RV Automatic Transfer Switch Testing and Replacement | RV With Tito DIY

What is an RV Transfer Switch and do you need one? How does it work and how can you replace it if it goes bad?
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Key Moments in the Video
00:00 What Does a RV Transfer Switch Do?
04:12 RV Automatic Transfer Switch Wiring
04:53 What is the difference between a 50A vs 30A RV Transfer Switch?
05:30 RV Automatic Transfer Switch Testing
08:09 How To Replace an RV Automatic Transfer Switch
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A List of Equipment Mentioned in the video (affiliate links)
Digital Multimeter: amzn.to/3LJtWht (Best Sellers)
NOALOX Anti-Oxidant: amzn.to/3Pv269K
50A RV Transfer Switches: amzn.to/46y2g7e
#rvwithtito #rvmaintenance #rvdiy
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed in our videos are our own or from a contributor. Before taking on any project or making a large purchase, we recommend you do your own research and consult a professional for advice. Be responsible and know your limits. We are NOT liable for any damage to your property or injury incurred as a result of following our tips, advice or instructions. We are not professionals or certified technicians. We simply have a desire to share ideas and experiences with others.
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This video may include links to merchants with affiliate programs who pay us a commission on purchases made or actions taken after clicking the link. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

[@edwardbroomfield2291]

Great video. I don't know how many times I've run across folks who were dead in the water and didn't even know where to start. I advise them to check the ATS, and their reply is what's that. Over the years, I've replaced mine twice. In both instances their was a problem with the buss bar. Since then, during my annual maintenance, I check all the connections, and usually, at least one of them is just a 1/4 turn lose. Since I started doing this, I've never had a problem. Keep up the videos you were a great help in designing my lithium/solar system.

[@RVwithTito]

It's definitely one of those black boxes that many RV owners wonder "what is that thing?" You're right. Routine checks on the torque is important.

[@martymalone4094]

Once again Brian, great video. You do such a good job. Love all of your videos so far.

[@RVwithTito]

Glad you like them! I'll keep them coming.

[@outbackwack368]

I learned about this stuff from great teachers like you! I wound up adding a second ATS to switch between shore, genny and inverter. Thanks!

[@danburks5444]

Good info. You confirmed what I suspected my power issue is. Thanks

[@64maxpower]

You have such a calming and rational disposition. Its easy to follow your topics

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks! I appreciate the thoughtful feedback.

[@dwanehoughtaling419]

Thank You. Very informative and educational. I'm sure I won't be swapping anything like this but at least I now understand the auto transfer switch and how it works.

[@candeffect]

I've always never had an ATS and still do. Good info to know encase I never not have one.

[@coreyfriedman2022]

Again and easy to understand video with great close up shots. Sometimes electrical is scary for me but your step by step instructions always seem to make sense.

[@RVwithTito]

Glad to hear that it's making sense. I suppose that it's a good thing that many are scared of it. It's best to have a clear understanding of what you're doing before you start so there's no guessing. The better your understanding, the less scary it is...like most things 👍

[@larrymiller8210]

I have the same motorhome. This is very useful when I have problems. Thanks for sharing!

[@RVwithTito]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johnroyer3191]

Thank you for this. I have one and didn't know how it worked.

[@RVwithTito]

You're welcome. Glad this helped clear things up for you.

[@DirectCurrent4u]

Great video Brian! When I bought the RV new I knew this was a must have so I built my own 50 AMP Transfer Switch for my RV. I had the same type of issues with the ones you fine online etc.. Originally everything was 30 Amps but I upgraded everything to 50 A to accommodate everything and not having to be conservative. lol. I put all the controls for the Transfer Switch in a 12"x12" x6" Nema 3R enclosure. I put twist lock receptacles on my enclosure so that it is pretty much plug-and-play (quick change). My Solar is priority and my generator or shore power is my secondary. It runs 24 seven Year round and so far it's been working flawlessly for the past eight years. Transfer switches are definitely a must have for convenience. Keep up the awesome work and really appreciate you sharing this video with us. I'm sure it will help a lot of people out. Looking forward to your next video keep up the great work and stay safe out there.Cheers DC.

