Community Forums

wglabais · 05-25-2019, 09:45 PM

Having read many Gas vs Diesel discussions, the one thing that I have not seen mentioned is the location of the generator and noise. While most diesels have the generator in the front, most gas have it located mid-coach or towards the rear, typically close to the bedroom. To me, the location could be a consideration if one needs to run the generator while in the bedroom, say for aircon on a hot night.
I would be interested in hearing from anyone with experience, our perception is having the generator near the bedroom is a real negative when considering a gas coach. Thoughts?

Massparanoia · 05-25-2019, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wglabais

Having read many Gas vs Diesel discussions, the one thing that I have not seen mentioned is the location of the generator and noise. While most diesels have the generator in the front, most gas have it located mid-coach or towards the rear, typically close to the bedroom. To me, the location could be a consideration if one needs to run the generator while in the bedroom, say for aircon on a hot night.
I would be interested in hearing from anyone with experience, our perception is having the generator near the bedroom is a real negative when considering a gas coach. Thoughts?

Our generator is located just behind the passenger side rear wheels. It doesn’t effect sleeping at night, but I prefer sleeping with white noise in the background.

If I turn the roof air conditioners on, I can no longer hear the generator. The 5500 watt Onan is geared so the engine only runs at 2400 rpm while spinning the generator at 3600 to deliver the necessary 60hz. I’m not sure if the diesels are made the same way, or if the diesel runs at 3600.

Outbound · 05-25-2019, 10:13 PM

Logic tells me location has to do with balancing the weight, DP motor is rear so gen set works well in front, reverse for gas. IMHO

Mr_D · 05-25-2019, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Massparanoia

The 5500 watt Onan is geared so the engine only runs at 2400 rpm while spinning the generator at 3600 to deliver the necessary 60hz. I’m not sure if the diesels are made the same way, or if the diesel runs at 3600.

That depends on the model of the generator. Most Onan quiet diesels are variable speed except the 10 and 12.5, which is what I have, they are a constant 1800 rpm.

twinboat · 05-26-2019, 05:21 AM

My gas generator is right under the bed room window.

If its uncomfortably hot, I'll run it, and sleep fine.

Besides, if I'm not plugged in, its because I'm in a Wal-Mart or truck stop. Plenty of noise out there.

MRUSA14 · 05-26-2019, 05:53 AM

The OP is correct. Having the generator in the front of my 45 foot DP puts it nearly 40 feet away from my bed. While my 12.5K Onan Quiet Diesel generator is not particularly loud to begin with, it is quieter in the bedroom than in the front of the coach. With the AC on, you can’t really hear the generator. In addition the exhaust is way up front which provides a safety factor when sleeping with the generator running.