Good deal on a generator?

[Dizzyman]

A friend dropped by today and told me that while visiting a friend in SE Missouri recently he was shown the Onan Genny located below and was told it was for sale. Knowing I was converting a bus he said he would pass the info on. At this point I don't know the history of the unit other than it is in good running condition and has a remote start. He said the asking price was $1,000 but that was negotiable. My friend is an electrician and said it looked good although since it was not hooked up to fuel he did not see it run.

I am looking to power two RV roof AC units, medium size home fridge, microwave and occasional other kitchen type tools along with an LED TV. Stove and water heater will be propane.


Think it is worth looking into seriously?

[PNW_Steve]

That generator should handle the loads you detailed.

However, if both a/c's, the fridge compressor and the microwave all try and start at the same time you may exceed the capacity.

I expect that you noticed but just in case: That is a gasoline generator and your bus is diesel. That means another fuel tank to manage.

[Santa]

This is something I considered.

I'm still however investigating and researching as you should too.

I'm no expert on the matter, but this is a unit I was looking at.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Duromax-...00EH/300659728

[Twigg]

Originally Posted by Santa

This is something I considered.

I'm still however investigating and researching as you should too.

I'm no expert on the matter, but this is a unit I was looking at.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Duromax-...00EH/300659728

So at 72 dB that one is LOUD

It always seemed to me that when sizing a generator you should start with the anticipated load, then add a little overhead. If you buy a 12kW generator but only ever need 2kW of power you are running a much larger engine than you need and paying for the fuel.

The lightest and quietest are the inverter generators, with the 2000 W size coming in at under 60 dB, and as every 3 dB doubles the noise level, you can see where 72 dB ends up.

One feature of the small gennys is that they can be run in parallel to double the power output.

For example, if your regular anticipated load was 2kW, but occasionally you would need double that, you can parallel two together to get it. As prices have come down, you could have 2 of the Champion 3100 for $700 each.

That's really not bad for what you get.

Of course, you have to do the calculations for your own situation

[Dizzyman]

Originally Posted by PNW_Steve

That generator should handle the loads you detailed.

However, if both a/c's, the fridge compressor and the microwave all try and start at the same time you may exceed the capacity.

I expect that you noticed but just in case: That is a gasoline generator and your bus is diesel. That means another fuel tank to manage.

The fact that it is gasoline is why I want to see if this is a REALLY good deal or not. If not, then I will keep looking for diesel. I’m beginning to think it’s not so much.

Thank you for your advice, all good.

[Jdawgsfanasty]

Originally Posted by Dizzyman

The fact that it is gasoline is why I want to see if this is a REALLY good deal or not. If not, then I will keep looking for diesel. I’m beginning to think it’s not so much.

Thank you for your advice, all good.

It is my opinion but some onans run at 1800rpm and need a carbon cleaning every so often...I worked on them for a short time...they are tough gennys...personally I'd stay with diesel for simplicity

Also, there's "rail-mounted" gennys in the big rig market...might find a solid unit in a salvage yard...

Sent from my VS500PP using Tapatalk

[Dizzyman]

Originally Posted by Jdawgsfanasty

It is my opinion but some onans run at 1800rpm and need a carbon cleaning every so often...I worked on them for a short time...they are tough gennys...personally I'd stay with diesel for simplicity

Also, there's "rail-mounted" gennys in the big rig market...might find a solid unit in a salvage yard...

Sent from my VS500PP using Tapatalk

I think your right, diesel it will be. Had not thought of big rig salvage, great idea sir!

[Jdawgsfanasty]

Originally Posted by Dizzyman

I think your right, diesel it will be. Had not thought of big rig salvage, great idea sir!

[emoji106]

Sent from my VS500PP using Tapatalk