Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Another generator question.  (Read 750 times) previous topic - next topic

Another generator question.

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?
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320

Re: Another generator question.

Reply #1 –
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

Re: Another generator question.

Reply #2 –
Thanks Gary - Checked breakers at the end of the bed - all OK.  Where are breakers on genny?
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320

Re: Another generator question.

Reply #3 –
Should be two breakers right on the front of the generator.

Mark
Mark and Tanya
Jacksonville Florida
1999 U270 Special 40' CAI
2002 Jeep Liberty Limited

Re: Another generator question.

Reply #4 –
Thanks Mark - Both breakers are ON.
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320

Re: Another generator question.

Reply #5 –
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?
John Duld
1995 U320C SE 40'

Re: Another generator question.

Reply #6 –
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?
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320

Re: Another generator question. Update False alarm - works great now.

Reply #7 –
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.
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320

Re: Another generator question.

Reply #8 –
Scott,
Sounds more and more like a pitted contact on the transfer switch.
John Duld
1995 U320C SE 40'

Re: Another generator question.

Reply #9 –
Thanks John - Will keep that in mind and watch closer going forward.  Could be operator error.
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320

Re: Another generator question.

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Carol & Scott –
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
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Another generator question.

Reply #11 –
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. :)
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320

Re: Another generator question.

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Carol & Scott –
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
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Another generator question.

Reply #13 –
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.
Dave and Nancy
1999/2013 U270 36' Xtreme
Motorcade # 16774
2013 Subaru Outback
KD0NIM

Re: Another generator question.

Reply #14 –
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.
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320

Re: Another generator question.

Reply #15 –
No, the delay isn't longer if the weather is hotter.  It only seems that way!
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R
 

Re: Another generator question.

Reply #16 –
That's right Brett - especially after dirving all day.
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320