Replaced ATS 2010-2013?

[lsbrodsky]

How many of you have replaced the AC auto-transfer switch because of failure or to prevent failure? I am toying with doing it before I get too far from home.
Larry

[overlander63]

If you want to, you can get a 50 amp transfer switch, which is more robust, and use that to replace the factory transfer switch. You'd only need to use half the switch, which would add a level of redundancy. If it ever failed, you would have a replacement built-in.
Or, you can simply purchase a 30 amp transfer switch, and keep it in a drawer for replacing the factory part, should it fail.

[matthorr]

Mine was replaced under Airstream's warranty. The ATS manufacturer has a 2 year warranty on the part.

I use the front generator input for extended periods of time when I plug in the trailer at home the day before a trip to cool down the refrigerator. Is that overloading the ATS beyond what it is designed for (occasional generator use)?

[lsbrodsky]

Good idea! I can always install a spare on a trip if it fails. Should only require a screwdriver, I would think. I would think that normal use at home would in no way overload the relay's ratings. The forum shows a few failures but I posted this poll to see if more people have not had problems. It could be that few use the front outlet.
Larry

[daveswenson]

Parallax updated their ATS to the 301 model at some time. I know that my trailer built in Jan 2012 has it. The old one was the model 30. I believe that is the problematic one, but I am not positive. I'd be interested in knowing if the 301 is failing as well.

[GerryC]

After an RV park low voltage problem fried the ATS in my new 2013 Flying Cloud 25 FB, my dealer service department replaced the ATS (since it was covered by warranty) but bypassed the new ATS by wiring the rear streetside shorepower receptacle directly to the breaker panel. This puts the front electric power receptacle out of service, but that is not a concern to me. If I ever use generator power, I will just run a cord from that power source to the side receptacle. Otherwise, the ATS can always be put back into service by rewiring. By the way, this situation really disrupted a four night/five day trip since our power problem occurred at about midnight on the first night. Triple digit temperatures and high humidity with no A/C in the Flying Cloud put my wife and I in a hotel for the remaining three nights of our trip. And did I mention that this was our first major excursion in our new Airstream? It is interesting to note that my dealer service manager told me that he has had to replace several ATS units on relatively new Airstreams but has seen no further problems with the replacement ATS's. Maybe there was a bad batch of ATS units at one time.