[@RVwithTito]

Nicely done! Thanks for sharing your setup. I'll crack open the transfer switch I removed to see if I can find out what's wrong. I have a use for it in my off-grid / emergency power setup in the shop.

[@patrysUSA]

Great video Brian. I that exact issue on my 2001 National Tradewinds last month. On mine however I also had corroded cables in the generator junction block which complicated the fault tracing. I found a used controller and changed out the control board which solved the switching problem. Upon closer examination of the old board, I found I bad solder joint that was the culprit, probably caused by vibration.

[@flipsrvlife4579]

Great switch out.

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks!

[@AstrologerJoe]

Very informative video..Thanks, Brian !!

[@RVwithTito]

My pleasure!

[@daniellel256]

Another great video Brian. We own a class C Winnebago that also had a bad transfer switch. Thank you for mentioning check the touques. I’ve read of wires burning because of inadequate torquing on the transfer switch. Lots of power passing through. Thanks again.

[@RVwithTito]

Yup. Loose wires at high current can have pretty bad consequences. I've also seen it change the voltage which can cause the ATS to detect bad voltage. So it's a good thing to check periodically.

[@wondersteven]

While I had my ATS out a few years ago to do maintenance, I also took the time to put ferrules on each wire as well and then torqued them to spec.

[@RVwithTito]

I like using ferrules too. I do have ferrules on the cables with lots of copper strands in the ATS but not on the thick stranded 6 AWG cables. I found that the ferrules just don't compress and crimp on there.

[@timf6916]

Good job

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks!

[@jimsjacob]

Excellent Brian! I replaced mine with the recent Lithium/Victron Inverter project. I noted the recommendations on torquing stranded cables 2 to 3 times. I was surprised at how after each snugging down of the screw, I’d wiggle the cable a tad and then retorque it. It would snug down further on the first 2 or three times I did that. Avoids poor connections that lead to heat and possible issues down the road. Carry on good sir!! 😊

[@RVwithTito]

Glad you enjoyed this one and thanks for the retorque tip. 👍

[@Life.After.Retirement]

Great video, thanks for sharing. We had the same issue in May this year, it would work for a few minutes while it was cold, then kick out and no power until it cooled off again. We were boondocking, so we were on generator power and no way to get the transfer switch, so I just pulled the cable and put a socket on it and pluged the shore line cable into this new generator socket. It worked until I was able to get a new transfer case. I think I caused the failure buy putting a storage box in the bay, not enough air circulating around, so I think it burned up. I still store a box in there on move day, but take it out as soon as we are setup.

[@RVwithTito]

I'm always thinking of work arounds also and have concluded that I don't need to carry a spare ATS. Like you did, I know that I can connect it up manually if I need to. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@cullenmiller8170]

The last time my transfer switch didn’t want to work I traced it down to the pedestal. Someone had been meddling in there. The neutral was unhooked and taped. I was cussing the RV since it was late at night and dark and just ended up putting my battery charger on my battery bank for the night. The next day I figured it all out and had to apologize. 😂😂

[@RVwithTito]

Funny. Once I pulled into a campground at night and needed to charge up. When I opened up the pedestal, there was a giant beehive inside 🐝with little guys swarming around. Didn't want to deal with that. So I just went to bed and let the sun charge me up the next day.

[@my_channel_44]

Built my own! Relays and delay timers.

[@RVwithTito]

Nice! Definitely could do that too.

[@TommyLuptak]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@RVwithTito]

You bet!

[@wxdad6256]

Thank you for the explanation. I just bought a new toy hauler and the dealer could'nt explain this to me.

[@RVwithTito]

Figures 😊. Glad to help

[@jamescampolo7824]

As another test, You should unplug the shore cable, with the generator running and test that there is no power bleed going out the shore plug. You don't want 240vAC being fed out the shore plug when it is not in use.

[@RVwithTito]

I may not have had that in the video but I did test that for both the gen and shore power. Thanks for pointing that out.

[@jamescampolo7824]

@@RVwithTito I had a problem one time in that I was running on shore power and turned on my inverter that also fed the breaker panel in the RV. That poped the GFCI on the shore power. It would have been a good idea to have a device that switched between the inverter and shore. I just remember not to try to connect both to the breaker main at the same time. I don't want to spend the money and time to install the cuttover switch.

