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MattEv · 10-28-2012, 09:32 PM

Hello, I am new to the forum and have a quick question. I have 1985 Minnie Winnie and am looking for a onan on board. What size should I get for this year and would a 1973 Minnie Winnie's onan fit for me. Thank you for your replies in advance!

blackf3504dr · 10-29-2012, 04:45 AM

It depends on if your Winnie is set up for a generator. If so it should work.

Chaffeekid · 10-29-2012, 06:11 AM

Hey Matt, the answer is Yes, maybe. Many other questions have to be answered. Was your mini winnie setup for a generator, yours should be happy with about a 4KW. The reason for the question about setup is, if the wiring is there already, this should include the transfer switch if it has one or the recepticle to plug in the generator into the coach wiring.

Does your coach have a compartment for the generator, if it does, does it have a plug in on the compartment wall to plug in the generator, if it does you are in luck, if it doesn't you may have to do some re-wiring.

You never want the generator to be on line at the same time the coach is plugged into shore power.

Hope this helps a little
Some pics of your coach and compartment might help to analyze the situation.
Happy Trails
Jim

MattEv · 10-30-2012, 01:20 PM

I believe I have the connections and the compartment on the driver side of the camper. It is a metal door that is screwed shut. I took off the plate and it right now is being used for storage (found some good stuff in there), there was two wire I believe. Possibly 220 and a 119(not sure). There was also a fuel line I am assuming. I did not see any switch inside the camper to turn it on and off. If I don't find one do I need to install one or can it be turned on from the unit itself. I don't have pictures yet due to the storm it had to be parked 40 minutes from my house. Thank you!

blackf3504dr · 10-31-2012, 03:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattEv

I believe I have the connections and the compartment on the driver side of the camper. It is a metal door that is screwed shut. I took off the plate and it right now is being used for storage (found some good stuff in there), there was two wire I believe. Possibly 220 and a 119(not sure). There was also a fuel line I am assuming. I did not see any switch inside the camper to turn it on and off. If I don't find one do I need to install one or can it be turned on from the unit itself. I don't have pictures yet due to the storm it had to be parked 40 minutes from my house. Thank you!

That's all good news. The remote start was an option on many older motor homes and can be added. It makes sense if there was never a generator the manufacturer wouldn't install a remote start.

MattC · 10-31-2012, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattEv

Hello, I am new to the forum and have a quick question. I have 1985 Minnie Winnie and am looking for a onan on board. What size should I get for this year and would a 1973 Minnie Winnie's onan fit for me. Thank you for your replies in advance!

Matt,
There are so many Onan models that there is no way to guess about the fit unless you actually make measurements. There was a very common version of Onan in this period and they came in 6.0Kw (NH) and 4.0Kw(BF) versions. Both of these have very special form factor and are hard to replace, but replacements have been made.

It is my guess that by the way you framed the question that you have a line on a 1973 Onan. If this is the case, retrieve the model number, and do an internet search for more information. There were six RV versions of Onan in the 70's only two were the compact "Power Drawer" versions.

I suggest that you very carefully measure the generator space. If your measurements are off at all, the effort to install may be massive. I have two '73 vintage BF units, and the one currently in the coach runs like a watch (OK, it is louder than a cheap pocket watch).

Matt (another one)