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Topic: Shore power vs Auto genset (Read 986 times) previous topic - next topic

Shore power vs Auto genset

If I store my FT on shore power and turn on the auto generator switch ( in case I loose shore power) to keep my batteries charged, what happens if the shore power comes back on while the generator is on charging the batteries? This is the first time we have stored the FT since we are fulltimers and want to do this right. Suggestions fron the experts please.
          HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!!!!!!!!!!                                          John
02 U320
10 CR V

Re: Shore power vs Auto genset

Reply #1 –
Quote from: John Lavery –
If I store my FT on shore power and turn on the auto generator switch ( in case I loose shore power) to keep my batteries charged, what happens if the shore power comes back on while the generator is on charging the batteries?
John
The Generator will run until the batteries are at a certain voltage or times out depending on how your settings are set in the auto gen module.
If your Shore power comes back on, it will not turn off your generator.
It will depend on if you have shore power or generator priority as to which is operating the coach at that moment.
The transfer switch prevents BOTH from powering the coach at the same time. 
In 2002 it could have been either depending on Build number.

http://beamalarm.com/Documents/what_has_ac_priority.htm

The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: Shore power vs Auto genset

Reply #2 –
Barry,
    I will call James at FOT and find out which system my coach has. Just don't want to come home to dead batteries or something worse. Thanks John
02 U320
10 CR V

Re: Shore power vs Auto genset

Reply #3 –
I store mine in a garage. I do not put on the auto switch as it will fill the garage with fumes.  Not a good thing. Did that one time already and do not want to repeat it.  If you lose power it will come back before your batteries drain down that much unless it is multiple days.    I do not leave mine on with auto on. If they do lose power and it is a long time it will come back and it will charge up again. 
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Shore power vs Auto genset

Reply #4 –
Sure agree with John, not very long ago there was the article about the generator running in a closed garage (storage) and by the time it was discovered EVERYTHING was messed up by the soot from the exhaust.  apparently it had run for a long time, long enough to clog up the air filter too, that is when the heavy soot starts getting real thick.
Leave the AUTO off, think you will be much happier camper :)

Re: Shore power vs Auto genset

Reply #5 –
No reason to call to see if you have gen or shore priority as it does not matter.
Either one will keep your battery charger on.  Just test it by turning off shore, running a lot of 12-volt house loads to lower battery voltage to see if your gen auto start works, then turn shore back on after a while. You must test system to know if it will work.

Re: Shore power vs Auto genset

Reply #6 –
If you want to see if auto start will work, put a cup of water in the microwave. In a min or two it will kick it on.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon
 

Re: Shore power vs Auto genset

Reply #7 –
Parts needed to setup a barn for auto start on a coach, 1- 11/2 exhaust stack flapper(used on farm tractors) flexible exhaust hose (this is what they use in big truck shops) adapters for hose to fit generator and exhaust flapper, run hose out the wall of barn with the exhaust adapter and flapper, connect hose and adapter to generator and set auto start, no more fumes in barn.
 I helped a friend do this to his SOB that had no power in his barn.
The selected media item is not currently available.Bill&Doris 97 U270 36'
University of Parris Island Class of 66
Semper Fi  Build# 5174 MC#17094