Generator Prep 5th wheel to installed and Victron Cerbo GX AUTOSTART - Why Not RV: Ep 90

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 พ.ย. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 86

  • @chrishodapp1962
    @chrishodapp1962 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for venturing into the power and control aspects of the install. Have not found any other videos that even attempt to discuss these areas of installs

    • @WhyNotRV
      @WhyNotRV  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That’s exactly why I did it lol. I couldn’t find any information about it

  • @gobfranklin6759
    @gobfranklin6759 ปีที่แล้ว

    Like the other comments, no one has detailed this out like you have! Very much appreciated

    • @WhyNotRV
      @WhyNotRV  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you, I appreciate it

  • @Alaska1969
    @Alaska1969 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Good video. You didn't show the cerbro gx box and how you hooked the relay to it.

    • @WhyNotRV
      @WhyNotRV  ปีที่แล้ว

      The cerbo gx has a NO C NC plug for multiple relays. I showed everything you need to complete this project successfully.

  • @ariverstonesthrowaway
    @ariverstonesthrowaway 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video. Exactly what I was looking for. Getting my Cerbo GX installed shortly and will be wanting to add this feature. Thanks!

    • @WhyNotRV
      @WhyNotRV  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Awesome! Thanks for watching and hopefully this helps you with your setup

  • @SmileyFaceGeorge
    @SmileyFaceGeorge 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Awesome video! Thank you so much for creating it. This was the only information I found on how to connect my Cerbo GX to the generator so I truly appreciate you for it! The diagram and links were also a great add. Thanks again!

    • @WhyNotRV
      @WhyNotRV  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Absolutely!!! Thanks for watching!

  • @martincosgrove5863
    @martincosgrove5863 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thx Chris. I thought as much with the 5 plugs - best to keep them there so as not to loose them. I'm looking at the rocker switch datasheet right now. Do you suggest I just do as you did and get a wire and play with jumping the terminals at the rear of the switch? Will it damage anything? Thank again for your help.

    • @WhyNotRV
      @WhyNotRV  ปีที่แล้ว

      Without knowingly exactly how that’s wired no I definitely would not recommend that. Text with multimeter first. Ultimately goal is to find a wiring diagram

  • @lestermills5324
    @lestermills5324 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Great Video. Very helpful. I have a 2019 Keystone Montana Legacy with “Generator Prep”. I am installing an Onan QG 6500 LP. I was so glad to finally find a “how to install” video for the generator. Do you have an email address/website where I might ask you a few questions? Such as: How does the Onan get “start power?” Thank you

    • @WhyNotRV
      @WhyNotRV  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thank you Lester. I appreciate it. whynotrv@yahoo.com for nothing crazy specific but if you have a question, others probably have the same question. For start power I assume you are talking about the start signal wire to actually start the generator. I went over it in this video. Depending on your set up and what is pre-existing in your RV, you might be able to control it from a panel inside. If not, you can add a switch. Review the video again and you’ll see where I went over it.

  • @chrisrondestvedt3305
    @chrisrondestvedt3305 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Professional quality! Lack of Victron documentation supporting integration with this popular generator very frustrating so your presentation was a welcome source of perspective. That said I purchased my Color Control GX just before the CERBO GX came out. Can you comment re a similar relay integration between my Onan 3.6 KY and the Color Control GX single relay?

    • @WhyNotRV
      @WhyNotRV  ปีที่แล้ว

      Does the color control relay have the same type of relay ? With normally open, common, normally closed? Do you have a multiplus or Quattro? Those have relays in them as well that can all be used the same way

  • @jefffiely6117
    @jefffiely6117 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Does your rig have 50amp service? If so, how did you wire up the 3.6 generator? Did you split the hot wire into two? I have the same generator. Going to install in my Jayco 321RSTS. Thx

    • @WhyNotRV
      @WhyNotRV  ปีที่แล้ว

      Watch my other videos on this build. I believe it’s called mobile power plant. You’ll see where I used 2 Victron Quattro inverters. The generator only feeds one of them but they both output split phase 240v

  • @offgridtruckerdude7133
    @offgridtruckerdude7133 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Think you should allow it to run to 80% because higher, your current starts to drop off and fuel to charge current becomes inefficient.
    Thank you for the excellent video. Was definitely informative.

