GFI issue

[thistlesmith]

I hav a 2020 Minnie Winnie 31K with 4000w Onan. Every time the generator starts or stops it kicks the GFI off. Any suggestions.

[Eagle5]

I would switch-off the circuit breaker on the generator itself, start the generator, and see if the GFI still trips. Sometimes, the GFI itself is bad, but perhaps that is less likely.

How to find the circuit breaker on the Onan 4000 watt generator

[Mtn Charlie]

A lot of GFIs are also arc detectors. If an arc is caused by your transfer switch, that may be the issue.

[thistlesmith]

Thanks for your reply but unfortunately there is no auto transfer switch.

[Mtn Charlie]

Originally Posted by thistlesmith

Thanks for your reply but unfortunately there is no auto transfer switch.

If you say so. In that case, the Onan must not be built in to the Winnie. Either that or you rewire the RV every time you connect to shore power.

[Eagle5]

On our Class Cs, the box that holds our Shore Power cords plugs into an outlet; also inside that same box. That outlet is solely powered by the Generator. We must plug-in our shore power cords to that outlet to connect the generator to our house 120 VAC power.
It could be that a short-to-ground is inside that box, or in the cable which connects from that box to the generator. I would recommend this diagnosis process to see what is tripping the GFI:
1.) switch-off the circuit breaker on the generator and test-start.
2.) switch back on the circuit breaker on the generator test-start.
3.) plug the Shore Power cord into the generator outlet and test-start.
4.) replace the GFI itself.
5.) get an electrician
Eagle5

[thistlesmith]

Winnebago class c requires one to manually connect to the onboard genset; hence no auto transfer switch. In reply to mtn charlie.

[Bobn1957]

You have to find what is leaking to the ground, a GFCI compares the current between the hot and the neutral, a difference of more than 15 milli-amps triggers a trip. Try unplugging your 110 volt appliances one at a time! Sounds to me like your converter might be the problem.

[Jos 56]

GFCI receptacles do fail. If it only trips on the generator, you may have an unbalanced neutral. That can happen if there is a loose connection or damaged wire in the box that feeds the motorhome it's power from the generator or at the generator itself. You can purchase an inexpensive tester (Google GFCI Outlet Circuit Analyzer Tester With LED Indicator) to ensure your outlets are wired correctly if you aren't experienced with household wiring. The breaker for the generator is well hidden on the side of the box with the start switch.