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My RV generator runs but does provide power to the motorhome

by Craig
(Point Pleasant, NJ)

Troubleshooting RV Generator Not Powering Outlets

Troubleshooting RV Generator Not Powering Outlets

Can someone help me out? I have a 1996 Chevy FourWinds 5000 with a 454 Motor- The Generator had worked fine powering the unit - Until we plugged it into a hard line at a campsite and left it for a few months.

When I disconnected the land AC Power and drove the RV Home- I tested the Generator, it runs FINE but there is no power to the unit- I found the fuse box, it seems okay as well- I plugged into the House outlet and it works with direct AC Power-

The GENERATOR is running perfect, but no power in the unit when I just use the GENERATOR-

Does anyone know why? Any help would be appreciated!

ANSWER: Hi Craig, I have a feeling you may have a bad RV Generator Transfer Switch. But, we need to eliminate a couple of other possibilities first.

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1. You stated that you looked at some fuses and all of them are good. You need to be looking for tripped circuit breakers that look like the ones you have in your house. Let's start in the generator compartment. Depending on the model of the generator you have; the generator itself can have a couple of circuit breakers on it.

Look at the generator itself and see if you see a circuit breaker(s) on it. If you do and it is tripped; reset the breaker(s) and restart the generator. If there are not circuit breakers on the generator or if they are not tripped, move on to step 2.

2. You need to check the circuit breakers of the motorhome. The circuit breakers for the motorhome are located in the electrical compartment of your motorhome. The electrical compartment can be on the inside or outside of your motorhome (depending on the year and model). If you have the Owner's Manual for your RV,
it should tell you the location of the electrical compartment in your RV.

If you don't have an Owner's Manual you will just have to start opening cabinets on the inside of your RV and storage compartments on the outside of your RV and you will run into it. You will know because you will see electrical wiring, a series of breakers, some fuses, etc. All of these electrical components are what control the 120 volt and 12-volt power in the house portion of your motorhome. Check all of the circuit breakers in the electrical compartment and reset them as needed. Then run the generator and see if this resolves your problem.

If you do not find any tripped circuit breakers in your RV or if you reset the circuit breakers and they trip off again when you start the generator then you could have a short or ground problem with the generator. You will need to take it in and have it diagnosed and repaired by a qualified RV Technician.

If all of the above does not work then there is a very good chance that the RV Generator Transfer Switch is bad. The RV Generator Transfer Switch automatically lets the generator power the RV when the generator is turned on. If it is not working the generator will run but no power will reach the appliances in your RV. You should take the RV in and have it repaired by a qualified RV Technician.

Important Note: Some RVs don't have Generator Transfer Switches you actually have to plug in the power cord for the RV to an electrical outlet located on or near the generator itself.

Hopefully, the above information has been helpful to you.

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.

Happy RVing

RVing Al

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

Comments for My RV generator runs but does provide power to the motorhome

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Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		no power from gen to trailer
by: mel

I have a 26 foot trailer. I plugged it into my generator then when i turned on ac, it popped and now no generator will power my trailer. Shore power works fine
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Gen prob no ac
by: Anonymous

Yes newbie here. Plug had to go into receptacle in shore line box. So simple, so stupid! Thanks all for not making me look too dumb!!!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Wiring generator
by: Anonymous

I am installing a wen4750 generator into a 1989 Travelcraft with 30 amp service..can I wire the 30 amp generator output directly to the 30amp main breaker in the motorhome or do I need to wire it to where the shore power comes in.
.looks like shore power comes into inverter box
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		new onan no power on my rv
by: gilberto

I have a new gen, I install it by my self everything is cool and no problem is working okay no power and I checked all breakers nothing my RV is 2015 lepre
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Generator starts but then stops
by: Chuck

2008 Sunseeker with 4000 Onan generator. When I push the start button the generator starts and runs as long as I hold the start button down. As soon as I release the start button it dies. Any help would be appreciated.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Generator
by: Anonymous

I cannot get the electricity to the camper from the generator I have to plug my generator into a plug-in for the motorhome to run appliances. The cord works fine when I plug into an outlet but when I run generator I do not have any juice I've checked all the breakers on the generator and the motorhome and still cannot get electricity into the motorhome.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		BREAKER
by: PA

THANKS AFTER SEARCHING ALL AVENUES I FINALLY FOUND THE HIDDEN BREAKER ON THE GEN.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Similar issue
by: Anonymous

