Camp Parking Lot again

[johnhicks]

Sitting at Cummins Louisville getting my 29-year-old generator fixed.

It spun out the bearing at the front of the housing and I shut it down right smartly. The wizard at this shop first tried a bearing from a local source that was a smidge loose, then managed to find me one of the two correct Onan bearings in North America.

It's back in and ran fine; now he has to put the sheet metal covers back in place plus I'm getting a new chassis battery.

We discussed replacing it. The Onan 3600LP would be perfect but expected delivery is _a year away_. The smallest Onan diesel generator will not fit.

While on this project I came across a new LP/gas installed generator. It's sort of the common 4000/3600 portable generator in a box with external fuel and electric connections. It's the first new competitor to the Onan gas and LP generators at a smaller size and weight, and it would drop right into my Onan NHM place. I understand it's being installed in Thor and other RVs.

https://rvmp.co/collections/flex-power

[Ray,IN]

With a 3 yr warranty, I'd go that route at about 1/2 the cost of a new Onan. However, one must consider all the compartment, electrical and exhaust modifications required.

[R0ughhab1tz]

Just a question. How come your going through the trouble of fixing and keeping the Onan? Not sure what year yours is but mine was in my 1985. It was insanely loud, smelly and Extremely heavy.

I replaced it with a 3300W Firman that has 30amp plug. Sure I have to take it out of the alcove to use it but that's the only thing.

[johnhicks]

We've been fulltimers for 12 years. The dash a/c had its plastic lines crumble to dust years ago, so that's out plus it didn't do much when it worked, and we use the generator while traveling to run the a/c, freezer etc. Travel in the south in summertime requires a working a/c, or at least Mom says it does.

Ray, going with the RVMP unit was the plan if the Onan couldn't be fixed. Waiting a year for a new Onan isn't possible. The propane line and exhaust pipe could have been reused, it could just sit on the existing frame, and even the oil drain would miss a crossmember by about a half-inch. Tempting, but the NHM might last many more years.

A portable generator isn't usable while driving. That's what's interesting about the RVMP; it's essentially a lower-priced portable generator in an installable box.

[Isaac-1]

There is another new I think Yamaha rv generator on the market that is about the same size as the Onan 4000 (about 1 inch wider, and 1.5 inch taller), the good thing about it is it is an inverter generator so more fuel efficient https://www.npsrvpower.com/

[followingsea]

Originally Posted by johnhicks

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A portable generator isn't usable while driving. That's what's interesting about the RVMP; it's essentially a lower-priced portable generator in an installable box.

I was wondering why not?

Last time I had to replace a part on my 6500 lp Onan that cost more than a portable generator I had a stern talk with it.

Break down again and you will be replaced.

I do have an inverter generator that will run one air conditioner as a backup.

[R0ughhab1tz]

Originally Posted by followingsea

I was wondering why not?

]

I can't use mine in the alcove because the exhaust doesn't route out. I have to take it out to run it. But it's just out and in. I put a 30amp plug on the existing wiring that went straight into the old Onan. But I can see living in extremely hot places you would need A/C xD. I'm on the opposite spectrum. I installed a wood stove hahahaha.

For me the generator will be obsolete once I get my solar in. I might keep it around for an emergency but I think over time it will be sold off.

[johnhicks]

The beast is fixed and running happily. Maybe it'll last a while. The bearing worked and he put in a new brush block too.

The Yamaha-powered unit is interesting for a small gas installed generator. Note that it's not a Yamaha-brand unit but a Yamaha-engined unit.

These little installed generators are exciting in a market Onan has owned for quite a while. A concern of course is who will fix it when it breaks?

[LETMGROW]

Originally Posted by johnhicks

The beast is fixed and running happily. Maybe it'll last a while. The bearing worked and he put in a new brush block too.

The Yamaha-powered unit is interesting for a small gas installed generator. Note that it's not a Yamaha-brand unit but a Yamaha-engined unit.

These little installed generators are exciting in a market Onan has owned for quite a while. A concern of course is who will fix it when it breaks?

I'd run it until it just won't run anymore. It's where it belongs for now. Who knows? You might find the RV of your dreams next week and trade up anyway.
Meanwhile enjoy it. Now it's all paid for.

[followingsea]

Originally Posted by R0ughhab1tz

]

I can't use mine in the alcove because the exhaust doesn't route out. .........

I have seen geneators mounted on the trailer hitch with a cord running to the shore power connection.

So I was looking for reasons not to do it before find out the hard way.

With the dash air not working, I have started out a trip too hot and finished too cold.

I rarely run the generator for air conditioning unless I am going down the road. I have a RV to enjoy nice weather and be outside. Most of the hours are montly testing to make sure things work before you need it.

Tis the season for things not working. If is hot or cold I am hokked up to 120 vac shore power.

But it is alaways something. My last grand daughter was born in July in Las Vegas. When I fianally headed north at 1 am it was ab ove 100 but at least the sun was down. A half hour before leaving a started the genny to cool down the rig. I looked down after getting on the interstate and the genny had tripped.

I do not start the genny while I am driving. It is navy thing, so I waited until north of twone to pull over and restart all that roating machinery. By the time I got to Tonapaugh A/C was not needed.

One of the issues for people with vintage rigs is when is not cost effective to restore orginal equipment or find a more cost effective solution.

[153stars]

If it's what you want as long as there is support and parts for remainder of your ownership why not. The 3phase to start seems like a great idea.
I probably run the doors of the one you repaired , it does have resale value as well.

[johnhicks]

The Cummins/Onan guys told me that a rotor for my old generator is no longer available new, so that would be a show-stopper.