generator hrs

[gilunionhall]

hi guys -

i am looking at buying a used 2004 motorhome with an Onan 10 kw generator with a little over 5,000 - is that excessive and/or should i be concerned about that many hours?

tks,

gil

[Mr_D]

I wouldn't worry about it unless it's a gas unit, but it's a diesel and should go 25,000 with out much, if any, trouble.

[WeatherTodd]

I would see what the service manual says about maintenance intervals.
Figure even at minimal exercise usage it would have ~300hrs.

[SUMDALUS]

gilunionhall,

A 9 year old RV with 5000 hrs on the genset works out to:
555 hours per year or 46 hours per month or 1.5 hours per day.

A generator is made to be run and if it has, that's good. And if the mfr recommended service requirements have been adhered to religiously, that's FANTASTIC! The number of hours are not excessive, but check for service records.

I'd rather buy an RV with lots of hours and up to date service on the genset rather than one with minimal hours and no service on it!

Hope this helps.

[wa8yxm]

There are several ways a generator can "Wear out" but the normal modes are:

Engine issues: If it's running properly, and not burning oil, or leaking other vital body fluids, Then the motor is good, A tune up (Plugs etc) may be needed but even if it's "Fill the crankcase and check the gas" Overhaul is less expensive then replacement.

Generator, Normally the brushes do wear out over time.. Replacement of brushes is less expensive than replacement of generator. NOTE: a side effect. The slip rings the brushes brush, They can become corrorded if the generator sits too long, with an average run time of 1.5 hours per day.. I doubt this has happened.

Other failure.. Well,,, I once had to replace a bolt in an Ice Cream truck, the old one had rusted off, (It was an electrical connection) after that we got the unit started, found it not only generated power... It killed skeeters too (Needed a ring job).

Man who owned that ice cream truck put 3 kids through college with it.