air conditioning failure, tripped breaker, just unable to keep up for some reason....

A temp stick paired with hotspot will let me know the temp is above threshold.... And I can view history anytime.

Side benefit, it answered the question of how hot does the rig get in storage... Is in partial shade in FL, but max reading in July/August was about 102...
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Old 09-21-2017, 11:48 PM   #11
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The Temp Stick is a simple and effective tool to monitor inside RV temperatures while you are away. I always worry about inside temps for our dog, while we are away, and the temp stick gives me peace of mind, since I can always know what the inside temp is.
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Old 09-22-2017, 12:59 AM   #12
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The Magnum Auto Gen Start can be set to start on Voltage, Temperature, or if you have a Battery Monitor, then you could choose Battery State of Charge. The magnum uses a remote temperature sensor. So if your at a site which does not have power, and you leave your dogs in the RV then the generator will start when the temperature reaches the set point. You normally set the temperature on your thermostat a couple of degrees higher. Thus your Air Conditioner will start after your generator is running.

Xantrex also makes an Auto Gen Start which will start on voltage or temperature. The Xantrex model is wired to the thermostat and battery.
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Old 09-22-2017, 02:06 AM   #13
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Oooo...Oooo...We have an Auto Gen Start! And, it works!
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Old 09-22-2017, 05:11 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by blw2 View Post
assuming you have an onan...
I'm pretty sure (not positive) that they make a plug and play device for this.

This type of controller comes standard on many high end big coaches as I understand it... (I wouldn't know 1st hand...)
Thanks for the info.
Yes, it's an Onan RV-QG 4000 Gas Gen.
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Old 09-22-2017, 05:16 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Laco View Post
If the failure is the AC itself, probably more likely then power outage, the generator will do you no good. I use a temp stick to monitor inside temperature, since we leave our dog in the motor home when we go places she can't. Have it set up to text me if the temp goes over a pre-set temperature, then I know I have to get back there to see what failed and save the dog.
Thanks for info.
I am interested in installing the Auto Start system.
However, I am very interested in the Temp Stick.
Never heard of it before. I was able to find the site for this.
Great insurance for $150.00.
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Old 09-22-2017, 05:26 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JamieGeek View Post
What you want is called "Auto Generator Start" but it is usually included on coaches with an inverter and starts the generator when the coach batteries drop below a set voltage.

I'm sure there is one available that would start on 120Vac loss (or you could just use a 12V supply from the 120 to provide the 12V loss signal to a standard controller).

Seems to be a lot of information on this here:
https://www.rvtechmag.com/electrical/chapter10.php
Thank you for your info.
This sounds like what I am in need of.
I looked at the site you provided. I can not seem to find a cost for the different set up's. Hard to tell if it's $500.00 or $5,000.00.
The generator on the coach is an Onan RV QG 4000. Gas.
Guess more searching will take care of that.
I would like to be sure the system would start the generator if there is a loss of shore power then restore coach to normal shore power when it's returned. I have a system like this on the home and feel it would be nice for the motorhome as well. Espec for the pets.
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Old 09-22-2017, 05:31 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gmc View Post
Whatever backups you do.... Something like the temp stick gives peace of mind that all is well...
Many things can go wrong.... Power loss, air conditioning failure, tripped breaker, just unable to keep up for some reason....

A temp stick paired with hotspot will let me know the temp is above threshold.... And I can view history anytime.

Side benefit, it answered the question of how hot does the rig get in storage... Is in partial shade in FL, but max reading in July/August was about 102...
Hi Greg,
I agree. This temp stick looks to be real nice for warning.
I'm still interested in the auto start for the generator but this will solve some issues for us as well.
I'm not so up & up on hotspot for using this but think I can learn.
Last weekend we stayed in a state park with no wifi. Had cell service but it was not great. Looks like the Mifi may solve that.
Thanks again.
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Old 09-22-2017, 05:34 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Peterrrr View Post
The Magnum Auto Gen Start can be set to start on Voltage, Temperature, or if you have a Battery Monitor, then you could choose Battery State of Charge. The magnum uses a remote temperature sensor. So if your at a site which does not have power, and you leave your dogs in the RV then the generator will start when the temperature reaches the set point. You normally set the temperature on your thermostat a couple of degrees higher. Thus your Air Conditioner will start after your generator is running.

Xantrex also makes an Auto Gen Start which will start on voltage or temperature. The Xantrex model is wired to the thermostat and battery.
Thanks for your help.
This looks to be what I need.
Ton's to search and learn. Need to keep my pups safe.
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Old 09-22-2017, 05:37 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 99dart View Post
Oooo...Oooo...We have an Auto Gen Start! And, it works!
Do tell. Thank you.
Feel free to share where I can find everything I need and hopefully I can find someone in my area to install it.
An average cost would be good if you don't mind saying. If so, I totally understand.
Thanks again.
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Old 09-22-2017, 05:44 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Denman View Post
All the more reason to take the "fur kids" with you!
Hi Bob,

No doubt, the "fur babies" are the issue here.
They are sort of the reason we purchased the motorhome. So we can take the pups along without worry. Then we lost power in the park this past weekend on our second outing with the motorhome and that put the wheels in motion about what to do in the event the power goes out and we are out on the motorcycle most of the day.

I am also going to look into picking up the temp stick. I like that for a warning system.

Thanks for your input.
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