Onan 10K Diesel Generator

[al_mers]

Is it a requirement to only start the generator when the coach is not connected to 50 amp service?

[RV Wizard]

The generator should be started and ran for two hours under at least a 50% load every month. You can start and run the generator whenever you want to. There is an automatic transfer switch between the power cord and the generator; it can be started even when plugged into 50 amp 120/240vac 60 Hz. single phase service.

[ScottsJourney]

Hello, does that mean when your storing it for the Winter also?

[al_mers]

Mike,
Thanks for the information!

[nbounder]

I'm sure it means every month, regardless of the season. In the winter, I keep a 1Kw floor heater in the coach and plug it in about a minute after the genny starts. In the warmer months, I put the A/C on the same way. A genny needs exercise just like you & I. After running it for a time (I will admit I don't run it for a full 2 hrs), I remove the load and give it 15 minutes to cool down, then shut it off. Thats a much better routine than letting it sit for months on end. I exercise it 2X/Mo.

[ScottsJourney]

Thanks, I'll be out in the coach this weekend. The temps have been in the 20's here. I just bought it and haven't been able to spend much time in it. I'm going to get a heater and enjoy it.

[mhgypsy]

I would be inclined to let my "winter" temps determine whether I would run my gen set every month or not, especially if the coach is not being used. If you can't load it up enough to get it good and warm to get rid of any condensation developed from running, I wouldn't do it myself... all that will do is contaminate oil, cause unnecessary ring and cyl wall wear and reduce overall engine life. If you can keep the engine warm (ie: a block heater prior to starting) it would be better. My personal opinion, and others may disagree. My winters were in north central Alberta and I used a block heater on my 5.9 cummins in my pickup when it got down to the 20 degrees F range... on a timer for a couple hours.

[Zbugsii]

I have been to four different Cummins shops over the last two years. Being an engineer I am always curious about way too many things... So, when I see all the different RVs and generators being worked on.. I always ask what went wrong, so I can be prepared and informed should something happen to mine.

90% of the time, when I asked about 20 or so units, the techs all said the same thing... "The owner let it sit and did not run it, now they have major repairs." A rusted this, plugged that, generator brushes must be replaced as they got stuck and broke off.... You name it and it was a problem.

And all techs said the same thing, run the damn thing once a month. Start it up, let it get warm, put a decent sized load on it, let it run for a good 1 hour at least, remove the load, let it cool down a bit for 5 or so minutes, then shut if off. If this is done, you will get more hours out of it than you can believe, without problems.