Similar issue. bought a camper and the guy threw in a generator. We plugged it into the generator & within seconds the ac shut off, and then other things wouldnt work. So we plugged it into a 30 amp plug from house, and it just keeps throwing breakers. We thought it was bad electrical problem on the camper. So then we plugged another camper into the same generator and it is doing the same thing. We have a guy out here looking at them, but he cant seem to find the problem. I really hope we havent majorly messed up two campers. Is there anyone who can tell me what happened and where to start on fixing this? These are expensive campers! Thanks!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		How tell if coach has auto transfer switch
by: Jim

I purchased a 2008 toy hauler and it has a 4000 Onan onboard gen. My question is this. With gen running the a/c and/or microwave will not work. I've checked all of my breakers in the panel and the circuit breaker on the gen itself. All good. Onto transfer switch... How can I tell if my coach has an automatic transfer switch of do I need to plug my shoreline into itself every time? Another thing...the gen box has the large 30 amp receptacle in it...but the shoreline is in a separate outside lock box. If I run my shoreline out and over and into the gen box and plug it in...all works as it should. The separate locations lead me to believe it has an auto transfer switch...somewhere. Why would I have to run the shoreline out and into a separate location every time I want to run the gen? Any help is appreciated.Thanks!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Plug in the shore power line to the Motorhome.
by: AnonymousToby

Tried all the steps. Nothing. Then read to plug your power cord into the motor home where the cord is stored. Duh. Power everywhere. Thank you all.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		5500 onan breaker tripping
by: AnSkiponymous

Out of nowhere the bottom 30amp breaker starting tripped about 30 seconds after the unit was started providing no power to the 2011 Winnebago. I then shut all the 110 breakers off on the coach, started the generator again with the same result. I shut the unit off, reset the breaker, turned off the top 30amp breaker, started the unit again. The bottom bottom breaker held. Any ideas?
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Saved the Day
by: Anonymous

We are out of state and depending on the use of the generator! This fixed our problem!!! Thanks
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Thanks!
by: Anonymous

Thank you! Am traveling alone and my generator wouldn't power my coach. Your troubleshooting solved my problem. It was the circuit breaker on my Onan. Flipped it on and was able to make my coffee. 😀
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Thanks!!!!!!!
by: Michael

I have a 2012 Forest River Sunseeker I rent when I am not using. Today, my renter texted me with this problem. The generator is something I never used myself. After checking this site I called my renter and told him to look for a breaker on the generator. Turned the breaker back on and fixed the problem. This was such a help!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		generator power
by: susam

i have a 1984 pace arrow. when we try to use air conditioner on generator or microwave nothing happens. I've seen comments about plugging in the power cord.
i am a newbie and trying to figure things out before we go somewhere. how and what are you talking about. i dont see a plug where my shore power cord is. HELP please
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Thank you
by: Cherice

It was a breaker ON the generator...This is our first RV and our first night on the road.

Thank you, Thank you
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		RV generator runs but nompower to coach
by: Anonymous

Thx for the valuable info. It WAS the breaker on the generator. Didn't see it first look, found it 2nd time and problem solved😀👍
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Oldest rv and first trip. ..fixed!
by: Anonymous

Thanks for the easy steps to try. Walked through them 1 by 1 and then read the older rv note. ..that was it.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Only got 95-102v at plug in
by: Scott

New to site but much needed information. I have an older Onan micro quiet 4000 that is only putting out 95-102 volts at the plug in for the motorhome. Tried adjusting card to idle up and down and no matter what idle rpm it still has same volts. Checked with multi meter.
Any suggestions?
Scott
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Brain Fart
by: Anonymous

Thanks for all the comments. Had a brain fart and reading through this made me realize what I forgot to do. Great info for New to rving
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		no coach power when gen running
by: Anonymous

i have a 95 rexhall and the generatic gen starts but no poer to coach and no where to plug it into itself i was told it was the 756 circuit board does this sound right
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Saved me a bunch my sanity
by: Anonymous

I greatly appreciate all the information you take the time to dispense. I am a new owner of a used 2004 RV and was not looking forward to trying to diagnose my generator issues. It turns out all I had to do was plug in my shore power line into the receptacle inside the storage compartment to get my generator power to the RV. Would never have thought to do this on my own. Thanks!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Strange set up
by: Tim M

Yesterday I started up the generator to check the heat option on the roof top. The generator started just fine and the heat worked well. Living in upstate NY the weather chances by the minute, in saying so it was very humid and warm today so again I started up the generator, no problem, and inside.....nothing. After reading this blog about similar problems, I checked and the only thing I did to the rv today was pull out the shore power cord to clean and re stow it. I didn't realize it was plugged into something inside the compartment where it goes.

