Onan Install

[Ironman44]

I have a 2013 Pinnacle 38FLFS with Generator prep- found a good deal on a new Onan RVQG4000W so going to install ( only have one AC unit so should be fine ). From what i read it should be plug and play on the wiring but not sure on the DC power for starting. Does the wiring package include a hook-up to coach batteries or do I need to have a separate battery for starting the genny? How do you remove the existing floor in the front where genny goes? Also any other tips would be great. Thanks in advance

[Grumpy]

Not plug and play since you have a 50 amp transfer switch. It has 2 hots the 4000 only has 1. Not sure if you can run both sides of the switch that way.

[Ironman44]

Thanks for the info Grumpy - So now what? Check with Jayco on this? Or do I need a 5500 instead of a 4000?

[Grumpy]

I would look for a 5500, but also talk to ONAN to see if you can tie both sides of the transfer switch together.

[Bullitt6283]

If your unit doesn't have any 240 volt loads, it may be OK to tie the 2 hots together on the generator side of the transfer switch.

If you've ever used a 30amp to 50amp converter 'dogbone' pigtail to use a 30 amp campground pedestal, that's what it does.

Best to double check with Jayco, though.


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[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by Bullitt6283

If your unit doesn't have any 240 volt loads,
.

Just an FYI RV Geny's don't produce 240 they have 2 seperate 120 outputs. 2 hots and 2 neutrals.

[Bullitt6283]

Originally Posted by Grumpy

Just an FYI RV Geny's don't produce 240 they have 2 seperate 120 outputs. 2 hots and 2 neutrals.

Gotcha.

I have a backup generator in my house which has two 120 volt outputs. When I bond their neutrals together I can get 240 volts across both outputs. That's how I run my 240 volt home well-water pump.



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[Ironman44]

I talked to Cummins - They couldn't tell me yes or no on tieing 2 hots from transfer switch together to connect to the Onan 4000 single hot.
Back to square one.

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by Ironman44

I talked to Cummins - They couldn't tell me yes or no on tieing 2 hots from transfer switch together to connect to the Onan 4000 single hot.
Back to square one.

Next try the Manufacturer of the transfer switch. Just ask JAYCO what brand if you can't see it, don't ask about using 4000.

[Ironman44]

Opened the junction box - found only 3 heavy gauges wires - red black and white

[Grumpy]

Yep, with a 5500 one positive to red, one positive to black and the two neutrals tie together on the white. With a 4000 you would need to tie the red and black togther on the positive side.

[Ironman44]

So the 4000 should work for me then

[Ironman44]

The Onan has a black - white - green I think

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by Ironman44

So the 4000 should work for me then

I'd still ask the maker of the transfer switch. 5500 has two black two white and a green.

[Bullitt6283]

I'd be pulling the cover off the transfer switch to verify for sure what color wires are the hots.




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[Ironman44]

Jayco got back to me - said I can use the 4000 but will have to power share. Not sure what she means by that -
So if I tie the black and red from junction box to black from Onan, 2 neutrals together and the green from Onan is grounded somewhere?

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by Ironman44

Jayco got back to me - said I can use the 4000 but will have to power share. Not sure what she means by that -
So if I tie the black and red from junction box to black from Onan, 2 neutrals together and the green from Onan is grounded somewhere?

Yep...green should go to frame. There may be a ground lug in the junction box.

Just means you can't run 2 a/c at the same time and watch what you have on at one time.

[Ironman44]

There is a bare copper wire grounded in the junction box.
I only have one AC unit so should be good - my 3000W Kipor Inverter did what we needed so this Onan 4000 should be fine.

[Grumpy]

👍👍

[Ironman44]

Ground lug on Genny - do I need to tie this to frame of 5th?