Onan generator replacement

[Grandpere]

Originally Posted by leadman

Having been trained on generators in the military and also working on them throughout my career I would not spend that amount of money on an old generator.
I have an 88' Itasca with a 89' generator and if it goes bad it will get one of the cheap air cooled battery start as a replacement.
As said these are less than $1000, sometimes way less. On my rig the generator hangs down behind the right rear tires so not hard to hang a different unit there.

If your other buy doesn't work out check out Arizona RV Salvage. Drive out here to buy one and I can be talked into helping you change it out.

That is very kind of you. I got a call from my BIL tonight and he has come across a 7KW Honda generator that seems like it will fit in my MH. Just need to figure out the wiring and we will be in business, and at a price that is a whole lot less than $2800 for the used Onan and tons less than $5000 to try and fix our current one.

[pasdad1]

Originally Posted by Grandpere

That is very kind of you. I got a call from my BIL tonight and he has come across a 7KW Honda generator that seems like it will fit in my MH. Just need to figure out the wiring and we will be in business, and at a price that is a whole lot less than $2800 for the used Onan and tons less than $5000 to try and fix our current one.

Just be aware there might be problems to overcome in getting a "contractor" type generator to function in a RV environment...especially cooling. Not easy getting the air flow right
to cool those air cooled engines, especially driving down the highway.

Also RV type generators are engineered to run slower RPMs to keep noise down, and also increase longevity of the engine. The Onans in the 5.5kW to 7kW size only turn 2400-2880 RPMs. The generators sold for construction, and power backup turn at a constant 3600 RPMs.

Good luck with your retrofit! Keep us updated, photos too !

[Brockx]

I would see what the salvage people can do before jumping into a "conversion". May not be an issue to you. But; if you would wish to trade or sell at some time that would be a major turn off to a perspective buyer.

[Grandpere]

Originally Posted by Brockx

I would see what the salvage people can do before jumping into a "conversion". May not be an issue to you. But; if you would wish to trade or sell at some time that would be a major turn off to a perspective buyer.

That is not a concern for us, we will not be getting rid of our Southwind unless it burns to the ground or otherwise becomes a total loss, but thank you for that advise.

[livesound]

I just had new brushes, carb, flywheel, starter, spark plug wire, relay, all replaces for 1200.00. Mine is a 4000 in my class c. And the place is considered the best in Austin?

[Brockx]

Curious did Colaw quote you?