Dropping a generator

[Sailorkane]

I have a 2003 Winnebago Class A Journey DL. Onan genset is throwing a code. Not on a slide. Trying to figure a reasonable-cost method of dropping the genset. I have 19" clearance under front fiberglass "bumper" panel. Genset is 22" tall. So, at a minimum I have to raise the front of the coach 3". 12 bolts will release the genset to be lowered. Having trouble making the final leap to dropping the genset. ATV or Motorcycle jack would probably lower the unit, but the ones I've seen are 5" deep at a minimum and only raise to 17". This means I now need to raise the coach 8" rather than 3". That is a huge difference. If I could lower it onto a piece of plywood and slide it out on the plywood, I would need to raise the coach only 3-4". Does anyone have any ideas? Am I missing something dumb? Pallet jacks are about 5" deep as well. A real fork truck might do it, but really don't want to spend that much money. Local cummins dealer will repair the genset but wants over $1000 just to remove and put back the generator, probably making a $1800 repair.

[bry899]

Originally Posted by Sailorkane

I have a 2003 Winnebago Class A Journey DL. Onan genset is throwing a code. Not on a slide. Trying to figure a reasonable-cost method of dropping the genset. I have 19" clearance under front fiberglass "bumper" panel. Genset is 22" tall. So, at a minimum I have to raise the front of the coach 3". 12 bolts will release the genset to be lowered. Having trouble making the final leap to dropping the genset. ATV or Motorcycle jack would probably lower the unit, but the ones I've seen are 5" deep at a minimum and only raise to 17". This means I now need to raise the coach 8" rather than 3". That is a huge difference. If I could lower it onto a piece of plywood and slide it out on the plywood, I would need to raise the coach only 3-4". Does anyone have any ideas? Am I missing something dumb? Pallet jacks are about 5" deep as well. A real fork truck might do it, but really don't want to spend that much money. Local cummins dealer will repair the genset but wants over $1000 just to remove and put back the generator, probably making a $1800 repair.

Build a solid ramp and drive the front wheels up on top of it, you can use 2x lumber and make a homemade wooden ramp (google it for ideas).
I have a 4.5" high wooden ramp I use at home for leveling, each 1.5" rise has a flat spot so I stop where the height is needed (3 spots, 1.5", 3", & 5"), it is wide enough for both dual rear tires

[bry899]

Originally Posted by bry899

Build a solid ramp and drive the front wheels up on top of it, you can use 2x lumber and make a homemade wooden ramp (google it for ideas).
I have a 4.5" high wooden ramp I use at home for leveling, each 1.5" rise has a flat spot so I stop where the height is needed (3 spots, 1.5", 3", & 5"), it is wide enough for both dual rear tires

Here is 1 example from Google: How to make a wooden car ramp.

[blevtr]

I have my generator out right now, it was much easier to pull the front clip for access and clearance. I also have a leaking heater core and several mount brackets that had un-bonded themselves so pulling the nose was a necessity. I used a borrowed transmission jack and had no problems. The nose was a couple hours moving at Old Man Speed, there are many posts on how-to. The generator only came out for routine service 'cause I'm anal.

[Isaac-1]

I just had to drop my generator to get to the back side to change the starter, I used a motorcycle jack similar to this one https://smile.amazon.com/VIVOHOME-Sc.../dp/B06X9CYNJF (mine is painted blue, probably came out of the same factory in China). The lift height was about 2 inch short in my case, so I used a leveling jack pad to sit the jack on, if needed I could have lowered the generator onto a couple of planks, then removed the jack pad, lifted it back up, remove the planks and step it down to ground level. Access to my forklift would have made the whole job a lot easier, unfortunately someone is currently borrowing it, and it is 35 miles away.