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Old 02-03-2018, 01:30 PM   #1
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Model: Miramar 34.4
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THOR #4488
Generator Starts Itself?

I have a mystery. I received a call from the the gentleman that owns the storage lot where I keep my motorhome, informing me my generator has been running for the last day or so. I immediately jumped in my car and hoped I wouldn't find someone staying in it. When I arrived I found nothing wrong, but yes, the generator was running.

I start the generator monthly when in storage and it had been about 3 weeks since the last time. I concluded I must have failed to put it in "store" mode and the batteries drained to the level the auto gen start kicked in. I swear I put it in "store" since that is the last thing I AWAYS do, but that is the only explanation I can come up with. From now on I will leave one light on to visibly assure (and remind me) the power is off when using the store/use switch.

Are there any other explanations? I am curious as to your thoughts.

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Old 02-03-2018, 02:08 PM   #2
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I don’t have auto start (which suits me fine!) but wouldn’t such a system also be “auto stop”? I would expect, in your proposed scenario, that it would shut off after the batteries were fully charges. The generator couldn’t start if you had put the use/store switch in the store position. If the generator compartment cover was unlocked maybe someone started it from the outside start switch.
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Old 02-03-2018, 02:19 PM   #3
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I did check the generator door and it was still locked so no one got in there. As far as I know the auto start doesn't shut off automatically. Maybe there is a way to set that but I know I haven't done that.
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Old 02-03-2018, 02:29 PM   #4
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STORE mode will typically NOT disable your Inverter, as the inverter's job is to provide 120v power to your outlets and other items, and has nothing to do with 12v items, which is what the 'store' switch turns off(basically disconnects them from the battery)..

the Inverter only DRAWS from the battery, so only the MASTER battery cutoff switch, usually located right in the bay with the batteries, will disconnect the Inverter/Charger/AGS systems.

and, YES, the AGS is designed to not only START the generator, but STOP it. Both are settings within the Magnum Inverter/Charger/AGS panel, if you have one. VOLTS is the setting that tells it when to start, such as when the batteries fall below 11.9 volts for over two minutes, and it STOPS the generator by the 'RUN TIME' setting... either 30mins, 1 hour, 2 hours, etc. But, it will continue to start and stop 24/7 if left on it's own to these settings.

to DISABLE your AGS, push the AGS button, turn the dial to 'DISABLED' or 'NOT ENABLED', and then your AGS will no longer start the generator, no matter how low or depleted your batteries become.
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Old 02-03-2018, 02:35 PM   #5
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Thanks for this VERY useful lesson!
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Old 02-03-2018, 02:49 PM   #6
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I remember I set mine to not run from 11:00pm to 7:00am due to park rules where I stay annually. I'm also certain I did not set a length for the run time since I knew I would be there throughout the day. I was just worried about the residential fridge.

I'll have to check it out and see if it was set from the factory.

I know I can't start it manually without turning on the use/store switch so I assumed the auto gen start was also disabled.
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Old 02-03-2018, 03:11 PM   #7
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Old 02-03-2018, 03:22 PM   #8
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I second what Turner Family posted... setting up the AGS isn't the easiest thing to do - the little dials for the settings aren't easily readable and our AGS is mounted on the back wall of one of the storage compartments under our big slide. But once it gets set up, it works like a champ. We also use the quiet hours setting for tailgating, etc.
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Old 02-03-2018, 03:39 PM   #9
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Two thumbs up for the AGS system. We recently returned (unplanned) from Florida back to freezing weather. For a number of reasons, I needed to delay winterizing our coach. I simply set the thermostat and turned on the AGS to keep the batteries charged for the 48-72 hour until I got back to winterize. Slick. (PS: I also talked with our storage yard owner to let him know what I'd done. No issues for him.)
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Old 02-03-2018, 05:41 PM   #10
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THOR #4488
Well, mystery solved! Last summer, when dry camping, I had enabled the AGS. I've used the motorhome many times since but always on electricity, even when at home.

When I put it in storage I didn't think to disable the AGS so when the batteries dropped below the preset level (11.8 volts which I established for the fridge) the generator kicked in to charge the batteries. The problem is, with the use/store switch set to store, the batteries will NOT charge so the generator never shuts off.

So I've learned...NEVER use the AGS when your RV is set to store.

I have now added that to my checklist when putting it away for the winter. Make sure the AGS is set to DISABLE.

The simplest solution is usually the right answer.
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Old 02-03-2018, 05:46 PM   #11
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Congratulations on the find, and the fix!
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