Is the Coachmen encounter running on a generator?
Samuel Coleman
Published Feb 07, 2026
Is the Coachmen encounter running on a generator?
We’re new RV owners with a 2013 Coachmen Encounter. We’ve had trouble with the generator operating the air conditioners – and it’s about 90 degrees around here! All works well when hooked up to electric at a campground.
How do you turn on a generator in a coach?
Be sure all loads are turned off, then plug the shoreline cord into that receptacle and start the generator. If all the breakers are set properly, you should get power to the coach. Of course, you may have a problem with the transfer switch itself if your coach is so equipped.
Why are my air conditioners not running on generator?
Turn them OFF and then back ON. That will supply power to the ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch) or outlet that Rich mentioned. From that point onward, shore power and generator power share the same wiring– so the issue is at or before the ATS/connection.
Why does my generator not run on shore power?
this sounds like a problem with your transfer switch. If you don’t know, this is the device that switches the power between the generator and the shore power cord. It probably has a damaged relay and cannot switch over to shore power. You should find the transfer switch behind the converter.
We’re new RV owners with a 2013 Coachmen Encounter. We’ve had trouble with the generator operating the air conditioners – and it’s about 90 degrees around here! All works well when hooked up to electric at a campground.
Be sure all loads are turned off, then plug the shoreline cord into that receptacle and start the generator. If all the breakers are set properly, you should get power to the coach. Of course, you may have a problem with the transfer switch itself if your coach is so equipped.
Do you need a multi meter to troubleshoot an RV generator?
This troubleshooting guide assumes that the person doing the work has basic mechanical skills and is familiar with electrical troubleshooting procedures using a multi-meter. Having a practical knowledge of RV generators is helpful, but not absolutely necessary. DISCLAIMER: Generator servicing
Can a motorhome be run on generator power?
The older GMC motorhome had such a setup at one time. The user had to manually flip the breakers from shore power to generator power. Also keep in mind all RV generators are protected by an integral set of circuit breakers located on the generator itself.
What should I do if my generator is running all the time?
By high power we include things like the air conditioner and perhaps your coffee maker. Don’t run more than one of these at a time. Your generator is also recharging your house battery or batteries, so you may be drawing more power than you know about.
Why is my generator not working in my RV?
If the generator won’t run, or runs sluggishly, and there are no fuel, oil, or connection problems, the generator itself may be bad. But the problem is usually the fuel filter (which can become clogged, especially when using diesel). Fuel filters are common culprits but they are pretty cheap to replace. Understand How Your Generator Works!
What’s the problem with the Onan Cummins Generator?
Onan cummins microquiet generator has a hidden defective part. If your onan generator runs fine then stops, this is likely the free simple fix. It’s incredible how the fix is this simple. Loading…
What should I do if my generator is running too much?
The next thing to know is how to reset the circuit breaker on the Onan. If you try to run too many high power devices, such as a microwave and hair drier, at the same time you are likely to trip the circuit breaker on the Onan. By high power we include things like the air conditioner and perhaps your coffee maker.
Turn them OFF and then back ON. That will supply power to the ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch) or outlet that Rich mentioned. From that point onward, shore power and generator power share the same wiring– so the issue is at or before the ATS/connection.
Why is my generator not working in my camper?
Your generator is also recharging your house battery or batteries, so you may be drawing more power than you know about. You might hear the generator struggle and then die. The generator may restart just fine, but even after the short built-in delay you may find you have no power in your camper. You probably just tripped the Onan circuit breaker.