Dated: July 29, 2001
If no shoreline power is connected to the system and the generator is started,
at approximately 10-12 seconds the ATS will automatically connect the generator
and provide power. If the generator is running and shoreline power is connected,
the ATS will automatically disconnect the generator and connect the shoreline
power. If nothing is powered up and shoreline power is connected, the ATS provides
direct power to the main panel with no delay.
The installation required about 4 hours of actual work time
(excluding overnight drying time for glue used on the hole reinforcements and
no part selection/review and related ordering time). The installation was not
complicated for someone with average tinkering skills. The connections required
for the electrical components are very clearly marked and therefore not complicated
and no guess work is required. The rear trunk door was easily removed (12 screws)
which aided in access to this relatively tight area.
Major components used are shown in the files section with stock
numbers and prices. Miscellaneous items included 4 @ 1.25" #8 stainless steel
screws, 12 feet of the solid copper 10-2 WG electrical wire, 2.5 feet of 3/4"
plastic wire housing and 6 nos. 3/4" metal/box connectors for housing, screws
used to fasten ATS to the plastic trunk, and wire nuts. If anyone has interest
or questions, few free to ask specifics. I anticipate the photos illustrate the
task in adequate detail so a step-by-step explanation is not required. The system
works GREAT! I'm looking forward to the extra storage area and to "NEVER" hassle
with the shoreline cord again!
Bruce
2002 QD
Richard,
The ATS30 is the 30 amp switch for stand-alone (remote) installation, Magnetek
also produces the same switch (part number ATS) but it attaches directly to the
back of the power panel already installed in the Rialta (at least this is the
case for the 2002 QD, not sure about all the versions of Rialtas).
In reviewing the details of these switches with Magnetek tech
support (which is very good by the way, 800-443-4859. I also spoke with Winnie
tech support in confirmation of the proposed system), I decided to utilize the
ATS30 (not sure if there would be adequate working space between the power panel
and the wheel well if the ATS was used) and install it in the rear trunk area
near to the genset power outlet.
The cost is around $70. There were a few different switches
from other companies for less money, such as Trans Tech for $50, but they never
answered their phone and it was nearly impossible to get any detailed information
on their switches.
Part of the reason of going this route is our style of travel.
We are generally on the move. In over 13,000 miles since we bought the vehicle
March'01 we have only stayed at one campground for more than one night (that was
at Disney World's Wilderness Park). So in the 40- 50 days on the road so far,
I have done the plug and unplug and fishing with the cord through the bottom plenty
of times. This setup will hopefully take care of that event. In Chris's case,
where is generally doing lots of daily running and using the genset pretty much
exclusively, this system mentioned above is pretty useless, so I definitely agree
with him.
Bruce
QD'02
I agree the Winnebago design for the shore cable could be better,
but maybe that's their way of saving us some money, yeah right. Some have installed
manual switches and some, me for one, have installed an automatic transfer switch.
Ken Korn got me started on my installation. The auto switch works this way: detach
the shore cord, take that shore cord and plug it into an external plug installed
on back on Rialta and into a outlet and your done, now the Rialta has power. Or
Start the genset and the auto switch realizes that the genset is running and it
switches over to the genset and now the Rialta has power from the genset even
if you are still connected to shore power.
Installation takes a little doing but it works very well and
was the first major modification I did and the one I would not be without. I also
rerouted the TV cable to the outside. Both are located outside to the left of
the storage locker door.
If you are interested in more info email me and will help with
pictures and a drawing as to how I installed the parts. Come to think of it Dick
Davidson took some good pictures and has a copy of my installation notes. He might
be able to email them. I don't have soft copy of any pictures. Hope this helps.
I can now hook up with power and TV cable and have the storage door completely
closed, and water tight for the next Noah Rally.
Gene
'02 FD Twin
Austin
The following photos show the general concepts of installing the Automatic Transfer
Switch in which the Exterior Power Inlet work has already been performed.
This modification is identical to the above except all components were located
adjacent to the existing Magnatex Converter / Fuse box. This leaves the rear compartment
totally clear of all power related equipment. This mod was performed on a model
FD Rialta.
I did an alternative installation of the Magnatek ATS.
I removed the generator box and receptacle from the trunk
and pulled the cable back into the coach. I also followed the shore power cable
back to it's box in the coach, removed the box, and disconnected the cable.
Those two 10/3 factory wiring cables were connected into the ATS using the original
blue plastic connectors.
The new Marinco hardware was installed as previously done
by others, but I ran the new 10/3 cable from the Marinco Inlet Box back into
the coach to the ATS located on the generator housing/box.
The trunk now is completely clean with the generator receptacle
and shore power cable hanger/bracket removed.
Ken Korn
'99 FD Twin
Austin, TX
2/26/02
