Generator not charging batteries

[Dwelle]

I have a Momentum 395MS with a Onan 5500 generator, 2 solar panels on the roof and 2 sealed lead acid batteries. The batteries charge fine via shore power, solar and when plugged into tow vehicle. However, when using generator only, it will not charge batteries. Tha converter is obviously working given other connections charge the batteries. Both fuses on converter are good. All circuit breakers are good. Both circuit breakers on generator are good. Generator powered all 110 outlets in the rig as well except microwave and main AC. Bedroom AC was powered just fine. We were "dry camping" in front of my in-laws place before heading out on our full time RV adventure. Given we had no hookups we fired up the Genny. All was good except I noticed the voltage of the batteries slowly dropping through the evening and finally got so low the generator finally quit. The next day I hooked up a 110 cord to the 50amp shore power and was very slowly able to charge the batteries I think as the solar panels likely kicked in too but battery voltage only reached 12 volts. Another question regarding the 110 cord into 50 amp shore power, what does that actually power as I had no working outlets or power anywhere in the rig. Thanks for any help here.

 

[SGT ROC]

Check the gen set for a tripped breaker. A friend of mine had a similar issue and it turned out to be a tripped breaker on the generator

 

[Dwelle]

Check the gen set for a tripped breaker. A friend of mine had a similar issue and it turned out to be a tripped breaker on the generator

As noted in my original post, all breakers are good.

 

[huntindog]

As noted in my original post, all breakers are goo

The breakers he is referring to are not in the panel.
They are in the generator under the front cover. Sounds like one of them tripped or is faulty. Check for power on both gen legs with a meter
If that checks good, look at the transfer switch

 

[Dwelle]

Yep, in original post I noted breakers on generator are good too so no breakers tripped in any location.

 

[huntindog]

Yep, in original post I noted breakers on generator are good too so no breakers tripped in any location.

So go to the next step. Are the gen breakers showing proper voltage? If not then it could be faulty, or the gen has a issue.
If voltage is is present , the next step is to check the transfer switch

 

[Dwelle]

Will do. If everything else in the coach works and has power, whats the likelihood of the above being the issue(s)?

 

[huntindog]

Will do. If everything else in the coach works and has power, whats the likelihood of the above being the issue(s)?

You stated that the gen was able to power some of the coach, but not the AC or convertor. So it has to be that the gen voltage is for some reason not present at the Gen or is not reaching the items not working.
This is basic trouble shooting. It is what a dealer should do if you took it in. If you are not able to do it, or do not want to....(you need to know how to safely test for voltage) Then you will need to take it in.
My dealer's rate is 199.00 an hour.
My advice is free

 

[Dwelle]

Will do some testing soon as weather permits. Generator powers everything in the coach except microwave and the main and garage AC units. It does power the bedroom AC. I have been told this is likely normal wiring to protect from overloading the generator as it only has two 30 amp circuits, does that sound right?

 

[huntindog]

Will do some testing soon as weather permits. Generator powers everything in the coach except microwave and the main and garage AC units. It does power the bedroom AC. I have been told this is likely normal wiring to protect from overloading the generator as it only has two 30 amp circuits, does that sound right?

Yes on the two 30 anp circuits. As far as what is normal wiring, I will hold my tongue.