[@RVwithTito]

@@jamescampolo7824 On our last RV I had it set up to manually switch between inverter and shore power, but eventually automated it for my wife. She was hesitant to switch it on her own. Afterwards, she could just turn on the inverter and it was automatic.

[@IamSpectre2020]

Brian your always so more interesting content than other channels that bend over backwards to flash us all, how much money they make and spend on vacations to Italy for a month while we have spent countless hours watching dull watch me perform videos but stayed on just to encourage them. I guess they forgot their roots and how much real Americans are suffering these days and it's all kind of insulting. I appreciate that I am not bombarded by any commercials and sponsors on your channel and it's about you but what you do and how you do it. Thank You. Some others would have bought a 1970 something Motorhome hire a contractor to Victron it to hell and pay $100K and give it away, Kudo's to you Brian just had to vent sorry. Always enjoy your video's.

[@RVwithTito]

I really appreciate your comment and your blunt honesty. Thanks so much for sticking with me. I prefer to make videos that I (and other like-minded individuals) would want to watch. It's a real balancing act though when it comes to ads, reviews and sponsorships. Like many other popular KZbin channels, the inbox is filled with offers for products and partnerships. So you have to be selective and "just say no thanks" for 99% of them. Nevertheless, there is usually some kind of educational take-a-way even for those who may never do that specific project or buy that piece of equipment. You're not alone though. Many I've spoken to feel the same way. Over the years, I have stopped watching many channels for a number of reasons. Perhaps my interests have evolved beyond vlogging. Thanks for keeping it real :)

[@raybbj]

SAFETY TIP: When doing this repair, be sure to protect the inputs. Make sure no one inadvertently plugs the shore power into a power source or start the Generator, especially the remote start button on the inside of the rig. Getting zapped hurts !!!

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks Ray. Hope you're not speaking from experience :) If that generator were to start up while I was in there, I'm sure I'd jump back and hit my head :)

[@raybbj]

Yup. Used to work as an electrician in a former life. Pro tip - don’t rely on co-workers to cut the circuit even though they said they did. Always test it before you touch it

[@RVwithTito]

​@@raybbjDidn't know that about you. You're right. Can't be too careful. I definitely was using my tester each time beforehand. Thanks for the reminders.👍

[@IamSpectre2020]

LOL well said @@RVwithTito

[@cartrip2559]

Great video. I have a similar ATS. I noticed that for both mine and yours, the wires for the generator appear smaller than the wires for Shore Power and the wires to the RV load panel. Why do you think that is? They all need to carry 120v and 50amp on both legs.

[@mikebrant192]

Something you didn't mention in this video, is that the frequency of an unloaded generator will vary, usually a little high, until the generator is loaded, at which time the generator frequency settles right down to 60 (or 50 if you are in Europe). This is entirely normal and desirable. This was a great tutorial, as usual, though. I'm really happy you mentioned torque settings. Torque settings, and the importance of torque, are not well-understood by a lot of people. Could you do a tutorial on that subject?

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks for the suggestion. There's certainly a bunch of extra detail I could have added, but didn't want it go on and on. Trying to keep it concise.

[@allentowngal4769]

Love these videos... Is there any way you can give a rough estimate on time/ hrs, and costs for these things? I realize it varies in diff parts of the country, but us female, non-mechanics get tired of being ripped off.. like for turn signal oil & "special air" for tires. 😉😏🤪

[@RVwithTito]

Transfer switches vary in price from $150ish and up. There's a link in the video description that will list several. You can see the price difference. The layout usually varies from one unit to another. So it's usually a good idea to find an exact replacement to minimize any need for re-cabling it. Good idea keeping those turn signals oiled up :)

[@michaelstewart1776]

Great and timely video! Have you seen a delay in getting shore power? Meaning, when you initially plug into shore, how long does it take you to see the power feed? My transfer switch delays long enough to the point I thought it failed but 5+ minutes later, wholah...

[@my_channel_44]

It's got a delay timer meant for a generator. Something probably wired backwards, how long is the delay for the generator? Are there adjustable pots to change the delays?

