Generator auto start

[Lakelife]

Our new rig will have the factory 265 watt solar package with the jamboni monitor and we’re gonna have a victron battery monitor installed. I’ve read you can use this monitor to auto start your generator. Is anyone doing this or does anyone have another way to auto start your generator to recharge your batteries when needed?

[PNW Fireguy]

The Victron BMV simply has a relay output. You can use the output for anything you want. In your scenario you would want to use the output to drive an input on a auto start signal. There are different ways to achieve auto start capability. You can buy fabricated retail options like the Magnum AGS or build a DIY option if that skill set is in your wheel house. The Magnum AGS option is very straight forward as the provided manual is very thorough.

[Charlie 3931fb]

Just be careful my buddy has auto start on his gen set light (City power) drop gen set started up light came back up while gen set was running and it didn't auto off. Burned up all electrical in his coach. It was so bad that they had to buy a new rig.

[Lakelife]

Originally Posted by Charlie 3931fb

Just be careful my buddy has auto start on his gen set light (City power) drop gen set started up light came back up while gen set was running and it didn't auto off. Burned up all electrical in his coach. It was so bad that they had to buy a new rig.

What year was his rig? And what other things led to this happening. It’s our understanding that the current set up identifies what power is available and let’s you choose. So that you can’t overload the rig.

[PNW Fireguy]

Just make sure that your ATS is gen preference.

[Ahdmeyer]

just a question,with a transfer switch how can the rig get supplied by shore power and gen power at the same time. on my old motorhome and a generator i had permanent at my house tsf switch had a voltage sensor and a solenoid that could only be on utility or gen at one time.
al meyer
3931fb
az

[jetskier]

Originally Posted by Ahdmeyer

just a question,with a transfer switch how can the rig get supplied by shore power and gen power at the same time. on my old motorhome and a generator i had permanent at my house tsf switch had a voltage sensor and a solenoid that could only be on utility or gen at one time.
al meyer
3931fb
az

with an ATS, there's no chance of having both power sources active at once. It's one or the other.

[Charlie 3931fb]

Originally Posted by Lakelife

What year was his rig? And what other things led to this happening. It’s our understanding that the current set up identifies what power is available and let’s you choose. So that you can’t overload the rig.

it was 2018 keystone toy hauler

[Ahdmeyer]

do you think a transfer switch was not installed?

al meyer
3931fb
az

[mhs4771]

Probably an "After Market" install and the went cheap and didn't install an Auto Transfer Switch.

[Charlie 3931fb]

Originally Posted by Ahdmeyer

do you think a transfer switch was not installed?

al meyer
3931fb
az

I dont know. I was told with mine not to start up the gen set when hooked to shore power. So when I do my monthly I shut the breaker switch off, run the gen for about 15 to 20 minutes shut off turn power back on.....

[jetskier]

Originally Posted by Charlie 3931fb

I dont know. I was told with mine not to start up the gen set when hooked to shore power. So when I do my monthly I shut the breaker switch off, run the gen for about 15 to 20 minutes shut off turn power back on.....

I'd investigate the wiring from the generator and shorepower to the panel. Make sure you have an ATS. If they told you to not run at the same time, something is wrong with the installation and it's a hazard. I can run my gen while plugged in. The gen has priority over shore power in the ATS. It's almost seamless when it changes over from one to the other.

[Billyj571]

Do they all come with the ATS switch now I just ordered a new rig ???

[jetskier]

Originally Posted by Billyj571

Do they all come with the ATS switch now I just ordered a new rig ???

I had to order the Gen Prep option.

[mhs4771]

If you do not order at least the Gen Prep option, you will not get a Transfer Switch.

[Billyj571]

I ordered the legacy and solar with gen set so it should be installed

[lightsout]

Originally Posted by Billyj571

I ordered the legacy and solar with gen set so it should be installed

The Transfer switch is included with the Legacy package with or without gen installed

[Billyj571]

That's what I thought just a little concern when I read a person burned his trailer down with power on and generator running

[Rwork]

I just bought a 2021 Montana with the Legacy package...Do you know where the transfer switch is located? I've decide to add the gen and want to install it myself if I can figure out where the transfer switch is located. Some dealers tell me the wires are already tied in and run to the gen compartment and other dealers tell me I have to run the wires but no one can tell me where the switch is located.

[jetskier]

Originally Posted by Rwork

I just bought a 2021 Montana with the Legacy package...Do you know where the transfer switch is located? I've decide to add the gen and want to install it myself if I can figure out where the transfer switch is located. Some dealers tell me the wires are already tied in and run to the gen compartment and other dealers tell me I have to run the wires but no one can tell me where the switch is located.

You don't need to pull wire to the ATS. There should be a standard metal junction box in the front pass-through compartment mounted on the ceiling. They use 10/4 Romex between the junction box and the ATS. It has an orange jacket. You tie the generator wiring to the two hots/two neutrals and ground at the junction box.