Disconnect shore power before starting generator?

[Gma7673]

We share shore power with another camper. This works fine as long as it's cool. But we are taking turns with a/c. Should we disconnect shore power before we turn on the generator? That way they can use shore power for A/C and we can use the generator.

[DavidEM]

Most RVs (but I don’t know about your model) have an automatic transfer switch (ATS) that switches from shore to generator power. If both are on (again most models) the ATS will give priority to the generator and pull power from it.

If yours works as above you could just turn on your generator, leave the shorepower cord attached and when the generator starts supplying power, it will automatically switch to the generator.

Butt…., I don’t much like that approach as the generator gets hit with the A/C load before it warms up. Maybe that is not such a big deal and the generator is built to handle the load cold.

David

[newbie Dr. Dave]

My ATS (Southwire 40141) has a delay before switching to the generator to allow it time to get to full speed.

But, I don't like the idea of using the generator for running the AC. Having done that, I can tell you that you use good amount of diesel and the generator only gives 30 amps. Unless you use a special device (there is a thread here about that), this restricts me to using only one of my two AC units (so I've been told by Thor support). I run into a similar issue on shore power (when I'm connected to a 30 amp shore line), but at least I'm not using any fuel.

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by DavidEM

Most RVs (but I don’t know about your model) have an automatic transfer switch (ATS) that switches from shore to generator power. If both are on (again most models) the ATS will give priority to the generator and pull power from it.

If yours works as above you could just turn on your generator, leave the shorepower cord attached and when the generator starts supplying power, it will automatically switch to the generator.

Butt…., I don’t much like that approach as the generator gets hit with the A/C load before it warms up. Maybe that is not such a big deal and the generator is built to handle the load cold.

David

1 - All RV ATS units have a time delay before loading the generator. It may only be 30 to 60 seconds, but it allows the generator to speed/frequency stabilize and warm a little before it is loaded.

2 - All A/Cs have an ant-recycle time delay built in that prevents re-powering the compressor after it has been shut down for any reason. This delay is two to 4 minutes.

So other than the excessive arcing of the ATS contacts, you can leave the A/C on when switching.

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by newbie Dr. Dave

My ATS (Southwire 40141) has a delay before switching to the generator to allow it time to get to full speed.

But, I don't like the idea of using the generator for running the AC. Having done that, I can tell you that you use good amount of diesel and the generator only gives 30 amps. Unless you use a special device (there is a thread here about that), this restricts me to using only one of my two AC units (so I've been told by Thor support). I run into a similar issue on shore power (when I'm connected to a 30 amp shore line), but at least I'm not using any fuel.

Why do you think your generator only provides 30 amps? What special device are you talking about?

You have a 6000 Watt generator which is designed to power everything in your RV, including both A/Cs at the same time without having to jump through hoops.

[Lt Keefer]

Originally Posted by Gma7673

We share shore power with another camper. This works fine as long as it's cool. But we are taking turns with a/c. Should we disconnect shore power before we turn on the generator? That way they can use shore power for A/C and we can use the generator.

You are paying for a site that does not allow you to operate your RV to its fullest potential. I would move.

[MJC62]

Originally Posted by Lt Keefer

You are paying for a site that does not allow you to operate your RV to its fullest potential. I would move.

Yep, what he said

[dkoldman]

I have tried hard to detect a measurable difference between driving the F-53 with both ACs on with genny against driving with both ACs off.

Like trying to count the licks on a tootsie roll pop, I never can complete the test. But I do know my gas bill is hundreds of dollars every time I fill up. So I purposely run the ACs and genny as much I can to get more value out of all of that gas I am buying.

I have 5500watt genny so at 110vac, that is 50 amps. You likely have two 30amp breaker on you genny like me.

[dkoldman]

Originally Posted by Gma7673

We share shore power with another camper. This works fine as long as it's cool. But we are taking turns with a/c. Should we disconnect shore power before we turn on the generator? That way they can use shore power for A/C and we can use the generator.