Thank you to all for the wonderful advice and information, I plugged it in and it works great and so does the rooftop a/c. I am new to the rv world and this site and folks on it are giving loads of great advice.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Fixed
by: Anonymous

My circuit breaker was 2 inches below the fuse right on the front but you had to stick your head close to look down. Fixed the problem that I caused by turning the air off while on the phone and not waiting long enough before turning it back on again.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Easy fix THANKS!
by: Anonymous

Thanks for the tip. Who knew there was a breaker hidden under all that dirt! Easy fix for once.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		No power from the generator
by: Glen

We were running a air compressor of the generator when every thing stopped. I have no current from the generator to anything except the fans on the top air conditioners .what could be wrong and where do I look?
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Generator starts, no electric
by: Anonymous

Make sure your electrical plug inside your exterior A/C door has been plugged back in after your shoreline usage. If not that, hold your start button at least 3 seconds down when you start your generator.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Generator not providing 110 to coach
by: Anonymous

My Onan generator works properly. The camper has a compartment for the generator that is hard wired into the motorhome. I disconnected the wiring from the generator and hooked it up to a 300 watt light to make sure the generator was working properly. Worked fine. Everything works fine when hook up to land power but doesn't switch to 110 when the generator is on. Don't see any other switches to turn on etc. All breakers are on, can hear the relay switch when I plug in land power but not when I start the generator. ????
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		tesla 3970
by: Anonymous

Mine is intermittent on when it works and doesn't. is it the transfer switch as well?
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Plug your power corde in coach
by: Sam

Remember to plug your power back in in your coach . Other wise no 120
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		My RV generator runs but no cool air from air conntioning the motorhome
by: Jay Sri

My RV generator runs but does provide power for air conditioning to the motorhome
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		onan generator
by: kcarter

My onan generator starts and runs fine but all the sudden quit putting power to my horse trailer.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		generator problem
by: John in vegas

Generator runs. Have the shore line plugged into generator. Checked breakers. When I fire up the generator, the time on the microwave comes on for 5-10 seconds, go off and the generator speeds up without ant load. I turned off all the breakers so tgere was no load at startup and the generator does the same thing. I'm stumped
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Thanks
by: Anonymous

This helped me a lot. I went camping and left the onan on when I plugged into the campsite. After camping I cranked over the generator and it would not turn over the ac or anything else. It was the circuit breaker on the onan after a stressful drive home.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Generator runs but house doesn't get power.
by: Anonymous

Did you plug your external cord back into the RV ?
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		thanks a lot
by: Anonymous

The same as others here you saved me time stress and money thank you so much. Flipping the breaker on the generator itself solved my problem. I didn't know of it having its own breaker. Was on the right side of Onan in a 1996 Coachmen Catalina.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		did the trick
by: John

Thank you, I had the same problem and I didn't realize there was a breaker on the generator. You saved me alot of time and money!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		May have your solution
by: Mike

Make sure the external power receptacle is plugged into your power outlet box or you will have that problem. That's the power cord that is used for plugging into campsite power 20A. There is a receptacle inside the box that's somewhat hard to locate. Once you plug the cord into the box, you should have power when the generator is running. How do I know this? I had the same problem..
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		gen run no power to air conditioner or microwave
by: sharon

I have an older RV .After reading your tips my RV is running perfect again.I didnt know the genereator had to be plugged into itself to work properly and reset circuit breaker on generator.Thank you so much, I'm sure this saved me a lot money.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Gen runs but no power
by: Barry

I had the same problem, my wife had the A/C on,electric water heater on and turned on her hair drier, while Gen was running. All power went off, but Gen kept running. I checked all the inside circuit breakers. Did not check Gen, since it was running. After reading your tips, I went out and re-set breaker on Gen Set. Everything back to normal.

Thanks

QUORUM
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starstarstarstarstar 		generator BRUSHES
by: Anonymous

Regarding what was last stated in the first post if what was recommended does not fix the problem then I would check the portion of the generator which makes the power.

The generator is powered by a gas ect. engine. The generator has brushes which make contact with the armature.. Check these brushes they do wear out and when they do you will not have current,,

It is a easy fix you can replace them yourself or have them replaced.. Depending on the brand of generator will dictate how many brushes need replaced, usually four brushes should be abour right..

I hope this helps..

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