    • @WhyNotRV
      @WhyNotRV  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks for watching! I appreciate it.

  • @johnlarkins5664
    @johnlarkins5664 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    great video! you didn't show us how to connect the wires into the Cerbo. Do you have that on video, or can you describe which port to connect?

    • @WhyNotRV
      @WhyNotRV  ปีที่แล้ว

      I did go over it I believe. There are 2 relay ports on the cerbo if my memory serves me correctly has NO (normally open) C (common) NC (normally closed)

  • @martincosgrove5863
    @martincosgrove5863 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks Chris,
    Okay - Now I understand the relays - why there is 2..
    Yep - there's a start/stop switch in the forward wardrobe - going to almost immediately above the Cerbo in basement. I move the switch position last year. It has a rocker start/stop and the run hours gauge. There's a brown (with jumper), red, blue, green to rocker, and a brown and orange to hour gauge. How would I determine the wires for the relay? Only way I could describe it as I can't send photos over youtube.
    Also did you connect the other ends from the relay into the Cerbo relay port - I assume so. The Cerbo came with all those plugs/attachments on the bottom - 5 in total. I see in your video you had them all installed. Is that necessary or just the ones that are in use - or is more the case of installing them so you don't lose them?
    Thanks for your help.

    • @WhyNotRV
      @WhyNotRV  ปีที่แล้ว

      I’m sure there’s a wiring diagram that will tell you what color wires are for what in your application but just as I did, I tested them to find out what wires were for what function. The cerbo plugs I keep installed just to not lose them lol

    • @chrisrondestvedt3305
      @chrisrondestvedt3305 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi
      Trying the same thing by connecting my Victron color control gx to my Onan 3.6 my gen via the rocker switch wires
      Assuming your switch is like mine one wire is common, one for start, and one for stop. When the start side of the switch is pressed it connects the start wire to common until the switch is released. The same occurs for the stop function.after removing the wires from the switch Using a multimeter you can determine which wire is common then connecting each wire to common will determine their function
      Btw, my panel also has a prime switch but the Onan manual states the propane gen does not require priming

  • @ERazorDiy
    @ERazorDiy 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great Video. I just bench tested 4 relays will be installing shortly: I used the same relays but used 4 to create a Stop/prime, Start and Stop. To make sure the generator was off before starting. I could see the gen being on with breakers tripped etc. or I forgot to put flip them ON, this would make sure it's off before starting and give a prime function if needed. 1st relay(1r) was single shot to stop F, 2r is a timer relay H, 3r is start relay and 4r is stop F. What happens the start in signal will use relays 1-3 (stops gen/prime F, Delay H, Start F ) and the stop in signal uses 4r(stop F). 1r #18 and 4r #18 tied to the out single to stop gen. 2r #18 is tied to 3r A2 so 3r is not on until 2r delay is done. Note: set I the delay of 2r is longer than time of 1r. Will be hooking this up this weekend for actual run test with generator and cerbo gx.

    • @WhyNotRV
      @WhyNotRV  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Wow! That’s awesome. Thanks for watching and I appreciate the comment. Good information

    • @ERazorDiy
      @ERazorDiy 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@WhyNotRV 4 relay (stop/Prime, Delay, Start) and (Stop) tested and installed. its connected to my cerbo gx in my RV. Tested and works great on my onan 5500 gen. Thanks again for providing this video which I was able to adapt my needs.

    • @WhyNotRV
      @WhyNotRV  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      That’s great to hear Eric! Glad I was able to help.

    • @jeffrobison6619
      @jeffrobison6619 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ERazorDiy Can you send me /post your wiring diagram, and which relays you used? Thanks

    • @ERazorDiy
      @ERazorDiy 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jeffrobison6619 Working on it now should have something tomorrow

  • @jasonharoldsen805
    @jasonharoldsen805 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for the detailed video! Do you know if we can just tie into the start/stop on the gen set manual control? Meaning we can still manually use that switch or do we need to fully bypass the old switch?

    • @WhyNotRV
      @WhyNotRV  ปีที่แล้ว

      I don’t know about your specific generator. On mine in this install, you can use the iN·command to start/stop the Victron cerbo to start/stop or the manual switch on the front of the generator to start/stop. Thank you for watching!!!

