Where does this belong ?

[jim solo]

I can't remember if the previous owner said he replaced this or it need replaced. He said it was a $300 part.
I plug my Gen into shore cord and everything works, it might have something to do with the house Gen, I'm
not sure. If anyone knows, please let me know . Thanks, now back to mowing the big yard'

 

[B and C]

I can't tell of that is a relay or a transformer. Did you disconnect it or was it already disconnected?

If it is a transformer, that is the converter/charger. Its' job is to feed the 110vac to the breaker box from a relay and 12V to charge the batteries and power the lights/12v outlets.

If it is a relay, it is for switching between shore power and generator power automatically.

 

[Artsyguy]

All I know is that if you don't know what it is, I would tread CAREFULLY! You're welcome.

 

[jim solo]

B and C asked : Did you disconnect it or was it already disconnected?

It was disconnected, I was afraid it had some thing to do with the onboard
Generator. I'm thinking it was an up/down step transformer between 120v/12v.
The Pre owner did some creative wiring behind the fuse box. Out where the
30ft Shore Cord stores. I'll have to try to fix his fix and get it right.

He put a light switch in there, up is Shore and down is generator. Yes a light
switch from a house wall, it was new. He also did the light switch between the fuel
tanks, up is tank 1 and down is tank 2. I better find a more creative
electrician to help with this one.

 

[highdesertranger]

" Yes a light switch from a house wall, it was new. He also did the light switch between the fuel
tanks, up is tank 1 and down is tank 2."

dang that ain't good.

I think that looks like a automatic transfer switch. like Brian said.

highdesertranger

 

[B and C]

A transfer switch can be had for under a $100 for a 30 amp model. Many to choose from: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=30+amp+t...586305&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_866ugio1s8_e

Edit to add: I am partial to Progressive Dynamics stuff. They make great power converters.

 

[jim solo]

Thank you B and C, I look at a few from the link that look very much like the one I
have.

Now I have a starting point to go by. I'll do more research on it, now that I have
an idea what and were it goes.

highdesertranger
dang that ain't good. I think that looks like a automatic transfer switch. like Brian said.

I ain't going to let it go like that for long. Just have to run down which area it goes in.
The gen box or the shore cord box. I'll let you all know what I find out. Will go to local
salvage yard to look at a few scraped RVs. It is 2 miles up the road.

 

[B and C]

Mine is bolted to the back of the converter/charger and that is located where the fuses and circuit breakers are.

 

[jim solo]

That would be were he put the wall switch in for the Shore Cord, That should be right
behind my Breaker and fuse box. I'll take a closer look with a bright flash light tomorrow.

 

[wayne49]

On my 1989 Tioga, the switch from shore to generator is to pull the plug from shore and put the plug into the outlet, wired to the generator, that lives inside the cord storage area.
Sticking your hand into a small dark opening then trying to insert a 30 amp plug into a sideways outlet that you can't see. I focus on getting the ground pin started into the ground hole and then the rest follow more or less.
I bought a very short 30 amp extension cord and placed that into the socket and it is much easier when I can see what I'm doing.
You guys have switches and automatic ones!

 

[tx2sturgis]

Yep, that is a transfer switch. Big honking 2 pole contactor in there.

 

[jim solo]

I guess it is a 30 amp Transfer Switch. I looked at the amazon link
B and C posted. Seen a few that where close looking to the one I
have, priced in a comfortable range for me. But not sure if I will keep
the Onan Gen. May sell it to someone that could use it, I will pull it
out and make sure it runs.

I have a portable 3600w to 4600w generator (?) that I plug the sure
into that works great. I'll attach a picture of it. I was thinking I
would use this Gen along with future install of Solar power. Don't
know what all those switches on the panel do. Owners manual not
the best read.

As long as I have a way to make Coffee in the morning, afternoon,
and evening.

 

[B and C]

A built in generator is far superior to a lug along. I put together my coffee pot the night before , plug it in and turn it on. In the morning I step over to the starter switch and start the genny from the comforts inside before even getting dressed. I don't have to go outside if I don't want to on those cold mornings either. And if it is cold and raining, forget about it. And no extra gas cans to worry about either.

 

[Weldman]

A built in generator is far superior to a lug along.  I put together my coffee pot the night before , plug it in and turn it on.  In the morning I step over to the starter switch and start the genny from the comforts inside before even getting dressed.  I don't have to go outside if I don't want to on those cold mornings either.  And if it is cold and raining, forget about it.  And no extra gas cans to worry about either.

They do make remote start lug along generators now :thumbsup:

 

[B and C]

Still have to carry the extra gas cans and have a place to store the portable that won't walk off.

 

[Weldman]

Still have to carry the extra gas cans and have a place to store the portable that won't walk off.

Tee into the existing fuel system and where ever you store it bolt it down then run a pipe from the exhaust out away from the vehicle, muffler optional. My apologies I just tend to find solutions for "most" problems

 

[B and C]

The T into the gas tank line is prone to leave you stranded.

No reason to get rid of a built in generator that is already there. Starting from scratch is another ballgame.

 

[Weldman]

Maybe another day, topic, thread we can get into this you are trying to find flaws in the design as there is ways around this.
Until then be nice to see more pictures or any numbers of the item he is trying to find out of what it is.

 

[wayne49]

The consensus within the first few posts was that it is a transfer switch.

 

[jim solo]

I took some pictures of the cubby hole. My head was to big to fit in and look around,
so I took a few random shots with my phone camera. Could not see much with flashlight.
Attached are a few pix that show the light switch and how the pre-owner did it.

Did not see anyplace the transfer switch was mounted in there. It is a roomy space, will have to
remove electrical panel from front of cabinet. I think when I get a new transfer switch, I will
put a plug in  box for the shore cord.

I need to get a shot of the top of this area to see if it mounts higher up.