Think of the generator as a version of shore power hook-up. If you do much dry camping, the generator will be a crucial tool. When the RV is plugged into shore power, the generator may not seem important, but frequent exercise and regular maintenance of this component will insure that this “mobile shore power” is available should the need ever arise. The primary job of the generator is to run a load. The generator is used to charge house batteries. Remember, dead batteries can’t be properly recharged, so always keep the RV batteries in good working order to gain maximum efficiency from the generator.

Generators come in many shapes and sizes. The three most common fuel types of generators are diesel, LP or gasoline. LP generators use approximately 11ž2 gallons of propane each hour, in a coach that is utilizing two air conditioners. Gasoline generators run on gasoline and the fuel supply is greater when the supply is drawn from the same tank as the main engine. Diesel operated generators burn the least amount of fuel, about .75 gallons under a two air conditioner load. With proper operation, maintenance and care, LP and gasoline gensets may run for well over 1,000 hours before requiring a major overhaul. Diesel-fueled sets are likely to run even longer.

Even if you only stay at campgrounds with 50-amp hookups, you can benefit from frequent use of the generator. Operating as your personal power supply, the generator will pick up the slack if shore power enters a “brown out” or “black out” phase. When running the generator while connected to shore power the transfer switch will select the generator as the primary AC source. You can use the generator while driving down the road to run the roof AC, as well as other on board appliances.

Upon arriving at a campground, and after plugging the RV into shore power, the inverter will enter Bulk Charge for a period of time to stabilize the house batteries. Generally, this occurs at the end of the day when it is time to put an immediate load on those batteries. This is a perfect opportunity to put the generator to work. Prior to turning on anything in the coach, start the generator and allow it to run without a load for three minutes. Set the water heater to LP gas. You will achieve a higher water temperature, as well as a faster recovery rate for water used. The refrigerator should be set to LP gas as well. Next, turn on one AC, wait a few minutes and then start the other AC. Run both air conditioners until the vehicle is comfortably cool. If it is time to prepare a meal, turn off the front AC, and turn on the microwave/oven. At the conclusion of microwave/oven use, turn off the generator.

If you are connected to 30-amp shore power, run only one roof AC unit. A diesel generator creates 50-amp power. Plugging into 30-amp power and adding generator power will not combine to bring in 80-amp power. In this instance, the transfer switch will default to the generator. Generator and shore power do not combine to run the load.

The generator is for convenience. Run it as much as desired. With correct maintenance the generator will last the life of the RV. During times of storage, run the generator weekly for 30 minutes under a load. Merely charging the house batteries can be considered a load. In gasoline units this exercise will prevent contamination in the fuel from clogging the carburetor bowl and fuel jets. Monthly operation of LP and diesel generators, while in storage, will keep the systems lubricated and primed.

Generators make very little noise. The downside to this efficiency is that it is not unusual to forget that the generator is running. If you accidentally attempt to start the generator while it is already running, a lockout relay will prevent starter damage. However, to avoid a costly mistake you may be wise to stick a note on the switch alerting others that the system is running. Older models of generators may shut down when the main engine is started due to low 12-volt voltage to the set. This is not harmful, but in these instances it would be best to shut down the generator prior to starting the engine. Alternatively, use the power boost button and the generator won’t shut down when starting the main engine.

When actively using the motorhome, the generator should be run, and kept running, for a period of time. You may be doing more harm than good to give the batteries only 20 to 30 minutes of generator charge. If the generator is shut down shortly after reaching operating temperature, the batteries are only receiving a surface charge. Fully charging the deep cycle house batteries comes from one to three hours of generator operation. In addition, running the generator for short periods of time while dry camping could cause condensation to build up within the oil and fuel. Operate the generator three to four hours a day while dry camping – two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening.

Most diesel generators are a full 50-amp service. This enables the inverter to handle the load during Bulk Charge so a few items in the coach can be operated. When the generator is engaged, power travels through the transfer switch up to the main AC panel. If no AC power is present with the generator running, it could be an indication of a tripped breaker preventing power from reaching the generator. An inexpensive voltmeter plugged into the outlet will determine whether the AC breaker on the generator has been overloaded and tripped.

The generator has a circuit breaker. Do not confuse this with the circuit breakers in the distribution panel, which are installed for all other appliances. The generator circuit breaker is on the generator itself. If the breaker on the generator is tripped it may indicate too many appliances are being run at the same time, or the battery water levels may be low. Turn off the loads and reset the circuit breaker. Confirm the battery water levels are adequate. Slowly turn on appliances, one at a time. If the breaker trips again when engaging one appliance, you can then identify the problem or overload.

Perform an oil and filter change on the generator at the first fifty hours. This is an important maintenance step. Perform the next oil and filter change at 150 hours, or annually, whichever comes first. Even if you use the generator only one hour each month, contaminants are building up in the generator motor. Discarded oil is not appropriate for use in the generator. Beware of discount parts that may compromise the system. It is recommended that you use only the genset manufacturer replacement parts and filters. Using “will-fit” parts could void your warranty. Warranty on the generator starts on the original purchase date. Years one and two of the warranty cover parts, labor and removal and installation of the genset, if necessary. Year three covers parts and labor on selected components only. The good news is that these selected components are the costly items, such as internal engine parts and the key generator components. Routine maintenance items, such as filters, are not covered. Also, during the first 90 days of ownership you can take your set into any authorized service center for minor adjustments. The total warranty package is three years to 2000 hours of operation. The warranty is transferable to future owners during this life span.

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"With proper operation, maintenance and care, LP and gasoline gensets may run for well over 1,000 hours before requiring a major overhaul. Diesel-fuled sets are likely to run even longer."

