Question on Generator

[martyc57]

Hi! My first post! I am in possession of an abandoned 1991 40' Fleetwood Bounder that has been sitting in a campsite for many years unused. I am trying to see if it is worth saving. It is strong structurally with solid chasis and I can see no water leaks. However, the owner took the factory installed generator with him when he abandoned the Motorhom. My question is: Does the absence of the generator interfer with the other electrical systems (like lights inside, fridge, etc) or the engine itself(like starting it up)? Can I attempt to start this vehicle even without the generator? Thanks all!

[Senior Chief]

Quick answer; your MH will function perfectly well without the generator. It is not related to the chassis systems (the automotive side; engine, tranny, starting battery) at all.

You will still be able to plug into shore power for the electrical needs of the house side (interior lights fridge, water pump, etc).

[wildtoad]

Unless he absolutely ripped it out and damaged a power transfer box or something you should be ok to start the coach without one. I would have someone who knows how these things are wired to check and make sure everything is properly terminated / connected.

[RJay]

The generator simply supplies AC power when shore power is not available. Many RV's don't have generators so you can use your coach normally. I would check to see if the alternator charges the coach batteries when the engine is running and the converter is charging your batteries when plugged into shore power. I'm sure that since the coach has sit so long that you will replace the batteries. Also make sure that the wires going to where the generator was is taped and secure.

[srydve]

Make sure the generator fuel supply is also securely terminated.

[Senior Chief]

Quote:

Originally Posted by srydve Make sure the generator fuel supply is also securely terminated.

Good point!

[The General]

Quote:

Originally Posted by martyc57 Hi! My first post! I am in possession of an abandoned 1991 40' Fleetwood Bounder that has been sitting in a campsite for many years unused. I am trying to see if it is worth saving. It is strong structurally with solid chasis and I can see no water leaks. However, the owner took the factory installed generator with him when he abandoned the Motorhom. My question is: Does the absence of the generator interfer with the other electrical systems (like lights inside, fridge, etc) or the engine itself(like starting it up)? Can I attempt to start this vehicle even without the generator? Thanks all!

Hi Marty,

I would add to all responses; If the engine has sat many years: the fuel is bad so drain any left in the tank, put fuel in the carb and see if it starts at all because there may be some reason why the owner abandoned the Bounder. Don't drive it until you check the tires, brakes and drivetrane.
Did you contact the DMV for info on the owner and if you can somehow assume ownership? If you can't own it, I would not invest any money in it.
Would you?


Steve

[wa8yxm]

Does the absence.....

NO, it does not, Not in the least, in fact he may well have done you a favor by taking it.

Issues I'd be worried about

FUEL system May need to be purged, you may have serious issues, on a gasoline engine the carb may need a D&C, and of course new filters.

Hydraulic brakes, if you have them, Master and any "Booster" cylinders may need replacement, slave (Wheel) cylinders or calipers as well, Roaters or drums may need turning.

Bearings, Lube everything before moving.

Wireing.. Look for a rat's nest, I mean real rats, not a messy wire job, check to insure it's not been nibbled upon.

Batteries,, Well, I suspect they need replacement. As do windshield wipers.

Beyond that..... Enjoy

[martyc57]

Wow! What a great community! Thanks for all your tips. For those interested in the whole story of this abandoned Fleetwood Bounder let me give u a bit of history. I am the son of the owner of a family campground here in Massachusetts that is now only accomodating 20 or so seasonal campers. Years ago, this one camper was staying seasonal but I understand he could not make payments on the Fleetwood MH and thus the bank took it over. But when a towtruck arrived to move it, the driver could not accomodate the huge size so he passed the task on to another company and that's where the ball got dropped...no one came for the camper for 8 years! I have called the previous owner and he gave me the tow company to call who passed me along to the collection agency who told me the bank has long ago cancelled any attempt to take possession. So, now I will see if it is worth saving so I can rent it to campers at my Dad's campground. I'd love to see the engine still able to function, but even if it doesn't, I could set it up on a site and just rent it weekly, monthly, or seasonally. I think my first task will be to see if the engine is any good....does it even turn over. Then I will check to see if water lines are still in tact (I am hoping the previous owner winterized it before he left). And then I will check all electrical systems. I was in it yesterday and, of course, it is moldy smelling and needs a good cleaning, but otherwise everything seems in tact. Even the tires are still inflated! There is no broken windows and all the owners manuals were left behind so I figure I'll start reading. I'll keep u guys posted!

[njs42]

Since this thread has basically answered the question; pardon me while a muse a moment.

I wonder how many of these things are out there---and I was pondering this just yeaterday. At my storage unit next to me there is a Damon (I think) Class A 34' sitting there which has been sitting in that place since 1998. As you can imagine it is in awful shape; it's junk. I reasoned that no reasonable person could rehab this thing--there would be no end to the cost.

Evidently there is some kind of squabble between brother and sister on an estate etc; So the rig just sits and the rent is paid every month $85.00, that's 13 years @ $85 per month.

The only good this thing is doing is to protect mine in case someone throws a rock into the storage place, provide shade for mine and to inspire me everytime I look at it to keep mine in top shape. Other than that what a waste---the futility of it all.

These kinds of replys are what gave rise to the delete button---but I just thought I would share some exciting thoughts from my mind---sort of on the subject.

Good luck on your project---maybe you can save the old thing---get some use out of it.

[mikejarman]

i have a 1984 pace arrow with a onboard mcgaw 6.5 generator i can not get it to slide out is ther a secret to it one side seams tobe looser than the other side
dose anyone know