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Old 10-15-2019, 01:03 AM   #1
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No 120v power from generator

I have a 38a dutchman with an onan 4000 generator, the AC and microwave will not work when the generator is running, only with shore power.

I don't know if this model has an automatic switch or a manual one to change from shore to generator power, I can find neither.

I can't find a breaker box either.

Any Ideas?
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Old 10-15-2019, 06:07 AM   #2
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Looks like you are a new member so curious if the trailer is new to you or if you have used it before? If you have used it before did the generator work in the past without issue? I would assume yes but that would be a good first step.

If the generator is running do the other outlets work inside? Does the clock on the microwave even work? Something tells me you have a tripped breaker.

There are breakers on the generator too that could be tripped, plus usually a fuse as well. If everything is working when on shore power then it is not likely a breaker in the trailer but likely related to the generator. Again, if nothing works on AC unless plugged into shore power then it is likely a breaker on the generator itself. It is possible that it is not putting out enough power but that is very unlikely.

Most trailers with built in generators do not have a switch to go between shore and the generator because it does it automatically, but some older trailers will have a big plug in the area where you plug in your shore power that you disconnect from the shore hookup and plug into the generator.

I am sure there are some members on this forum that will know about your specific model but I am not familiar with it.

I predict a few posts tomorrow will help you figure out the problem.

Good luck.
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Old 10-15-2019, 10:02 AM   #3
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Betting it's one of the two breakers on the front of the generator. Take the cover off and reset both of them.
Rusty
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Old 10-15-2019, 10:29 AM   #4
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Simplest thing to check is what Rusty said.

You also did not mention how old your unit is.

It has been probably 20 years since I have seen a generator equipped rv without a transfer switch.

On those units, you would have a seperate generator fed 30 amp outlet back in the power cord storage area that you would take your shore power cable and plug it into it to get generator power to your circuit breaker panel.

I bet you do have a transfer switch and it sounds like you are running off your inverter (if you have one) which indicates transfer switch problem. Most rv will give priority to generator power if you are plugged into shore power while running generator.

But then again, your generator could be an after market install, in that case, all guesses are off.
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Old 10-15-2019, 10:59 AM   #5
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Sounds like you are getting 120v but only one leg maybe.
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Old 10-15-2019, 02:07 PM   #6
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response to advice

Looks like you are a new member so curious if the trailer is new to you or if you have used it before? If you have used it before did the generator work in the past without issue? I would assume yes but that would be a good first step.

I believe when I bought it the ac worked on generator alone, maybe not.

If the generator is running do the other outlets work inside? Does the clock on the microwave even work? Something tells me you have a tripped breaker.

The microwave does work (did)

There are breakers on the generator too that could be tripped,

I see one breaker on the generator and tried it in both positions though it does not have a nice click when changing positions, fuse is good

plus usually a fuse as well. If everything is working when on shore power then it is not likely a breaker in the trailer but likely related to the generator. Again, if nothing works on AC unless plugged into shore power then it is likely a breaker on the generator itself. It is possible that it is not putting out enough power but that is very unlikely.

Most trailers with built in generators do not have a switch to go between shore and the generator because it does it automatically, but some older trailers will have a big plug in the area where you plug in your shore power that you disconnect from the shore hookup and plug into the generator.


The generator and the shore power plug are at different ends of the trailer

I am sure there are some members on this forum that will know about your specific model but I am not familiar with it.

I predict a few posts tomorrow will help you figure out the problem.

Good luck.
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Old 10-15-2019, 02:20 PM   #7
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"On those units, you would have a seperate generator fed 30 amp outlet back in the power cord storage area that you would take your shore power cable and plug it into it to get generator power to your circuit breaker panel."


YUP IT WAS UNPLUGGED! IT ALL WORKS, THANKS!
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Old 10-15-2019, 05:24 PM   #8
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Wow, talk about hitting a long shot!

Glad you got it fixed.

Think I will go buy a lottery ticket!
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Old 10-23-2019, 09:52 PM   #9
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I agree probably one of the 2 breakers on gen.
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Old 10-24-2019, 12:35 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Thom View Post
Wow, talk about hitting a long shot!

Glad you got it fixed.

Think I will go buy a lottery ticket!
Well done Thom!!
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