This theorem or premise is incorrect.

If you have doubts, how do you exercise your genny? Google it and with a little research you will see that procedures include applying a load. Running both of my AC pulls the load I need, if it too cold for AC, I plug in 1500 watt portable heater.

Update:
Out of curiosity how many amps on the pedestal that is being shared? At home I have a 50amp receptacle and a 30amp receptacle. I have been plugged into the 50 amp while a friend was plugged into a 30 amp with no issues. Now we both could not go at full loads because I have a 60amp breaker in the main panel, but I have never tripped it.

[Gma7673]

Originally Posted by Lt Keefer

You are paying for a site that does not allow you to operate your RV to its fullest potential. I would move.

The other camper is my sister, on her property, we aren't paying for anything except groceries.

[dkoldman]

Originally Posted by Gma7673

The other camper is my sister, on her property, we aren't paying for anything except groceries.

Well then in that case, YOU SHOULD add a 2nd 30amp or 50amp receptacle, whatever your coach requires to her property. They cost as low as $30 and the fancy ones like I have at home may go up to $200. I paid $135 Home Depot.

FWIW, you could also put one at your home if HOA allows, this is really good investment given you own an RV. The wiring can be pricey if you try a long run ( I don't recommend long runs or getting an overpriced Electrician). I was getting quotes in the $3,000 to $4,000 range , I did it all myself for $250, my brother found Electrician for $800 total. Note my brother's HOA does not allow him to keep his RV at home, but he can bring it to pack or leave overnight on weekends.

Below is what I have. I installed it BEFORE we bought the RV. I use it all the time for other things besides the RV.

Wow your situation can be easily resolved, invest in what you need and you get payback of all of your money in 2 or 3 months!!!

[Pete'sMH]

Originally Posted by Lt Keefer

You are paying for a site that does not allow you to operate your RV to its fullest potential. I would move.

How in the world do you know that? It might be a private site. We use them sometimes

[Fourdaybreak]

Originally Posted by Lt Keefer

You are paying for a site that does not allow you to operate your RV to its fullest potential. I would move.

I dont think that was the question

[ducksface]

Originally Posted by Fourdaybreak

I dont think that was the question

What do you think/can support
Is the question?

I can extrapolate the sentence in to;
Heal thyself
by whatever the means needed to
Heal thyself.

[newbie Dr. Dave]

Originally Posted by 16ACE27

Why do you think your generator only provides 30 amps? What special device are you talking about?

You have a 6000 Watt generator which is designed to power everything in your RV, including both A/Cs at the same time without having to jump through hoops.

I apologize in advance for the poor response I'm about to give.

Thor support told me that I could only run one A/C when using my generator, and there is a 30 amp breaker attached to the generator. That leads me to believe that my generator is probably not 6000W (I will need to check this in the AM).

I had read (but can't find the reference) that there is a device which apparently makes sure that devices don't power up simultaneously thereby possibly allowing use of two A/C units at the same time when the power supply is only 30A.

I would love to be incorrect here and will point out that while I have a good deal of electrical knowledge, I am really a newbie when it comes to the workings of an RV

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by newbie Dr. Dave

I apologize in advance for the poor response I'm about to give.

Thor support told me that I could only run one A/C when using my generator, and there is a 30 amp breaker attached to the generator. That leads me to believe that my generator is probably not 6000W (I will need to check this in the AM).

I had read (but can't find the reference) that there is a device which apparently makes sure that devices don't power up simultaneously thereby possibly allowing use of two A/C units at the same time when the power supply is only 30A.

I would love to be incorrect here and will point out that while I have a good deal of electrical knowledge, I am really a newbie when it comes to the workings of an RV

From the specs for your RV you have a 6000 watt diesel generator.
The comment about only being able to run one A/C on 30 amps may have been in reference to a 30 amp SP supply. It does not apply to the generator in your RV.

"How do you know when a dealer is lying?"

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