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Topic: Experience with generator "auto" start (Read 888 times) previous topic - next topic

Experience with generator "auto" start

Has anyone used this generator feature?  If so, any problems?  I have to leave the coach without power for about 10 days and if this works it would be perfect to keep the batteries charged.  The coach is outside.

George
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George Hatfield

  Never ever use World Line Motors of Nacogdoches for service!

Re: Experience with generator "auto" start

Reply #1 –
George disconnect the battery negative leads
JohnH
It works fine if you need it
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Experience with generator "auto" start

Reply #2 –
Had some work at Camping World (first and last time).. They wore my auto start out... 1/4 tank of diesel later... saved the batteries though. The auto start is made for emergency and for lazy people.. Lazy being at the repair facility that doesnt want to plug it in. Emergency is every other use. ^.^d

Re: Experience with generator "auto" start

Reply #3 –
I keep the switch on almost all the time when the coach is outside. There have been times when I am gone for a day or so and the power goes out on the pedestal due to a storm or tree falling, etc, and the gen will start  when called on.
I have learned when dry camping there are times to turn it off. For instance, if you are running appliances off inverter, the sudden  appliance load may drop the voltage low enough to start the gen. My keurig coffee maker is a perfect example. It will cause the generator to auto start almost every time. I have learned to make the coffee,  then turn the auto-start back on once coffeee maker unplugged..
As I write, I will be away from my coach for 2 weeks. I left it plugged into pedestal with very little load, and auto start is on.I have done this may times and never had a problem
2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"
2014 Honda CRV
Washington, Vermont
Lady Lake, Fl,  Independence, VA
Former owner of 2002 U320, 2003 U320, 2005 U270

Re: Experience with generator "auto" start

Reply #4 –
Since we don't have Auto Start, I never thought much about it.  Then this discussion got me to wondering: "How long does generator run after it auto starts?"  A quick search of the Forum supplied the answer: "It depends."  Depends on how it is programed.  Link to thread:

Generator Auto Start
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Experience with generator "auto" start

Reply #5 –
The gen normally does not contain auto gen start?  The inverters bus system can be have a auto start.  Does your coach have a xanbus auto start?  Would seem able to prevent discharge?
"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: Experience with generator "auto" start

Reply #6 –
IF you use the autostart feature, be sure to verify that your inverter/charger is power save/power share feature is set to max amps.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Experience with generator "auto" start

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Caflashbob –
The gen normally does not contain auto gen start?  The inverters bus system can be have a auto start.  Does your coach have a xanbus auto start?  Would seem able to prevent discharge?
My '99 has factory auto start next to the start switch.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Experience with generator "auto" start

Reply #8 –
Our 2000 does also Craneman!  However, there is no panel to set parameters, so it must be programed from factory to auto start on what they set?  Sounds good anyway!
Joe & Dottie Allen
Sold!  December 2023.      2000 U320; build # 5645
Our coach " Maxine"
Motorcade #  15922;  Escapee 150950; FMCA F330833; Boondockers Welcome;  Harvest Hosts;  Thousand Trails
'98 U320 from 2000-'06
USAF '62-'66

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for." ―Epicurus

Re: Experience with generator "auto" start

Reply #9 –
Quote from: juicesqueezer –
However, there is no panel to set parameters, so it must be programed from factory to auto start on what they set?
If you can find where the auto start electronic module is hidden on your bus, link below shows how to program:

Dynagen BCM-12 Specifications
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Experience with generator "auto" start

Reply #10 –
If you're talking about the Dynagen BCM-12 auto-start module there is a manual on the forum at:  Media / Foretravel Library / Generator-Genset manuals / Dynagen Battery Charge Manual
There is an easy procedure to set the generator start and stop voltages, the run time, and delay start.  Not hard to do, just need to use a voltmeter and a little calculating.
That said I haven't had the need to use mine so it stays off.
Oops, you beat me to it Chuck.
My module is inside the center console on the pull-up board where the Audit module is.
Forest & Cindy Olivier
1987 log cabin
2011 Roadtrek C210P
no longer 1999 36' U320 build #5522
2013 Rzr 570 & 2018 Ranger XP1000
2006 Lexus GX470
2011 Tahoe LT 4x4
Previous 1998 45' 2 slide Newell, 1993 39' Newell

Re: Experience with generator "auto" start

Reply #11 –
I leave my autostart switch on all the time.  It has saved my coach batteries several times.  It is set to start at 12.2v under load and stops after 4 hours.
Regards,
Brett

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

Re: Experience with generator "auto" start

Reply #12 –
Where is the auto start located?
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.

Re: Experience with generator "auto" start

Reply #13 –
If you's is like ours , it's in the dash beside the generator start button
David & Emma Roche
Dino (Golden Doodle)
1999 U270 WTFE 36' Build # 5534
Xtreme "Lights, Stripes & Roof"
Motorcade# 18321
Dayton, Ohio
Towd: Jeep Grand Cherokee
Two Townie Electra Bikes

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