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Old 06-30-2021, 09:55 AM   #1
MTK46
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Onan 5500 watt LP question

Never had this happen before.
I was running it had fridge, rear a/c, electric hot water and started the microwave. Power shut off generator still running.
I shut generator off and waited a couple of minutes before restarting it. It started but power never came back on.
Shut it down again and checked the switch panel on it.
Mine has a 30 & 20 amp switch. 30 amp was on 20 amp was off. Turned the 20 back on. Went to bed.
This morning I started the generator and all is fine.
So was it the 20 amp switch that caused the problem?
If so with the 30 one on why didn't I have some 110v power?
It couldn't have been the transfer switch as I plugged in my cord to a 15amp plug and did have power.
To tell you the truth I never paid any attention to the switches on the generator before.
As I bought my MS used and the hour meter wasn't working I don't know how many total hours are on it.
I changed it out right away and in two years I've put 65 hours on it. I don't think it had a lot on it when I bought it.

So any ideas?
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Old 07-01-2021, 09:33 PM   #2
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Mike,
I had a 5500 Onan Marquis in my '05--changed it to the '15 when traded for it. In the total 13 years I had the two units, the gen never failed to operate. Only changed oil/filters twice. Had somewhere around 500 hours on it total in 13 years. Never had the same thing happen that you had. Can't help with an answer.
Joe
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Old 07-05-2021, 03:34 PM   #3
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I have heard of a few people with the same problem. The 20 amp breaker trips on the unit pops and you lose all power. The Onan comes in two variations. A 20 amp breaker and a 30 or two 30 amp breaker. The fix is to change out the 20 for another 30.
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Old 07-05-2021, 03:42 PM   #4
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Thanks I'll look into that.
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Old 07-06-2021, 03:56 PM   #5
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I have the same gen as you do. My 20 amp breaker does pop on occassion when I overload it with usually kitchen items. obviously the 20 amp can't take the draw that the 30 can. Don't really think there is a fix for it, other then to not try to draw so much power. Think I have read something about it only being 45 amp max draw. However don't think changing the 20 amp to a 30 is a good idea. I just live with what it is and know it's limitations. Good luck
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Old 07-07-2021, 11:04 PM   #6
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Yeah MTK46, that’s normal. You ran too many big draw items on that 20 am circuit. With the AC and the microwave, it didn’t have a chance. Just be mindful, and watch your amp
Draw on each leg, on the “RV POWER MONITOR FOR ATS” display in the entry closet and you’ll be fine.
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Old 07-08-2021, 08:10 AM   #7
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I did read that max amps is 45.8 for this generator. As this is the first time it has happened I now know the limit.

Thanks for all the help!
That's why I'm on this site. Been RVing for 35+ years and still learning. Had the same generator in a Toy Hauler and never did it. First time for everything.
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Old 07-08-2021, 08:17 AM   #8
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I know huh. Still learning too and first time for everything.

You think they would design the gen to handle a total of 45 amps no matter which leg it’s on. But I think it’s DRV’s design that is the main issue. I noticed (at least in my ‘18 36RSSB3) that the big draw appliances are mainly on one leg. If it were me, I’d split them up on both 220v legs evenly.
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Old 07-08-2021, 09:14 AM   #9
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I do know that I can run the rear a/c and microwave with the fridge at the same time. We do it all the time with the generator. Kicker was the water heater.
Oh and I don't have any info amp draw on the inside of my door.
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Old 07-08-2021, 10:30 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bones95949 View Post
I have the same gen as you do. My 20 amp breaker does pop on occassion when I overload it with usually kitchen items. obviously the 20 amp can't take the draw that the 30 can. Don't really think there is a fix for it, other then to not try to draw so much power. Think I have read something about it only being 45 amp max draw. However don't think changing the 20 amp to a 30 is a good idea. I just live with what it is and know it's limitations. Good luck


Onan themselves suggest changing the 20 amp to a 30 Aamp btraker.
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Old 07-08-2021, 05:08 PM   #11
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I just looked at my main breaker panel and the water heater is on the other leg.
Now that I know what's on each leg I'll be more mindful of what's on when using the generator.
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Old 07-08-2021, 05:37 PM   #12
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MTK, it may have been mentioned, but your water heater has no business on electric when you have the generator cranked unless you're out of propane.
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