Where does this belong ?

[highdesertranger]

that switch is ugly. that can't be passing the full load through that switch? can it?

another thing, please don't camp near anybody and run that open frame generator. stay at least 1/2 mile away from your closest neighbor or you are going to get people pissed off. hell you won't even be able to stand the thing after a while.

highdesertranger

 

[jim solo]

Posted by highdesertranger : that switch is ugly. that can't be passing the full load through that switch? can it?

I think it is, but I don't run muck on it. a couple 12v lights while working on it.

I do plan on fixing it the right way as soon as I figure out the positioning and
wiring of a new power transfer switch. I only hook up the port.Gen to keep the
batteries up. I don't want my RV or a neighbors rig to go up in flames.

I have a 15 amp w/ ground fault line in through the window from the house
for heavy usage. I'm a wild man not a crazy man. That is how the pre-owner
has it rigged. I will have to go and look at the salvage yard to see where and
how they are placed and wired.

I am going to go with some solar panels soon. Use the Gen only when really
needed.

 

[B and C]

That power panel looks exactly like mine (30 amp) from the front. My transfer switch is mounted directly to the back of the panel. I think it is mounted by an electrical conduit arrangement between the two (not sure). They are really close together if not touching. I would have to empty my closet and pull the floor out to look. I don't have any good pics of it to post. I replaced that darn converter that came in mine (Magnatec) because it was only one stage and will fry batteries if left plugged in. My van is a 2000 model. The Magnatec also didn't have filtered DC which made the stereo whine. I replaced it with a Progressive dynamics that was a direct replacement. Multistage charging and filtered DC. A GREAT upgrade.

Your 120VAC and 12VDC circuits should be labeled on the drop down door of your panel.

 

[jim solo]

Here are pix of electric panel, below. I'll probably see how it attaches when
I pull the panel off. Will be able to see more from this side.But still going to
look at a couple set ups at the salvage yard, measure twice - cut once.

 

[B and C]

The 12VDC fuse panel looks just like the Magnetek one I replaced. I replaced it with: https://www.progressivedyn.com/rv/power-converters/inteli-power-4600-series/ It came with a new !@VDC fuse panel that has LED's that will light up if the fuse on that circuit blows so you don't have to guess if one is blown.

Having something to go by sure takes a lot of guess work and mistakes out of the equation.

 

[jim solo]

I took the entire panel off took the picture (below), now I am more confused
than I was before. In the picture below, what I think is a transformer looks to
be burnt out. But I'm still confused where that transfer switch belongs, does
it attach to the back of the power converter thing ?

So, it looks like the previous - owner bypassed the transfer switch with the
light switch right into the power converter. Is my thinking right ? The power
converter seems to be working when power comes from my port. Gen, even
tho the light switch doesn't look safe.

I shouldn't put a new transfer switch to an older but working power converter.
I understand both parts should be new to be safe. I'll call that company and
price the converter and see if they have the transfer switch as well. That might
be the straw that brakes this camels back.

 

[B and C]

Naw, the transformer is just showing its' age. Nothing wrong with it that I can see.

The transfer switch's center pole gets connected to the 120VAC wire that goes to the transformer.

Transfer Switch wiring:

Generator 30 amp out ------ Generator In
Transfer switch out ----- Main electrical panel
Shore Power ----------------- Shore Power In

If the terminals aren't labeled, connect the main electrical panel to the contacts that are switched. These will be the contacts that are connected to the arm that moves.

https://www.amazon.com/WFCO-T30-Amp...ansfer+switch&qid=1559586229&s=gateway&sr=8-6

This is just an example diagram. Your transfer switch should come with paperwork showing where to connect what if you buy a made for RV one. Don't confuse these with the made for a house one.

Now it is just remove the mounting screws and it will pull out as far as the wires allow. Be sure to unplug from shore power first.

 

[jim solo]

Naw, the transformer is just showing its' age. Nothing wrong with it that I can see

B and C, you and everyone here has been very helpful in solving this
mystery for me. I called Progressive Dynamics and got a number to
one of there distributors in TN. I talked to the owner and they have
the transfer switch for $76. + shipping. The power converter for
$ 196. + Shp. I explained that when plugged to shore power every
thing works well. He said to him it sounds like the power converter is
working fine, then he about choked when I told him about the light
switch in place of the transfer switch.

He said he won't sell me something I don't need, all I need is the
transfer switch. Also the power converter will last until it dies, could
be ten years from now. He is e-mailing me a package of info on install
and specs today, I'll order it on Friday.

No straws breaking my back  today.

 

[B and C]

Just do not leave your's plugged into shore power if not replacing the converter. That one will cook your batteries.

 

[jim solo]

Just do not leave your's plugged into shore power if not replacing the converter. That one will cook your batteries.

The guy I talked to from the store mentioned that about the batteries. I'll put
a link to the place, it might be useful for others. The newer power converters
won't allow the batteries to boil, it automatically cuts power to the batteries
when fully charged. Eventually will have to get the new power converter, just
can not afford it right now.
Leisure Time Distributing

Can't do much now, weather forecast is rain, rain,rain for the next 6 days.
That is all it did last year, and put me way behind getting any thing done.
One would think I live in a rain forest.

 

[B and C]

My Roadtrek manual said when storing the van to plug it in for 12 hours once a month (old converter). If you have wet cells, keep an eye on the water level.

Rain finally left here for the last two weeks. Now it is HOT (90 90) and things are starting to look like they could use some water. It's either feast or famine.