We have had ongoing hiccups with our transfer switch over the years, so finally decided to change it out. The symptom we had was when the generator was running, the switch would engage and power would come into the van. When an AC load was applied (varying from time to time on how big a load), the switch would disengage, and shut off power to the van. This would happen over and over again at times, and other times after a single disengage, the switch would work as it should. Not sure what caused the variance as sometimes it seemed like a big load (like the A/C), and other times a computer plugged into an AC outlet.
Anyway, project is a pain, mostly because of the location of the switch. It is on the back wall behind the AC breaker panel. It is not an easy place to access to remove and replace.
The original unit is a Parallax ATS30.
The replacement unit is a Parallax ATS301.
The form factor is different so new mounting holes need to be drilled in the back wall. But the new unit is much better built. There are terminal strips used to attach all the wires to in the ATS301, where the ATS30 uses short wire pigtails and wire nuts (not great in a van). The switch in the new unit is also sealed to keep out more grime, where the old unit it is fully exposed.
One "trick" to note as the disassembly for this was not found in the repair manual. You remove the two screws holding the bulkhead wall to the breaker panel wall and slide it towards the front of the van. I did not try to remove it from the cabinet as it goes flush out of the way. The breaker panel wall has four L brackets, one in each corner, attached to the floor and ceiling. You cannot really see behind there until the wall is removed, so be aware some blind screws need to be removed before the wall with the panel can be moved out of the way.
When mounting the new unit, be sure there is room for the cabinet bulkhead to fit because of the cable coming out the side (err to mounting the unit towards the rear of the van).
Photos attached.
Although the new unit appears to be mounted sideways, it is not. It is mounted vertically, the labels are mounted sideways. The manual can be found online. Price for the new unit is ~$110. Forgot to take photos of the inside, but likely can be found online somewhere.
Anyway, project is a pain, mostly because of the location of the switch. It is on the back wall behind the AC breaker panel. It is not an easy place to access to remove and replace.
The original unit is a Parallax ATS30.
The replacement unit is a Parallax ATS301.
The form factor is different so new mounting holes need to be drilled in the back wall. But the new unit is much better built. There are terminal strips used to attach all the wires to in the ATS301, where the ATS30 uses short wire pigtails and wire nuts (not great in a van). The switch in the new unit is also sealed to keep out more grime, where the old unit it is fully exposed.
One "trick" to note as the disassembly for this was not found in the repair manual. You remove the two screws holding the bulkhead wall to the breaker panel wall and slide it towards the front of the van. I did not try to remove it from the cabinet as it goes flush out of the way. The breaker panel wall has four L brackets, one in each corner, attached to the floor and ceiling. You cannot really see behind there until the wall is removed, so be aware some blind screws need to be removed before the wall with the panel can be moved out of the way.
When mounting the new unit, be sure there is room for the cabinet bulkhead to fit because of the cable coming out the side (err to mounting the unit towards the rear of the van).
Photos attached.
Although the new unit appears to be mounted sideways, it is not. It is mounted vertically, the labels are mounted sideways. The manual can be found online. Price for the new unit is ~$110. Forgot to take photos of the inside, but likely can be found online somewhere.
