Am I running my generator too much?

[RVBulldog]

I was wondering how much people run their generator. I just went on a 12 hour trip (each way). I ran it almost the whole time I was driving. We ran our air and used the microwave along with tv and other electronics.

Am I using it too much? Any problems?

[jesilvas]

Better use it than lose it.
Seriously though, it was meant to be used. Keep up with maintenance TO A "T" or better, and it'll be a long time before there's an issue.

[vsheetz]

We often run ours to keep the AC going. No problem.

[Excell]

I just got back from a 2800 mile trip .I put 24 hr on my gen. that is half of what it had when I got it . They don't seem to use much fuel so why not use it . It was 100F in Memphis TN 2 AC units ran all day while we were at Grace land .No problem it seems to run better now than before we left .

[Mr_D]

There was one picture posted of a diesel unit in a MH with 25,000+ hours on it and reportedly had no problems. We're getting close to 400 hours on ours but that's really not enough after 11 years.

[njs42]

If you maintain the generator then you are not hurting the generator by running it and you probably will not wear it out.

[H. Miller]

Depends on the type generator (you didn't say). A diesel should last "forever" with proper maint...

[LTZ470]

2100 hrs on my 5.5 Onan Marquis Gold...started running a little rough after 1800 hrs, adjusted valves installed new plugs, no problems, runs like new while in tow or camped...change oil every 120-150 hrs, two inline fuel filters, change all filters, fuel, oil, air regularly...I would carry a spare cooling fan belt just in case and I also carry a spare starter, oil, oil and air filter as well, sometime where we camp is a looonng way from a good shop or Onan parts...

[ga traveler]

I went to school on the Onan. I remember the instructor saying, the longest lasting and least trouble generators were on power line trimmer trucks. They used electric saws to cut limbs and ran the generators all day long.

[TonyDi]

Generators are meant to be run. I run my all the time when I'm on the road. Even when the coach is stored for the winter I go out at least once a month start it and put it under a load. Best thing you can do for your genny is use it.

[TheArnolds]

I have attended several Cummins/Onan seminars and was told over and over the biggest problem with generators is the lack of use. You need to run them and perform the scheduled maintenance and they will last a very long time. I run mine while driving in the summer to keep the coach cool and in the winter I start and run it under load for 2 hours per month. My diesel 6000 KW generator uses .7-.9 GPH under load and worth every penny to keep the coach cool in the summer.

[tom77hmstd]

We use the MH for towing race car trailer and staying all weekend. I crank the gen up in the yard b4 we leave and turn it off when we get home. 8000 quietdeisel 2000 hours and counting. Oil changes at 100-150hrs,longest run was 5 days straight.

[becks]

All good info above, as said they are made to be run. We run ours alot, and do all the mait required.

[RVBulldog]

Thanks.... I feel better knowing that