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leithalone · 11-26-2020, 05:23 AM

Has anyone ever replaced an RV generator with a house generator? My 6.5 KW Generac in my 37 ft dual slide Rexhall Aerobus 2001 is having output issues. To replace it will cost $5-7000. I cannot afford to do that. My 6.5 KW house generator costs $900. What's wrong with this picture? Why can't I convert a gas-powered house generator to be used in my 37 ft. motorhome? It appears I would only need to overcome a few issues. Adapt the exhaust. Adapt the fuel distribution (house genny is gravity feed). What am I missing?
Thank you in advance for your help.

Jkwilson1989 · 11-26-2020, 07:18 AM

Are you talking about an open frame portable generator?

If so, it is way, way, way, way too loud to even consider it. Your neighbors would hate you.

egwilly · 11-26-2020, 07:28 AM

Two things come to mind; first is if you do that, you will not have an emergency genny for the house during emergencies.
Seondly if the genny is open frame, you'll have to learn to camp way away from other peeps.

I would have the rv genny repaired.

530ktm · 11-26-2020, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jkwilson1989

Are you talking about an open frame portable generator?

If so, it is way, way, way, way too loud to even consider it. Your neighbors would hate you.

Isn't this the truth!

Old Scout · 11-26-2020, 08:03 AM

….a 6.5KW generator for $900--now that would be interesting--can you hear me now?

twinboat · 11-26-2020, 08:12 AM

Cooling air flow, serviceability, ehxaust system, noise, did I mention noise, vibration ( is the $900 one a 2 cylinder engine ), remote control.

Gary RVRoamer · 11-26-2020, 09:11 AM

Yes it works, but much more noise & vibration than a more expensive model. Adapting the fuel supply and exhaust is probably non-trivial, but that varies a lot depending on what you now have and your standards for convenience and safety. Ventilation for cooling the genset will also be a concern. Will you want electric start?

Even among open-frame portable generators there is a wide price range depending on quality, NVH, etc. There are reasons why the more expensive ones are better, but those reasons may not be important to your needs if the generator is just for occasional use..

Nwcid · 11-26-2020, 10:23 AM

I will agree with what all of the others have said so far.

Noise and vibration that is a "personal" issue.

Cooling, air intake and exhaust is a mechanical issue. Also how you are going to store the fuel/refuel the unit.

The other large issue is the life span. Most of the "cheap" generators are cheap for a reason. They are not meant for continuous duty. When they do break finding parts can be very challenging.

You say you need to replace your current unit, is there a chance it can be repaired for under $1000? That is where I would start.

John Lorang · 11-26-2020, 10:24 AM

I seem to remember that there is a issue with muffler needs to be a spark arresting unit.
Fire starting issue.

Nwcid · 11-26-2020, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Lorang

I seem to remember that there is a issue with muffler needs to be a spark arresting unit.
Fire starting issue.

Not really an issue. If it does not have one and you are in a location that requires one just add it. They are a simple mesh screen.

Roy-c · 11-26-2020, 11:22 AM

You get what you pay for. There is a huge difference between one of those home generators sitting the open and being enclosed in an RV. Like has been said exactly what is wrong with the RV generator and what would the repair cost be ? How many hours are on it ?
Also what would the cost of a late model generator from an RV scrapyard such as Colaws be ?

deandec · 11-26-2020, 11:31 AM

Is the problem with your on board generator with the engine or the power generation unit?

Your description sounds like the Power Generation portion of the generator.

I would have (and did have) the PG part of my generator rebuilt at its 23 years of age. For parts availability reasons, it did cost $3,000 and gave me an 8.0 vs 7.0 power head.

dustyone · 11-26-2020, 12:04 PM

I would look at having the gen repaired. Up here within 20 mile of me are 2 repair shops and they only repair or rebuild gens and heavy truck alternator. I've seen many mohos in there shops being fixed. They are the ones who helped me make my portable charger.