Generator - Auto Start

Some of my questions on this forum may paint the incorrect picture that I am inexperienced.  This 3100 will be my fourth motorhome.  We traveled as full-timers for 10 years and loved it, but 10 years was enough!  I am very experienced, BUT...there are some things I am "fuzzy" on, such as auto gen start.  I fully understand how it works, but my question is a loaded one....is it really necessary? 

How many of you have this feature?  I have never had it and really never thought about it or wished I had it.   I am thinking I would like to do more short-term boondocking and have ordered solar panels, so would auto-start be a nice feature?

Your thoughts, please, on generator auto-start? 

Barry T

I am a little ambivalent on auto-start.  One the one hand I suppose it could save the batteries if you got into a situation where they were going below the 50% recommended discharge.  On the other hand do you really want the generator to start up on its own?  I'm not sure.

In your case (and mine) if you have solar panels they are constantly charging the batteries so that eliminates at least part of the need for the auto-start.  As long as the sun is shining of course.   If boondocking then you need to be monitoring the battery level and not go below what your solar can make up during the day.  Our last trip out we dry camped for two days and the batteries were back to 100% by sundown each day.  And that was with partially cloudy days.

I think I would prefer to not have the auto-start but have an audible alarm if the battery goes below a set level.  Then I can decide to either start the generator or cut back on the load.

When needing to run the generator my preference is to start the unit, give it a minute or two of unloaded runtime, then start the appliance or air conditioner.  This provides time for the generator to reach operating temp, and also verifies that the unit is running correctly.   Personally, I would likely avoid using any generator auto-start feature; although I have to admit that it does have a certain appeal.

I agree with the above replies I would not want the auto start feature.  I prefer having a good battery monitor such as the Victron or Bogart unit and depending on the SOC (state of charge) decide myself when to run the generator.  I have the Victron unit and it provides the capability of an alarm at user determined SOC but I don’t use this feature.  I expect the Bogart unit has this option as well.  We also have solar panels for routine battery charging while boondocking.

I think one might make a case for the auto start if pets were kept in the coach while the owners were away during times when AC was essential for the pets and shore power was lost.  We don’t have a pet so the auto start would provide little to no value for us.  Maybe other reasons but none come to mind.

Thanks for the replies.   The replies may have pushed on the side of the fence of not getting the feature.  Now, my idea of boondocking is relying on the generator when I need it or I want it, as long as it is allowed (within hours, etc) or is during reasonable hours of the day as to not disturb any neighbors.  I really dont see me going completely off the grid for long periods.  There are two occasions when I see boondocking for more than a few days...Alaska (2020?) or Key West (winter) where the Naval Base allows two weeks of FHU and then to a  boondocking area until your name comes back to top of list for FHU, which could be several weeks (water and dump stations are available).

I sense that most on this forum are not only experienced RVers, but also experienced with Phoenix Cruisers.  This is refreshing.  I am on some other manufacturers  Facebook pages and shocked at some of the questions and comments.  Threads go on forever on the most inane topics.  This is not directed to all "newbies", we were all newbies at one time (I'm a Phoenix Cruiser newbie).  Now I ramble.  Ramble over...

BFTOWNES:

You might want to consider a portable battery jump starter.   We carry one in our RV,  Fortunately, never had to use it during travel, but the jump starter had no problem charging the battery in my wife's almost-dead car (she left the ignition key in and set to the [Aux] position ).    Also have used the jump starter to assist a few fellow RVers with batteries which went DOA during their travel.  Easier and more convenient (and safer) then jumper cables.

I put the auto-start on my build list because my main reason for the RV is for dog shows.  If the power goes, my generator will start and the A/C will be able to run.  But if I didn't have the dogs, I probably wouldn't get it.

What I don't know is if the generator will also shut itself off when the power comes back on.  Does anyone know?

Peg