Gensets

[DLane]

On recent model Newmar Ventanas the standard Genset was a Power Tech 8.0 kw unit and there was an optional ONAN 7.5 kw genset. Does anyone have any experience with the Power Tech and ONAN and could you provide pros and cons to each. Does 8 kw -vs- 7.5 have any significance? In looking at left over and pre-owned coaches, you don't have a choice, but if the Power Tech is not reliable, I would avoid units with this genset.

Thanks,

Don

[DLane]

On recent model Newmar Ventanas the standard Genset was a Power Tech 8.0 kw unit and there was an optional ONAN 7.5 kw genset. Does anyone have any experience with the Power Tech and ONAN and could you provide pros and cons to each. Does 8 kw -vs- 7.5 have any significance? In looking at left over and pre-owned coaches, you don't have a choice, but if the Power Tech is not reliable, I would avoid units with this genset.

Thanks,

Don

[porscheracer]

It appears that for '09 the Onan is standard. I know nothing about Power Tech, but it has a Kubota diesel - and they are no slouch in the small diesel industry.

[Spikester]

I know the 08's have 8.0KW Onan's quiet diesels gensets, think the 07's also utilized 8.0KW Onan Quiet diesel gensets. Not sure in years prior to 07.

Spike

[Lug_Nut]

I believe the Onan is quieter than the Power Tech, but both are fairly reliable. The Onan, in the 7.5/8.0 KW is a varitable RPM DC inverted gernset. That is to say, it does not have to maintain 1800 or 3600 RPM, required by all AC generators to produce 60 HZ cycles.

The Onan however, may make more sense in a Newmar as Onan is owned and serviced by Cummins, the prime mover in all late model Newmar Diesel equipped coaches. The Power Tech is sold and serviced by Cat.

If you were buying a used rig, I would not let it be a deal breaker though. They both will run relatively trouble free in most cases. Good luck.

Peter

[Shaun and Amy]

I think the way I would look at it is that Onan has been around for a LONG time and there are LOTS of them out there. I think you would have better luck in finding someone to repair it if needed or more people with general knowledge of it. Our first Onan, which is a 1979, is still used to power the house if the power goes out.

Good luck.

[tarpontiger]

I have owend 2 ventanas the 1st had a powertech and had some problems. I now have a 3933 with ownan 7.5 quiet. Have run it as long as 100+ hours without shutting down. I have had now problems. Mt tech at the dealer would not directed knock powertech but much prefers the onan series. Hope this helps Tarpon Tiger

[Dav5942]

Yes, when were buying our present coach we had the opportunity to evaluate both gensets on two new AllStars equipped with 3 ACs.

With the Onan 7.5 everytime the 3 third AC came on the Genny would shut down-no breaker trip-just shut down.

With the 8.0 PowerTech(which we ended up ordering), it would run all 3 ACs-no problem.

We also found the PowerTech to be significantly quietier than the Onan.

Having had Onans for many years(with great luck) we were a little nervous about ordering the PT but as we have had no problems in over two years(over 400 hours) we would certainly not hesitate to buy one again.

[Jay W]

My 05 DSDP has the 8.0 Power Tech and we have had 350 hours of trouble free operation. I see no record that the previous owner had any problems either.