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Follow the manufacturer’s service recommendations to keep the generator running smoothly. Change the generator fuel filter at the same time the engine fuel filter is being replaced. When changing the fuel filter, use the start/stop switch to prime the diesel from the fuel tank through the filter. Hold down on the stop button. The fuel pump in the generator will start to run and purge the air. New oil and filters are the most effective weapons against generator problems. During oil changes, do not overfill and risk aerating the oil. A low oil safety cut-off switch will shut down the system if there is not enough oil to safely operate the generator. It is safer to be a little down on oil, rather than overfull. In colder temperatures use lighter weight oil, but as a general rule the same weight oil used for diesel engines is acceptable for the generator. As with all engines, a bad load of fuel has the potential to contaminate even a new filter. Do not remove filters just for inspection. Always replace with new filters to insure a good seal and prevent leaks. A black/brown substance around the exhaust may indicate a need to replace the fuel filter.

A certain amount of exhaust can be expected to vent with generator use. Exhaust is minimal with a well-serviced generator. A puff of smoke at generator start is normal. Continual venting of smoke should be inspected for potential problems. Your factory installed exhaust system is designed to allow exhaust to flow away from the motorhome. In higher altitudes the generator may produce more smoke and perform less effectively. This is due to the altitude’s thinner air and there is no adjustment available. Extensions added to the exhaust pipe add extra weight and may potentially crack the exhaust manifold, or emit deadly exhaust gases to the inside of the coach. Extensions can generate a source of heat with the potential to seriously burn skin or cause a fire. Extensions are a custom modification that will void the warranty terms of the generator. Under no circumstance should an extension be added to reroute generator exhaust.

Annually inspect the DC cables, located behind the generator, for cleanliness and tightness. Some models have main AC output wires going directly to the transfer switch. During annual maintenance inspection, it is advisable to remove the four screws on the cover and check the wires for loose connections. From the transfer switch the AC wires go up to the main breaker panel in the bedroom. Annually remove the cover and check for loose connections or discolored wires.

A diesel generator gets fuel from the main diesel fuel tank. A separate pick-up tube is installed to prevent the generator from using all the fuel in the main diesel tank. When filling the main fuel tank, be aware when removing the fuel cap from the tank. The tank should not be pressurized or under a vacuum, which indicates a possible blocked vent tube. A blocked vent tube will create difficulties in starting the main engine and the generator. If air enters the diesel generator fuel system, indicated by rough running or quitting of the motor, prime the generator by holding the start/stop switch in the down (off) position to remove air bubbles.

Auto-Gen means Automatic Generator Start. This feature is designed to automatically start the generator, and keep it running, until the batteries are charged. Auto-Gen prevents the batteries from falling below a designated state of charge, even when you are away from the coach. Running down the batteries will shorten their life span, making Auto-Gen a welcome battery maintenance tool.

Auto-Gen is programmed from the inverter remote panel using a push button keypad. The clock is the first feature that must be set and that clock is programmed in 24-hour time. Quiet Time is a feature to disable the generator from operating during certain hours of the day. Quiet Time can be manually disregarded in the event the batteries are at a low state of charge and immediate generator power is required to supply a charge. Always disable the auto start feature, and disconnect the genset from its start battery, when having the genset serviced or inspected.

For generator/battery maintenance set the Auto-Gen to engage the generator at either voltage or percent of charge. The voltage setting is more accurate, and easier to understand. Setting the voltage level as 12.2 (about 50%) will command the generator to start up when the batteries reach that level. Set the stop feature of Auto-Gen to 12.55 (80%). Setting the generator to stop the charge at a higher level will force the generator to run for too long and waste fuel.

If the batteries reach low levels during Quiet Time, an error will flash on the inverter panel. In many cases an audible alarm will also sound. It is possible to manually start the Auto-Gen from the inverter remote panel. Override will not work from the generator switch on the dash once the system has been programmed, although shutting off the override can be done from the dash. This override will not erase previous Auto-Gen settings. During cleaning, maintenance and refueling of the generator, disengage Auto-Gen by unplugging the remote connector.

Although it’s recommended starting the generator with no load, and then follow with a light load, this may not happen in Auto-Gen since the system engages at random times. This will be all right. A transfer switch is in place and equipped with a delay to prevent the generator from taking on the load simultaneously at start up. Auto-Gen is security against running down the batteries whether you’re in the coach or away for the day. Practice using this feature and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with fully charged batteries.

The generator compartment for the quiet diesel is designed with adequate airflow for cooling. Do not use the top of the generator for storage and risk excess heat build-up. When cleaning the exterior of the vehicle avoid a direct spray of water onto the generator.

In the event the generator stops running, you can diagnose the problem by observing the start/stop switch flashing the fault codes. Touching the start/stop switch momentarily to the stop position activates fault code circuitry. One flash of the light denotes that the genset has shut down due to high pressure. Two flashes signal that the oil pressure is low. For three flashes you will need to refer to the operator’s manual and again touch the flashing light. The light will flash a number of times (count the flashes), pause, then flash another number of times (count these flashes too). If the first series of flashes equals three, and the second series of flashes equals seven, refer to number 37 in the troubleshooting section of the manual. When checking the diagnostics on the system, keep in mind that the initial installation will create a code and the last code always remains in place until a new code is created.

Whenever contacting the manufacturer for information regarding the generator, identify the model identification number located on the front or side of the set. Record the complete series, numbers and letters. This identification will identify individual sets, which is critical information when ordering parts.

An old Chinese proverb states, “It is better to light one candle than curse the darkness.” Make the generator that one candle. Use the genset to its fullest potential and allow the system to enhance your RVing lifestyle.