Generator and AC Power System

General Information

The unit is wired for 110/208 VAC three phase power. The individual appliances run on 110VAC, with the exception of the steam kettle, which runs on 208 VAC three phase power. The power requirements of this unit are large, and cannot be supported by an ordinary 15 amp outlet.

The generator is a 33 Kilowatt diesel unit, located in an outside compartment on the left side of the truck behind the front wheel. It draws diesel fuel from the same tank that the truck engine does.

You may need to run the generator while driving to keep food cold in the refrigerators. While the generator may not need to be run 24 hours a day, it will need to be run enough to keep the refrigerators cold, the hot water hot, and the batteries charged.

Generator overview

Plugging the unit into commercial AC power or an external generator

There is a long heavy power cable in the outside left generator compartment. In order to plug the unit into commercial power or an external generator, it is necessary to unplug the generator from the truck, and plug in the heavy cable to the truck.

If the unit is powered from single phase power (IE 110/220 power, like a house or an RV), the steam kettle cannot be used, as it requires three phase 208 power. Turn off the breaker for the steam kettle to prevent burning out the kettle

Note that the large connector has a lock ring on the receptacle. If you have trouble removing the connector, rotate the lock ring, not the connector.
Generator cable and breaker

This is the adaptor cable that allows the truck to be plugged into single phase 110V/220V power.

Generator Controls for WIM 102

Starting the generator

Before starting the generator, first switch off the main generator circuit breaker. Let the generator run for a minute or so before switching on the main generator circuit breaker.

If the generator is cold, you will need to preheat the glow plugs in the engine before the generator will start. To do this, depress the preheat button for 30 seconds, and then push the start button on the same control panel that has the glow plug button.
Stopping the generator
To turn off the generator, first switch off the main generator circuit breaker, and then push "Stop".

The generator control panel above is on WIM-102, and is found in the generator compartment

Generator controls for WIM-103

Starting the generator

Before starting the generator, first switch off the main generator circuit breaker.

To start the generator, turn the toggle switch at the top from "off" to "on". Then push "Run" on the black control panel.

Let the generator run for a minute or so before switching on the main generator circuit breaker.

Stopping the generator
To stop the generator, switch off the main generator circuit breaker. Then push "off" on the black control panel, then push "enter". Then turn the toggle switch to "off", which will darken the black control panel

Generator control WIM-103

This generator control panel for WIM-103 is found behind the driver's seat.

Generator Oil

The oil for the generator should be checked regularly, including during long-term operations. Open the generator compartment and use the dipstick. The generator oil should be changed every 250 hours or every 6 months, whichever comes first.

The following appliances or equipment require single phase 110VAC.

    Hot Water Heater
     Fresh Water Pump
    Refrigerator and Freezer
    Lights in kitchen
    Lights for the serving area (switch over sink)
    Fans
    Convection ovens (Also requires propane).
     Microwave ovens
    Outside scene lights


The steam kettle requires 3 phase 208V power.

Light and Fan switches
on right side of truck above counter.

Circuit Breakers
The unit has circuit breakers behind the drivers seat, similar to those found in most houses. These are labeled to show which breaker controls which appliance. These can be reset by turning off and then back on. If the breaker trips off repeatedly, do not use the appliance, and report the problem so that it can be fixed. Circuit breakers

Electrical Outlets.

The unit has standard 15 amp 110 VAC electrical outlets inside and outside.

Outside lights

The unit has 110VAC outside lights, controlled by switches on the right hand side of the dash.

110 VAC Troubleshooting

The unit has a small nite light as an AC power indicator. If the night light is not on when the generator is running or it is plugged into the wall, the unit may not be receiving 110 VAC. Check the main circuit breaker on the generator (if running), check that the unit is correctly plugged in (if plugged in), and check the other circuit breakers in the left rear outside compartment.

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RAF 8/21/08