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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Carol & Scott on June 04, 2013, 11:32:37 am

Title: Another generator question.
Post by: Carol & Scott on June 04, 2013, 11:32:37 am
We have a 10 kw Kabota on our 2002 U320 and during our recent stay at a Flying J for the night we turned the generator on to run the ACs due to temp in the bed room.  The front AC unit started and ran fine but the rear (zone 2) did not turn on.  I changed "Modes" several times from 1 to 2 and zone 2 would not start and run.  I presume that both AC units should run on the generator.  When plugged into 50 amp shore power both AC units run great.  Thoughts?
Title: Re: Another generator question.
Post by: Gary Bouland (RIP) on June 04, 2013, 11:40:14 am
Scott, Should be no difference from shore or genny.
Check breakers on genny, is one popped, breakers on bed face OK?
Sounds screwy, good luck.
Gary B
Title: Re: Another generator question.
Post by: Carol & Scott on June 04, 2013, 11:48:50 am
Thanks Gary - Checked breakers at the end of the bed - all OK.  Where are breakers on genny?
Title: Re: Another generator question.
Post by: Tanya Zettek on June 04, 2013, 11:55:02 am
Should be two breakers right on the front of the generator.

Mark
Title: Re: Another generator question.
Post by: Carol & Scott on June 04, 2013, 12:01:28 pm
Thanks Mark - Both breakers are ON.
Title: Re: Another generator question.
Post by: John Duld on June 04, 2013, 12:22:40 pm
Scott,
If it works on shore power but not on the generator it sounds like you are loosing a leg on generator power, maybe a bad contact in the transfer box?
Can you meter the 50amp main breakers in the main cb panel while on generator power to see if both legs are powered?
Title: Re: Another generator question.
Post by: Carol & Scott on June 04, 2013, 12:32:23 pm
Thanks John - Soooo - If I power up the gen. I should be able to see power generated on the Power Line Monitor indicators for both legs?
Title: Re: Another generator question. Update False alarm - works great now.
Post by: Carol & Scott on June 04, 2013, 12:44:15 pm
Turned Off shore power and started gen.  Power voltage displayed on both legs on.  Set Zone 2 to Cool and set temp at 65.  AC started.  :)  Don't know what I did or didn't do.  Guess I'll watch more closely going forward.  Thanks again for your assistance.
Title: Re: Another generator question.
Post by: John Duld on June 04, 2013, 01:09:11 pm
Scott,
Sounds more and more like a pitted contact on the transfer switch.
Title: Re: Another generator question.
Post by: Carol & Scott on June 04, 2013, 01:36:15 pm
Thanks John - Will keep that in mind and watch closer going forward.  Could be operator error.
Title: Re: Another generator question.
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on June 04, 2013, 01:42:39 pm
Turned Off shore power and started gen.  Power voltage displayed on both legs on.  Set Zone 2 to Cool and set temp at 65.  AC started.  :)  Don't know what I did or didn't do.  Guess I'll watch more closely going forward.  Thanks again for your assistance.

Our AC units start a couple of minutes apart as they have a different time delay built in. I wondered why one didn't start until it suddenly came on. Shore vs generator could see a slight difference in startup delay time. You could also check for voltage at the AC unit.

Pierce
Title: Re: Another generator question.
Post by: Carol & Scott on June 04, 2013, 01:54:25 pm
Maybe I didn't wait long enough for the AC to go through start up mode.  It was warm in the bedroom and as usual my expectations are instantaneous results. :)
Title: Re: Another generator question.
Post by: Caflashbob on June 04, 2013, 03:29:13 pm
Maybe I didn't wait long enough for the AC to go through start up mode.  It was warm in the bedroom and as usual my expectations are instantaneous results. :)

Two minute delay as far as I remember.  Otherwise too much head pressure on the compressor

Bob
Title: Re: Another generator question.
Post by: Dave Katsuki on June 04, 2013, 07:26:39 pm
Our AC units have long delays on startup (seems even longer if you're hot).  There is a 2 min delay before the fan starts, and then another delay before the compressor starts, and the two ACs are set up to start staggered, so no double starting load on gen or shore power.
Title: Re: Another generator question.
Post by: Carol & Scott on June 04, 2013, 09:15:38 pm
Good stuff guys.  I knew there was a delay, but had no idea how long it is/was.  It sounds like  I was jacking the systems around while turning on and off AC units.  I was probably shooting myself in the foot.  I must admit it wasn't the first time.    Sooo - I should be prepared to wait 5 to 7 minutes for the unit to start after it is turned on. If it is hotter then somewhat longer delay?

Expectations can only be tempered by reality.
Title: Re: Another generator question.
Post by: amos.harrison on June 04, 2013, 09:52:38 pm
No, the delay isn't longer if the weather is hotter.  It only seems that way!
Title: Re: Another generator question.
Post by: Carol & Scott on June 04, 2013, 10:14:37 pm
That's right Brett - especially after dirving all day.