Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 07-05-2015, 02:46 AM   #1
Winnebago Camper
 
MattTaylor's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 37
Auto Generator Start

Hi All,

Just finished adding 600 watts of solar to our 2004 Sightseer which I am on a mission to boondockify. Next I would like to add an auto gen start to the system. Was wondering if anyone out there might have done this for their coach who could share the inside scoop on doing such a thing. What system, did you install it yourself, was it a relatively easy thing to do, and how has it helped? Was it worth the effort?

Thanks!!
__________________
2017 Winnebago Forza 36G (Puff The Magic Wagon)
2004 Jeep Wrangler 4x4 (Golden Eagle)
YouTube Channel - Nomadic Native
MattTaylor is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-05-2015, 04:08 AM   #2
Winnebago Camper
 
ronjhall's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 9
I do not have a Winnebago. But did install a auto generator start. Installed a Magnum AGS-S. Not a hard installation. The wiring for AGS is paralleled around existing generator start switch.
__________________
2004 Endura 6340D SOLD
2012 Chevy Captiva toad
ronjhall is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-05-2015, 06:25 AM   #3
Winnie-Wise
 
ChasA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Apex, NC
Posts: 449
I have not installed one but Onan makes a wireless AGS. Search the forum for EC 30 W.
__________________
2010 Winnebago Journey Express 34Y
2010 Freightliner XCS (mfd 9/'09)
'07 Saturn Vue V6
ChasA is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-05-2015, 06:46 AM   #4
Winnebago Camper
 
B Kane's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Marco Island Florida
Posts: 34
Does the unit require the remote readout? Seems that the ability to program the unit is lost without the remote display. Where is the best position to place it?
__________________
Bruce Kane
2005 Itasca Horizon 36RD
2004 Toyota Avalon
[email protected]
B Kane is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-05-2015, 08:03 AM   #5
Winnebago Master
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,080
We installed the Cummins/Onan EC30W generator auto start in our 2001 Winnebago Adventurer. It's a wireless system that can be installed in less than 15 minutes.


The only caveat is to find a place in the coach to mount the remote that mirrors the temperature readings on the AC thermostat. Originally we mounted the remote in the dining area. We quickly found it did not have the same temperature readings as the AC thermostat mounted in the hall. The AC thermostat was slower to respond to the temperature changes than the generator remote.


The net result was that the generator would start before the AC thermostat reached the set point and would shut off the generator before the AC thermostat had shut off the AC. We ended up moving the remote to the bedroom and everything worked fine.


If you use this system just be sure to find a place in the coach that has the same rate of temperature rise and fall as the AC thermostat, and that it's near an outlet that isn't connected to the inverter. The remote gets plugged into a wall outlet to detect when shore power is interrupted. If the outlet is connected to an inverter you won't see a voltage loss until the batteries are low enough that they can't start the generator.


We ordered the EC-30 (wired version) in our 2013 Adventurer. It works off the AC thermostat and the EMS for monitoring the battery charge so there's only 1 thermostat and voltage reading to contend with. You can also order and install this system. It takes a few hours to install, but it's extremely dependable when installed
__________________
Hikerdogs
2013 Adventurer 32H
Hikerdogs is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-05-2015, 08:54 AM   #6
Winnebago Master
 
bobmac's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Southern Ontario
Posts: 562
If you are considering the Onan wireless unit, be sure to compare the features available to those in the wired unit - the EC30. The wired unit will also start on voltage and offers many more features particularly if you plan to boondock. It is not that difficult to install if you can read the Winnebago wiring schematics and can locate the required wires. I installed on in a Cambria. Spent most of the time planning where to pick up the circuits and about 3 hours actually hooking it up. It is a great addition to your coach. You should also check to see if the 16 conductor harness is already there - it might be if it was an option on your coach. Good luck,
__________________
Bob
09 Journey 39Z
Southern Ontario
bobmac is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-05-2015, 10:37 AM   #7
Winnebago Master
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,080
We've had both the EC-30 and the EC-30W. I don't recall a difference in features other then the EC-30w uses it's own temperature and voltage sensor to determine when to start the generator. The wired version EC-30 uses the coaches temperature and voltage sensor circuits.


They can both be set for start and stop voltages, high and/or low temperatures, and quiet times.
__________________
Hikerdogs
2013 Adventurer 32H
Hikerdogs is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-06-2015, 12:11 AM   #8
Winnie-Wise
 
SuperGewl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Oregon
Posts: 477
I just installed the EC30W in my coach and it only takes about an hour and that's because you have to be sure that you can get reliable communications between the remote and the main unit.
__________________
Retired Navy Submariner
2014 Itasca Sunstar 35F; 5 Star tuned; 2014 Jeep Cherokee TrailHawk
SuperGewl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-06-2015, 03:34 AM   #9
Winnebago Camper
 
MattTaylor's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 37
Thanks much for the insider info folks. This is an awesome forum!

My concerns are the batteries for my solar array, if they get to low at night or when there are clouds during the day and they get to low I would like for the generator to kick on and charge them. We also we sometimes leave our kids (dogs) behind to go shop or whatever so temp control is important.

Thanks again for all the info everyone. May the Lord Jesus Christ bless and keep all of you. Peace.
__________________
2017 Winnebago Forza 36G (Puff The Magic Wagon)
2004 Jeep Wrangler 4x4 (Golden Eagle)
YouTube Channel - Nomadic Native
MattTaylor is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-06-2015, 08:07 AM   #10
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Land O Lakes, FL
Posts: 6
Here is a youtube video of the EC-30W system being installed:
buzz_85 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-08-2015, 07:42 PM   #11
Winnebago Master
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,520
I installed the hard wired version which my local Cummins dealer sold for less than the internet sellers. It too the better part of the day to install and I put it right next to the OnePlace panel in my 2001 35U Adventurer. It has worked well for almost 10 years now.
__________________
Neil V
2001 Winnebago Adventurer WFG35U
NeilV is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
generator


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Auto-generator start slapfoot Electrical | Charging, Solar and Electronics 18 06-11-2016 02:48 PM
Generator auto start??? Don Renouf Electrical | Charging, Solar and Electronics 13 01-23-2006 04:51 AM

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Winnebago Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 06:32 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.