FTC Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through some of the links in this article for more information, visit our Advertising Disclosure Page.

120 Volt Electric In RV Keeps Cutting Off When Running Generator

by Eldon Offutt
(Grain Valley, MO)

Hi everyone.

I just bought a 2005 Coachmen Freedom 27ft class C. We love it, but we're running into a problem. When running on shore power everything works fine, but when running on the generator, My 115v. system will just quit after a while. A/C and receptacles just shut down. Oddly though, the generator keeps right ongoing, and no breakers that I can find are tripped.

Good Sam Extended Service Plan is mechanical breakdown insurance for your RV, 5th Wheel, Trailer, and Tow Vehicle! FREE Quote

After a while (after it cools I assume) it will work again, but only for a while, and then it shuts down again. It's over 100 deg. here and very high humidity so I'm wondering, is there some sort of thermo-couple that is causing an open and then reconnecting when it cools? If so, where is it and where can I get a stronger one?

I've read some posts about the power converter and the "Automatic Transfer Switches" could this be the problem? Help! We're in an RV park right now so no problem, but we leave Sunday for a 7000-mile trip!

ANSWER: Hi Eldon based on your description I would say the problem is not with your RV's Power Converter. The problem could be with the Power Transfer Switch, but I am more inclined to think that the Voltage Regulator is the culprit.

I am assuming that you have checked for any loose or corroded connections and tightened or cleaned them. The Voltage Regulator should be located in the control box of your generator. I believe that your RV is equipped with an Onan Generator. Sorry I cannot give you the exact location of the control box as the location varies by model you have.

Over 1,500,000 successful roadside rescues—Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service

For more information on Troubleshooting your Generator you should take a look at this Generator Troubleshooting Guide on the Flight Systems Inc. Website.

I hope that this has been helpful.


Happy RVing

RVing Al

Do you have any suggestions or comments on this topic? You can add them to this page by clicking on the "Click Here To Post Comments" link located near the bottom of this page.

Click here to post comments

Return to Ask an RV Question.

LEARN HOW TO RUN 2 RV A/Cs ON A 30 AMP CONNECTION