[@michaelstewart1776]

@@my_channel_44 it is many minutes. I have to check. The switch is under the bed which is not too easy to see. I'm wondering if the previous owner screwed something up when they removed an inverter. Thanks

[@RVwithTito]

It can vary based on the type of ATS. Some have a delay for surge protection or other line testing before switching.

[@shanec.7105]

Did you do a video on integrating a solar power from inverter to a current existing RV distribution box? If the old unit is a converter box to run AC appliances and dc consumables, how would you fit the Victron solar/ battery power into the unit? Do you bypass and skip the old unit or hook it in where the solar power goes into the RV power panel?

[@RVwithTito]

It depends on your inverter. If your inverter is also a charger, then you don't need the converter anymore. Here's a video about the inverter (kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5TZdWmKi7Wpd5Ysi=mB3svrPFw1zMNcqw) and here's one that talks about the battery hookup (kzbin.info/www/bejne/pp-6oZWdoqqbjLMsi=8AiKBkIZ6lUuOmfs&t=283)

[@michaelhughes9107]

Your channel helps so much! I'm stuck on an 2 issues. I'm adding solar to my 2004 30amp bounder, 900 watts of panals with 2 new 400 amp lithium batteries as power source,and going with the victron products, but need to also upgrade my factory installed transfer switch (don't I ?)...but really have'nt noticed hardly any mention of the need or how to. does the 12 volt multiplex have a transfer switch on board? I'm aware that combining the batteries to 24 volts with the proper 24 to 12 volt converter present, can be a good way to go! Did you consider the 24 vs 12 volt source whdn installing your upgrades?

[@RVwithTito]

(1) Your factory ATS switches between shore and generator input power. If you still have a generator then you'll need keep the ATS installed. The auto transfer switch in the Multiplus controls the transfer from AC passthrough power (from your ATS output) to inverter power (from batteries). Another option is to install a Victron Quattro 2 which can accept both shore power and generator inputs and eliminate the need for your current ATS. (2) I decided to stick with 12V for two reasons. I was using 3 x 12V batteries which couldn't be combined to make 24V. Second: It simplified my installation and integration with existing systems. Yes, I had to use thicker cable and larger solar charge controllers. Hope this helps.

[@anthonyb2334]

Thank you for your videos. On my to do list is check all connections on my Vista’s ATS. Is that a quarter inch drive torque wrench? And what is the torque spec for these connectors? Thank you again

[@RVwithTito]

Can't remember the torque spec, maybe 25-30 in-lbs?? Yes, that's a 1/4" torque wrench from Amazon (amzn.to/496Ity1)

[@anthonyb2334]

@@RVwithTito thank you Brian.

[@JohnnyDollar1973]

I've done some electrical work before, but I've never worked as fast as you did. 😂

[@RVwithTito]

Too much coffee or movie magic? :)

[@davidlegge8303]

My ATS defaults to the generator side so if the internal switch fails I'll only get power from the generator. One evening, after pulling into a remote USFS campground that is exactly what happened. No power when plugged in (EMS said there was power) but power on generator. Turns out one of the small wires from the ATS circuit board had come loose. Once that was reattached everything worked great. Only took 2 hours to solve that one!

[@RVwithTito]

That's often the case isn't it. Hours troubleshooting to find a loose or disconnected wire :) Glad it was that easy though.

[@OldManandtheSuperC]

Can you explain why some say you need to replace your ATS with a BIM when you go solar ????

[@djohnson1189]

Brian, thanks for the video. I have a toy hauler with 50amp service and an onboard Onan 5500 watt gen. Mine came with 200 watts of solar new, so this spring I added a 2000 inverter. My question is how can I add the inverter to the ATS with only 2 inputs?

[@RVwithTito]

It's not a simple answer/solution unfortunately. I'm assuming it's not a hybrid inverter. You can either (1) have a dedicated set of outlets just for the inverter, or (2) create a cord to plug the shore cable into the inverter. In the second scenario you must switch off or disable the charger (very important). Here's a video that is sort if in topic and may give you some ideas. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3K2gIKwiqiFqtEsi=uHpQn_CawMxqUJNA

[@djohnson1189]

Thank you Brian, i appreciate the response. I have a Renogy 2000 watt inverter, not a hybrid. When I installed the inverter I went with your option # 2, sort of. I wired the inverter directly to a 30amp RV plug I mounted in my generator bay. I have a 30amp RV cord with a 50amp receptacle that I plug into the shore power inlet. But as you say, I have to remember to throw the breaker on my converter/charger. Do you think there's a way to add an additional transfer switch to make the process easier and would only power the outlets, so I just have to turn on the inverter? Thanks again for the advice and all of your content.

