Main power switchover system

[stevelou]

We have purchased a 1982 310 Airstream Motorhome with an Onan Marquis 7000 generator. I am trying to find out where the switching unit to change from city power to generator power is. I have found a box in the compartment where the city power reel is but there are no contacts in this box. Should there be? Or would they have been removed because of the new generator?
How does the motorhome distinguish between city and generator power?
Hope someone can help us
Thank you Louise

[jdalrymple]

If the electrical system has not been modified, an automated transfer switch handles the chore.

When the shore power is available, the switch stays connected the shore power source, even if he generator is started.

If shore power is not available, start the generator and the switch will automatically change to supply the coach with power from the generator.

I have seen the switches be a little finicky, but generally they work well. Sometimes is seems ours will not switch to the generator until I turn some appliance on….


Regards,

JD

[Smartstream]

I just replaced the transfer switch in my 280. This is the new switch.



I couldn't buy just the switch, had to by box and delay timer as a unit. Your power cord, Romax cable from the generator and Romax cable to the coach will all go to the box and connect to the switch. The old delay was a resister about the size of an ice cube but the new one is a solid state printed circuit board at the left side of the box in the picture.

Like JD said change over is automatic and there is a 30 second delay after the generator starts.

[stevelou]

Thankyou so much
Does anyone know where the box would be located ?? as
I cant find the box!!!!
lou

[idroba]

The box on my now sold '83, 310 was in the road side rear compartment where the power cord reel was. Up in the right hand corner above the reel, as I recall. Very difficult to access on my unit.

[stevelou]

Thank you unfortunately we brought our airstream from a on seller so we haven't managed to talk to the owner and find out the quirks about it
Louise

[idroba]

Someone may have gutted the original transfer switch box, you mentioned that you found a box in the compartment where the power cord reel is located, and that it had nothing in it.

It is hard to know (or sometimes fathom) what PO's (previous owners) do or did, and why.

Maybe someone with a 310 can photograph what their unit looks like, one with the cord reel and transfer box in that back compartment.