  • @aljotock
    @aljotock 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    As everyone else has said, what a great video and thank you for making it. Information like this is not available on the Victron site, not that I have found. Question if I may? My Cummins Onan MDKBL spec A-E(7KVA) has a wiring loom with NO colours on. they just have individual numbers like P1-7 P33-2 for pin 2 on the female Duecher plug. Can anyone please confirm for me the pins I need for START/START/COMMON are 1,3 and 2 in that order, before I go and melt something!

    • @WhyNotRV
      @WhyNotRV  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate that. I wish I knew the answer to your question. Maybe consider emailing Onan themselves

  • @Jennifer-007
    @Jennifer-007 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Here's another option using the 2 relays in the Multi.
    Switch power wire bridged to the common of K1 & K2. Start wire to K1 n/o, stop wire to K2 n/o
    Then my assistants are set as follows;
    1 close K1 n/o when voltage = 24.2v
    2 open K1 n/o 5 seconds after 220v detected
    3 close K2 n/o 3600 seconds (1 hour) after absorption phase starts.
    4 open K2 n/o 5 seconds after 220v ends.
    This will work for any genset that uses a straightforward momentary hold-to-start, hold-to-stop switch.
    If you only have 1 relay, wire the Victron n/c to a 5 pin automotive relay. The center pin is n/c, so it will be open when power (from the Victron n/c) is applied. Wire this center pin to your stop switch. Then change the above assistants to:
    3 open k1 n/c 3600 seconds after absorption
    4 close k1 n/c 5 seconds after 220v ends
    The down side of this is that the automotive relay will be permanently energised drawing a small amount of power. If the the relay fails, not a major problem because it will only result in your genset not starting (because the stop button is activated)

    • @WhyNotRV
      @WhyNotRV  ปีที่แล้ว

      Definitely more than one way to skin this cat lol. Thanks for the input!

  • @skiimountaineer
    @skiimountaineer 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Once again, nice job! I have a couple questions, what size mini split or are you using? And is it 120 V or 240 V?

    • @WhyNotRV
      @WhyNotRV  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks. You will see here just a few short weeks but it’s a 24,000btu ducted 240v minisplit.

  • @martincosgrove5863
    @martincosgrove5863 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow Chris. I watched this video you suggested, and I didn't know what the Cerbo GX could actually do. WOW!! Most enlightening. Much more than I expected.
    Firstly, the generator control panel in the video seemed fairly large. I'm not sure if it is the main AC control panel or a separate panel. I don't recall such a panel in my rig. I too have a Montana pre-prepped and with a factory installed Onan 5500LP factory generator but don't know where this panel is located. ?? How did you connect the outlet from the relay to the generator?
    Secondly, I know nothing about relays, but why 2 relays? Can't one switch on then off? Also, what are the required specs for such a relay?
    Lastly, the wire you used. I can see it is a 4 core wire L1/L2/N/G (not sure about gauge) but you were connecting a 30A inverter using only 3 wires - you didn't use the red wire. For my 50A Victron pass thru MultiPlus-II 2 *120V, I require the same type of cable but I have to use all 4 wires. Could you please tell me what cable you used (gauge/designation grade), and source (Home Depot?), etc. I also saw it was a solid core wire as opposed to a stranded wire - why?
    Chris - I live in Australia but I have a Montana 3130 in North America and have travelled there since 2018. These questions may seem mundane, but I trying to tackle/understand the US requirements over that of Australia.
    Thanks for all your assistance
    Great channel
    Regards

    • @WhyNotRV
      @WhyNotRV  ปีที่แล้ว

      The “generator control panel” you’re referring to is for the iN·command system which is a screen in the Montana that controls pretty much everything. Including the capabilities of starting and stopping the generator so I used that spot to tap into the lines that run to the generator to start and stop it. Every RV will be different. Does yours have some form of generator start stop button and control panel inside your rig? Essentially those wires is what you will be needing to access. The relays connect to the wires that feed the generator control. You need 2 because to “start” the generator you need to apply power for a couple of seconds as if your pressing the start button on the generator. And a different relay to just send the stop signal for a second. Rewatch this video a few times you’ll see. The relays I used are very particular with links in the description of where to get them. You can’t have just a normal relay that’s NO NC type thing because you’d be “starting” the generator non stop even after it starts. The starter would just be running the whole time. Make sense? Again, check the description for the info on the relays. I used wire that I had available and could carry the load my generator puts out. For yours you’ll need different gauge wire. If your generator only has one leg of power, you can simply jump it into two legs of power. There’s videos on this type of thing. Let me know what else I can help with.

