Lesson Regarding AC

[Bethers]

Some rigs you can run the generator while plugged in - others you shouldn't - so to be safe, unplug first and it's always safe on all rigs if unplugged. As to the battery disconnect, I've never used mine - never had to - well once, when I had forgotten to unplug an electric heater when I unplugged from electric and that caused a drain. But until you know if you have anything pulling a drain, it's not a bad idea to do. Again, some rigs it's more important than others. As time passes, you'll learn your own rig - and what you have to do, what you probably should do - and what doesn't matter so much for you.

RV air conditioners work much on the principle of room/window ones - and have filters you need to clean. Well, in a house, you need to replace the filters in furnace/air conditioners - in these you just have to clean them. Don't forget our maintenance room - where this whole thread probably should be - but this is mentioned in a thread I wrote sometime back that lists lots of things we need to do.

And I agree with Tina - I have learned much more by making my own mistakes Actually by doing it myself. You learn by doing - much faster than by watching!

[retiredhappy]

I was told to always unplug BEFORE starting generator. Not sure why but I'm not real good with electrical.

[rvgrammy1953]

And don't forget the Ionizer in the hot water tank..... Right, Beth??

[sharon]

Lenora, some rv's have an automatic by-pass (wrong word, but I'm tired and can't think) switch that allows you to run the generator if you're plugged into shore power and vice-versa, allows you to plug into shore power while the genny is running. Since I'm not one to trust mechanical switches, I always unplug from shore power before running the genny. Mine is set up so that if the power goes out, my genny comes on automatically. I only use this function if I'm in a CG, it's hot and I'm not there. Just a little extra protection for the fur kids.

Yeah, you definitely need a GTG to learn what you need to know! How about Tenn????

[MsBHaven]

AlmostThere - I don't know the correct answer to your question, but my opinion would be that you don't start the generator while you are plugged into shore power. I know that when you shut off a generator you should first shut off everything that the generator is using - i.e. air conditioner, etc. So it would seem that you should unplug the electric to shut off everything, then start the generator, then turn on the air conditioner etc. You are definitely correct that you need to run the generator to keep it in good working order - just be sure it is "under load" while it is running (ex. turn on the air conditioner).

[OutandAbout]

Lenora, I bought the book RV Basics from RVTravel.com when I first got the TC. It's like a beginners bible in that it has everything you need to know to operate the systems in the RV. After all, the fridge, water heater, stove, oven, etc. are basically the same in all RVs. There are only so many manufacturers. It's easy to understand, not too technical. I think Borders or Barnes and Nobel have it as well. If you have one of those stores near you, you could take a look at it and see if the book would help. My copy is now traveling to the east coast with a friend. Hope this helps. Linda

[sharon]

Margie, you should have a transfer switch on your rig so that when you plug into shore power, it becomes primary. But like I said before, I don't trust mechanical switches. Altho, I did it by accident once, pulled into a CG, it was hot, so I turned on the genny and A/C for the fur babies while I checked in and dis-connected the car. Pulled into my site and plugged into shore power not even thinking about the genny running. Thank goodness that was one time the switch did what it was supposed to!

[Bethers]

Lori,
In having someone figure out what's wrong with my hot water heater - they took out my anode rod and it was yucky again. But in this case, they replaced it with an electric one (that I have to plug in) until I get the gas working again. Have to order a couple little parts for that. And I'll keep this back-up system - just requires me to be hooked up to shore power - is a nifty thing. My hot water tank was not a gas/electric model - but now it is So kewl

Will buy another anode rod for if/when I need it - but they told me this electric one can just stay in even when not being used to heat - and for some reason it doesn't get as bad. so they say - but I think maybe that's only if it's being used to heat the water. Will find out.