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Dear Mark,
I have a 2005 Alfa Founder and I having a problem with my Generator when I want to use my Air conditioner when unhooked from shore power. My power divider shows that my batteries are discharging and I don't think my on board charger is working.
Jim Watzek
Mark says…
I'm going to take a chance here and assume you are referring to your house batteries, not your engine starting battery. Running your generator should charge your house batteries through the rig's converter, but most rigs won't charge the engine starting battery this way. Before you dig deeper, try this easy test. With the rig unplugged from AC power, run the generator for ½ hour or so, and then check the voltage at the house batteries with a digital voltmeter. You should see a voltage of at 13.2 to 14v at the batteries if the converter is charging them. If you do see the proper voltage, then your power panel or monitor may be giving you a false reading. If the batteries are definitely not being charged, then it's time to trace the problem.
Onboard generators typically use an automatic transfer switch to disconnect the rig's AC power cord and connect the output of the generator to the rig's breaker panel when the generator is in operation. Check the converter and its input power source to see if the generator is supplying AC power to it. If not, then you'll need to dig into the generator transfer switch and breaker panel to see why AC power isn't getting from the generator to the converter. A wiring diagram from the manufacturer will be a big help here. If you aren't positive that you have the technical skills to do this safely, please call in a professional!
Dear Mark,
We rarely use our generator since we bought our ROADTREK in 1998. Last time we used it wouldn't shut off. We pulled out the fuse and it shut off. Is there anything else we could check without taking it in to be repaired? Also we really don't use it: would it be worthwhile to sell it or is it too costly to remove.
Rose, Toronto, Ontario
Mark says…
Usually, a problem like that is caused by the remote control panel wiring connector coming loose at the generator. The remote stop switch (and the start switch, hour meter, etc) are connected to the generator through a small 4–6 pin connector that plugs into the housing of the generator control board. Check to make sure it is plugged in tightly, and not corroded or damaged.
Generators are usually fairly easy to remove from the RV. Most RV manufacturers realize that the generators will need to be removable, so they provide adequate access to do so. However, generators are quite heavy, so you need to be careful if you decide to remove it yourself. Fuel, battery and electric lines all must be properly terminated after the generator is removed. While used RV generators are quite salable, removing it will definitely have an impact on your RV's resale value. If it was my rig, I think I'd keep the generator attached.
If you get the generator serviced and tuned up, then run it for at least ½ hour every month, it will be a lot more reliable. Follow the owner's manual recommendations for exercising the set. Even if you only use it occasionally, a generator is a handy thing to have!
Dear Mark,
I am an RV newbie. I am driving a Class A motorhome. My boys want to play X–Box or PS2 in the back of the RV when I am driving. Do I need to turn on the generator for them to do this? Do I need to turn on the generator for them to turn on the AC in the back of the RV while I am driving? IS it bad to run the generator while I am driving? Does it use up more gasoline if I have the generator on while driving?
Thanks, Craig A. Holtz
Mark says…
If the boy's games require AC power, then the generator needs to be running to provide it. You can get around that need by using an inverter to convert 12VDC power to 110VAC power to run things like games, TV sets, etc. You can pick up portable inverters at most electronic stores, if you want to get creative. The simplest thing to do would just be to run the generator, though.
When it comes to running the air conditioner back there, you have no choice but to run the generator. A/C units take a lot of power, more than an inverter can supply. It doe not harm your generator to run it while you are traveling. Lots of folks do this to allow them to run their roof air in hot weather. Depending on the design of your coach, your generator either feeds from your RV's fuel tank, or from your RV's propane tank. If the former, running the generator while you are driving will definitely affect your MPG. Most generators consume between .5 and 1.5 gallons per hour, depending on the generator's size and the load it is under.
Dear Mark,
I recently bought a class C motorhome and was told the Honda generator needs a tune up and the brushes cleaned. I'm pretty handy under the hood, so I want to try to fix it myself. Is there a manual like the Haynes for generators? If so, which is the best to buy?
Heather McConkey
Mark says…
The best manual is the manufacturer's own service manual, hands down! If you contact the manufacturer, or a local dealer, they will almost always either sell you a manual, or point you in the right direction to find one. You can also find these manuals (used) on E–bay. They are not cheap: The service manual for my Onan Microlite was around $35. However, they are indispensable if you intend to do your own tinkering and repairs! Make sure to write down the unit's model and serial number before you start your search, as the manuals are very specific to each model.
Dear Mark,
I've been looking for a portable generator to power my trailer,(from the back of my truck) that has a 30 amp outlet Do you know of one? I need only 3000Watts at best. I think a 25AMP outlet would do if 30's not available.
Thanks, Doug McHugh
Mark says…
Most portable generators only come with standard 20A duplex outlets and 20A–30A twist–lock receptacles on them. It's fairly easy to make an adapter, though. All you need is a short piece of heavy power cord, the correct plug for the generator, a standard 30A RV receptacle, and a suitable box to mount it in. It is also possible to replace the twist–lock receptacle on some generators with the RV 30A receptacle. It does take basic electrician's skills to do it safely, so don't try it unless you know what you are doing.
If you don't feel like playing handyman, Camping World sells a 20A to 30A adapter that will fit most common generator 20A receptacles. I have also found a number of RV parts and accessory suppliers who offer adapters to take a 30A or 20A twist lock plug to a standard RV 30A receptacle. Here are some sources selected at random from a Google search:
www.rjays.com/Rjays_electrical/trailer-cords-2.htm
http://store.boatnrv.com/boatnrv/details.php?ITEM=3609553
www.racersrvstuff.com/racersrv/details.php?ITEM=3609553
Do you have a question for Mark?
Please submit your question via e–mail to woodalls@escapees.com. Questions should be about RV technical issues, general RV or RV lifestyle.
Please, no consumer advocacy or commercial advertising issues. Please remember, material will be edited. Because of the large volume of material and correspondence submitted, individual replies will not be possible, nor can we acknowledge receipt of your material. Selected questions will be answered in future issues of the Diamond Club newsletter in the Mark, My Words column and/or in the Escapees magazine.
 In 1997 Mark Nemeth quit his job, sold his house, bought an RV and became an Escapee. He spent the next five years traveling the country, meeting great folks and writing about his adventures on his traveling Website, "Mark's Full–time RV Adventure." Nowadays, Mark is parked for a while and works on staff for the Escapees RV club as technical advisor, consumer affairs director, and instructor in the Escapees RVerıs Boot Camp program.
Some content previously printed in Escapees magazine, published by the Escapees RV Club. All material provided by Mark Nemeth, Escapees Magazine Technical Advisor and Boot Camp Instructor. For more information about the Escapees RV Club, please visit www.escapees.com or call 888–757–2582.
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