  • @justintyme1449
    @justintyme1449 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Well, looks like your video is similar to my set up, but mine maybe way less complicated, so this maybe overkill.....
    I have a dedicated generator connected to a 60 amp ac to dc charger....to charge a small bank
    Mine only needs to be triggered by 12 volt low voltage, and stop when charged.....nothing more
    I had ordered a Magnum AGS-S Stand alone switch.....but out of stock for the last year.
    So im looking for a simple alternative......Thanks

    • @WhyNotRV
      @WhyNotRV  ปีที่แล้ว

      Awesome! Great to hear and I appreciate you watching!!

  • @earlzeis35
    @earlzeis35 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hello,
    Do you use your lithium battery bank for your generator or do you use an aux battery for the generator? I'd like to use an AGM for my generator. I would think a Victron DC to DC 12/12-30 smart charger would allow the solar/inverter charger/lithium batteries to charge the generator battery? Onan RV gensets do not put out a battery charge. So I need to keep it charged and maintained.
    Thanks,
    Earl

    • @WhyNotRV
      @WhyNotRV  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Where I had the original 12 V battery for the RV hi now still have a 12 V battery that is fed off of the Orion 48/12 - 30 DC/DC converter. It keeps that battery topped off and that battery is used for large loads such as starting the generator or the hydraulic slides

    • @earlzeis35
      @earlzeis35 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@WhyNotRV Sweet, I thought that should work. I'd do the same but my system will be all 12v. I'd have to look into the DC/DC settings as there wouldn't be an alternator. Guess I would have it activate by voltage settings vs looking for an alternator or ignition.

    • @WhyNotRV
      @WhyNotRV  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You can set it up as a charger or a power supply. I have mine set just as a power supply and it supplies constant 13.4v.

  • @chrisrondestvedt3305
    @chrisrondestvedt3305 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Watched the video a few more times noting that
    -it is for a cerbo gx
    - cerbo gx relay output points are for NO and NC and does not include COM
    -a ground instead of COM is used to start/stop the gen in this example while my remote switch uses a COM wire
    Since I would like to use my color control GX (CCGX) with the 3 wire Onan 3.6 ky gen remote switch (start, stop, com; start wire to COM, stop wire to CoM) the wiring to the relays would be different than that for the cerbo gx
    I understand from Victron that the CCGX relay only completes a circuit
    How would these factors change the wiring diagram I saw in the video?

    • @WhyNotRV
      @WhyNotRV  ปีที่แล้ว

      I’m not totally sure in this case without just being there and getting hands on. Using a multimeter to confirm certain things. Hopefully this video is useful to you as a guide and you can figure it out for your situation.

  • @Mudford63
    @Mudford63 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I need to setup my touch to do this too!

    • @WhyNotRV
      @WhyNotRV  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It’s a bit of upfront work but worth it in the long run.

  • @ringoandreas1563
    @ringoandreas1563 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hello, thanks for your video. I live in Germany and here you can't get any information about connecting a Cerbo GX to a generator. So thanks again. I have two more questions. First of all, in your cable routing, it is difficult for me to see where the red, green, orange, yellow (black and red) cable leads. Do these wires end in relay input 18? Question two: With how many amperes do the 12 v run to the Cerbo GX. It would be great if you could help me with that. Greetings Ringo

    • @WhyNotRV
      @WhyNotRV  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      The yellow and red (on the front side of my incommand panel) I tapped into those with a red and black wire that lead to the relays. Those go into the number 18 input on the relays (one to each one). One is to start the genny and the other to stop it. The cerbo is just a switch. It has amaximum input of 24v and 1 amp. It just sends the signal to the relay that has the higher amp capacity to talk to the genny. I believe 16 amps. again, you are just sending a signal to the generator so the load is pretty minimal. It is just about sending the signal to tell it what to do. I hope this comment helps you and others reading. Thank you for watching and reaching out.