[@RVwithTito]

You could add a second ATS or just a manual crossover switch. It would be good to add some kind of indicator light so you know where the power is coming from.

[@CFPVideoProductions]

How are you making out with the 12 volt Air Conditioner. I am very interested. I have a 2005 35 foot Winnebago very similar to yours.

[@RVwithTito]

Not done yet but I'm on the home stretch with the install. I'll report more soon and have been sharing updates on Patreon.

[@jonathanowens2337]

What's that little extra connector that your generator supply attaches to in the box? Does your gen only have 1-leg output or something?

[@RVwithTito]

I wired both 30A legs from the generator in parallel. It's something I needed to do in order for it to get full power with my inverter. I didnt feelnit was relevant to this discussion, but I talk more about it in this video about 11 minutes in kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4ebkoaCqcR4qNUsi=2wCmOUdjsY2qEDpZ

[@jonathanowens2337]

@@RVwithTito Interesting, in other installations of that design I've seen just one merged leg carried into the transfer switch. Did the switch require both to detect current, or were you just trying to keep two legs all the way through? How does the multiplus 2x120 handle two legs with the same phase?

[@RVwithTito]

@@jonathanowens2337 I'm thinking the Multiplus checks both legs for split-phase. If it detects single phase, then it just takes the input from L1 and splits the output across both legs. I could be wrong, but that's my understanding. I could probably just use L1 going in (like you said) and it would work the same.

[@Assassin1959]

Thanks, Tito, for a great video. But, you will not, ever, ever see me sticking my hands where there are cables and electricity.

[@RVwithTito]

Good plan. Thanks!

[@brianvandy4002]

I don't know that it matters, but did you notice your ATS is wired against standard? Normally Black is L1 and Red is L2. I don't think it matters and it looks like all three lines going into and coming out of your ATS were all wired the same, but I recently looked this up wiring my Multiplus in so I noticed it when you cracked the ATS open. The lines inside for the ATS works were wired to the standard.

[@RVwithTito]

Good eye. You noticed :) You're right. Per NEC, black is L1 and red is L2, but it really doesn't matter as long as you're consistent and your legs are balanced. I do plan to swap them though. Originally, my RV electrical panel was wired with red on L1 for some reason. So I wired my Multiplus the same...then the ATS. Next time I crack my Multiplus open I'll get it done. I should have probably done that prior to this video though :P

[@thetinkercook5430]

Checked for reversed polarity? Grounded neutral? Your surge protector should have indicated it, probably. Should have a box with fault displays

[@RVwithTito]

The neutral wasn't swapped. There should not be a ground/neutral bond in the RV which is wired like a sub-panel. However, the ground/neutral will be bonded when the shore power cord is connected to my house service panel. Yes, the surge protector will look for all of those things plus under/over voltage.

[@thetinkercook5430]

@@RVwithTito Anecdote: I stopped at a friend's house, which they lived in for 30 years. I tried to plug into their exterior outlets, and I could not get an electrical connection. I have an internal surge protector, so I had to go inside to look at the display. It translated to "reversed polarity." Everyone of his outside and garage outlets had the hot and neutral reversed. Surprise to him and me. He had some computer components burn out frequently, but chocked it up to poor manufacturing.

[@RVwithTito]

@@thetinkercook5430 Wow. Good thing you stopped by to solve the mystery.

[@garyag45]

👍😎🦅🇺🇸

[@scottbell5867]

Robert's drive screw driver

[@RVwithTito]

Robertson I believe. Maybe it's Robert Robertson :)

[@SpykersB]

It’s challenging for some americans to remember lol. 🍻

[@RVwithTito]

@@SpykersB I figured most weren't going to know what a Robertson bit was. So I opted for "little square bit" instead :)

[@ssteele1812]

Everyone that owns an RV built after 1980 or so has one of these screwdrivers, even if they don't know what its called. I have several #2 Square drive bits in mine.