Newbie and Generator

gklehner · 03-08-2011, 02:36 PM

Purchased a '97 gulf stream with a generac generator. Works well, quick start, load/unloads properly, has no bearing noise, appears in good working order. That said, between the noise and vibration (not big, but can feel in the floor) it doesn't seem like something we'd like running too much. Is this normal in the smaller class C (21') rigs? Most likely we will be staying in areas with available shore power (first shake down cruise this weekend, close and easy). Other than the noise and vibration question, and other than boondock stays, when do you really use the generator??
Any feedback will be greatly appreciated!!

Greg, Karen and the kids (dogs, both retrievers, Clemmy and Atty).

wildtoad · 03-08-2011, 02:59 PM

When I had a Winnebago Rialta (21 ft) it had a small gen at the left rear. When cranked it was noisy and you could feel the vibrations. Only ran it when there was no power available which as you indicate was a rare situation. Most of the hours on the gen was from monthly maintenance runs. If we had to park in the summer with the pets inside say for lunch we would crank the gen to run the AC.

Tom

mr300ce · 03-08-2011, 03:30 PM

Boondocked many many nites in my old 22' Lazydaze without a generator. Used 2 6v batteries. Ran my little roof mounted 12v evap cooler when it was too hot.

You could make some new rubber mounts for your gen. That would help the vibrations, and add a motorcycle dirt bike muffler to quiet it down.

Those mufflers are straight-thru, so you won't create a back-pressure problem.

dsbike · 03-08-2011, 03:57 PM

I run my gen about once a month for about 15 mins with a load on it. We use it when we are stopped at a rest area & need to have electrical power or heat or cooling. I also run the gen if we are traveling in the summer & it is very hot, we then run the a/c units because the dash a/c is not enough to cool down the MH.