  • @timmysrvlife
    @timmysrvlife 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Can you just connect start stop wire to the Cerbo's relay? Would it keep cranking the gen after it started?

    • @WhyNotRV
      @WhyNotRV  2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      You can not just connect straight to as the relay stays open or stays closed so it would constantly send the start signal which would constantly crank the starter and cause damage.

    • @timmysrvlife
      @timmysrvlife 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@WhyNotRV I have both the Cerbo and an Onan gen. I realized it will send the signal constantly. But I thought it might have some mechanism that stops crank when it starts like the cars nowadays.

    • @WhyNotRV
      @WhyNotRV  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Nope. That’s what you need these special relays that I used.

    • @earlzeis35
      @earlzeis35 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Onan RV gensets use a 3-wire start system. The Cerbo would only be directly compatible with a 2-wire start system. That's why the relays are needed or a remote start 2-wire to 3-way converter.

  • @tonykostansek9148
    @tonykostansek9148 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    it looks like you connected the Cerbo Com wire to the + input side of the relay feed. Why not connect it to the Ground side of the Relay? Never-mind having looked at it for a few minuets it makes sense now. Your sending the signal in and your need a high to trigger. I get it.

    • @WhyNotRV
      @WhyNotRV  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for the comment Tony and thanks for watching. Exactly as you said about the signal wire...

  • @Jennifer-007
    @Jennifer-007 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    How would this address the prime trigger us with gas Onan’s have to do before the start signal?

    • @WhyNotRV
      @WhyNotRV  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I would add another relay that first triggered the prime function… second relay triggers start… 3rd relay to stop. So when the Cerbo sends signal it would to to relay 1 and 2 together but relay 1 triggers immediately for X tone and rest 2 has a delay followed by trigger for X time. I believe these relays I used are capable of all that.

    • @Jennifer-007
      @Jennifer-007 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@WhyNotRV Thanks... great videos..... much appreciated.

    • @WhyNotRV
      @WhyNotRV  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Absolutely!!! Thanks for watching!

    • @ERazorDiy
      @ERazorDiy 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      see my recent post I'm going to be testing 4 relay configuration this weekend

    • @ERazorDiy
      @ERazorDiy 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      4 relay (stop/Prime, Delay, Start) and (Stop) tested and installed. Connected to cerbo gx in my RV works great on onan 5500

  • @simplyblessedrvlife9067
    @simplyblessedrvlife9067 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That’s cool

  • @DeekJohnson
    @DeekJohnson 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I need to do this...thx

    • @WhyNotRV
      @WhyNotRV  10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Absolutely!!!

  • @NickKarpen
    @NickKarpen 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great mods, but with all this stuff you keep adding you must be way over the weight rating of the RV.

    • @WhyNotRV
      @WhyNotRV  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks nick. The solar and batteries are definitely the biggest weight factors. This unit is designed to have the 5500 onan in it. This 3500 is a bit lighter than that one. I’ll weigh it one day. When I’m done with everything

  • @TP-xi7ri
    @TP-xi7ri 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    At 5:10 of the video I would have made every effort to not run that yellow gas line from the web of the I Beam frame of the trailer down under the flange of the I Beam. Thats just begging to be torn off by something kicked up on the road as you are traveling or getting hooked on something as you are backing into a campground spot, very dangerous. I would have run it through one of the two holes already cut into the web of the beam, or made a new hole for the gas line. TP

    • @WhyNotRV
      @WhyNotRV  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      That’s definitely a great piece to add here. I may consider moving it in the future. Fortunately in my case the front landing jack is right in front of it and hangs lower by a bit so while I doubt it will be an issue this is definitely a great added safety for sure. Thanks TP

    • @earlzeis35
      @earlzeis35 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The generator has the pump onboard. So there is no pump down steam or in the tank to push it to the generator. So all you'd loose is a tiny bit of fuel that's in the line, whether it was running or not.

    • @jeffrobison6619
      @jeffrobison6619 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@earlzeis35 His is an LP/propane, so he would empty his tanks. Mine actually has a prime pump, and the unit pump.