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Old 01-28-2018, 06:28 PM   #1
mtlakejim
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Using Generator Transfer switch for a second electrical supply hookup

My 5er came pre wired for a generator. When I pulled a wall to look at the plumbing, low and behold there was a Generator Transfer Switch installed!

So now my question is can I run a line from the transfer switch to a plug in box to use on the front hitch if I have a generator in the bed of the tow vehicle? Wouldn't that be just like the use if the generator was onboard the 5er?

Does the Transfer switch work off sensing where the power is supplied from and automatically kill the other line? IE: if the power comes from city plug would it kill the line going to the generator to prevent damage or shock?
And likewise if the generator is running does the Transfer Switch automatically kill the line from city/shore power?
 
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Old 01-28-2018, 06:32 PM   #2
mhs4771
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I believe one input is the primary input. On ours the Generator is Primary and if started will disconnect the shore power from entering the unit. Once the Generator is turned off it will switch back to shore power.
So I assume most if not all are configured that way.
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Old 01-28-2018, 06:36 PM   #3
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Originally Posted by mhs4771 View Post
I believe one input is the primary input. On ours the Generator is Primary and if started will disconnect the shore power from entering the unit. Once the Generator is turned off it will switch back to shore power.
So I assume most if not all are configured that way.
I'll crack the box open and take a look then. Will take pictures while I am at it.

If your generator is shut down but still plugged in and you plug into shore power is the generators cord going to be hot or does the switch isolate it automatically?
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Old 01-28-2018, 07:48 PM   #4
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Yes you can. Installed receptacle at the front of mine to transfer switch. I run two Honda 2000s in bed of truck.
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Old 01-28-2018, 09:17 PM   #5
scottz
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Originally Posted by mtlakejim View Post
I'll crack the box open and take a look then. Will take pictures while I am at it.

If your generator is shut down but still plugged in and you plug into shore power is the generators cord going to be hot or does the switch isolate it automatically?
My observations on how mine works.

The generator side has priority. When the generator starts and applies voltage to the generator side of the transfer switch, the contacts trip and the generator is connected to the trailer; even if shore power is hot. When the generator stops, the contacts revert back to connect shore power to the trailer. The sensing is done on the transfer switch generator contacts; if there is voltage it switches to generator, if there is not voltage it switches to shore power (it makes no difference if shore power is hot or not).

The two inputs are isolated; only one will be connected to the trailer so (unless there is a malfunction) there is no way to back feed shore power to the generator or to feed generator power to the shore side.

Your plan is fine. It doesn't matter if the generator is on board or in the back of your truck.
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Old 01-28-2018, 09:29 PM   #6
mtlakejim
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Thanks folks. Appreciate the answers.


Now if I can just talk the DW into that $3K generator/welder. Now if you can offer advice that would work on that......LOL
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Old 07-07-2019, 08:32 AM   #7
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We have a 2019 3931FB. It's prewired for a gen. Will the transfer switch allow me to use a non-inverted generator? That would save me several 100 $.
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Old 07-07-2019, 01:45 PM   #8
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John and Shirly Kohl have a plug installed in the front of their unit. If they come back to the ranch before you get it done, ask John to show you what he did.
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Old 07-08-2019, 12:33 PM   #9
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We have a 2019 3931FB. It's prewired for a gen. Will the transfer switch allow me to use a non-inverted generator? That would save me several 100 $.
Stick with an inverter generator, its better for your onboard electronics.
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