Question Newb with a generator question

[d23haynes57]

Thanks for all the replies!! I didn’t realize these Oman’s were so loved/hated…just thought they were kind of the standard. I have run into the pricing issue…EVERYTHING for this generator is so expensive!

Perhaps there is a way to pull it, invest 1/3 of the money into an inverter with the same power and wire it to run on the indoor switch and fuel tank gas?

An inverter does not make power. You will be limited by your battery bank. In a class C you are probably very limited to battery capacity. Except when connected to campground power you are somewhat dependent on a generator. You either fix or replace that one or you carry a portable and gas cans. Having a good battery and inverter/charger system will help reduce or eliminate the genny for short or small power needs such as watching TV or making microwave popcorn. For the most part these are "starter rigs" with limited features and capabilities. At some point you need to decide if this is going to be a long term keeper, how you really plan or want to use it, and what upgrades you want and are willing to invest in.
As for the love hate for the Onan, yes we all hate the cost from purchase and repairs. When taken care of and running well the trick is to use them often.

Dennis

 

[Holdmybeer]

An inverter does not make power. You will be limited by your battery bank. In a class C you are probably very limited to battery capacity. Except when connected to campground power you are somewhat dependent on a generator. You either fix or replace that one or you carry a portable and gas cans. Having a good battery and inverter/charger system will help reduce or eliminate the genny for short or small power needs such as watching TV or making microwave popcorn. For the most part these are "starter rigs" with limited features and capabilities. At some point you need to decide if this is going to be a long term keeper, how you really plan or want to use it, and what upgrades you want and are willing to invest in.
As for the love hate for the Onan, yes we all hate the cost from purchase and repairs. When taken care of and running well the trick is to use them often.

Dennis

You’re right about usage, I read they need to be run under load at least 2 hrs. per month

 

[d23haynes57]

You’re right about usage, I read they need to be run under load at least 2 hrs. per month

1/2 hour to an hour with some load will get the gas changed in the carb and warm things up enough. I run it when I take the rig out every 4 to 6 weeks If not using it.

 

[JBright11]

I run my at least an hour each month with a load.

 

[cherv]

There is a fuel filer at the carburetor as well. Check and clean that or replace. And finally the obvious. Make SURE your fuel tank is above a 1/2. Once they get running they are fairly reliable IMHO...but getting them running can sometimes be a mystery.

Try this...

https://www.flightsystems.com/pdf/onan-rv-troubleshooting-guide.pdf

onan in our 2019 class c GET EXERCISED MONTHLY FOR 1 HR WITH A LOAD, ZERO ISSUES in 7 yrs. they are made to run/exercise not sit until needed

 

[Rollin Ollen]

Hello all,

Thanks for the add to the forum.

Had a 30 TT for a few years and loved it. We had a buddy who bought a class C Thor majestic from Cruise America and had nothing but awesome experiences.

So we sold the TT and got a 28A Thor majestic. Overall it’s been a good rig. We’ve had it about 2 seasons now.

first winter we had it the batteries die. After that I haven’t been able to get the generator to run. I fires up, runs a few seconds and dies. White smoke comes out of the exhaust. I keep getting a code 45.

So far I’ve replaced the carburetor, fuel pump, fuel filter, spark plug, fuel line, air filter. I’ve also replaced both batteries and have a full tank of gas.

The code 45 (according to Google Gemini…I know I know don’t flame me too bad) says it might be the brushes. I’m tired of throwing money at this thing without it being fixed and I know to get to the brushes I’m going to have to pull the generator and a bunch of stuff off it.

I’m looking for some sage advice lol. My local Cummins place said it’ll be $230 an hour and a minimum of 4 hours for diagnostic. Heck that’s almost 1/4 a new one with a 3 year warranty.

Looking for some help

Thanks in advance!

Also, we have a trip planned in 5 weeks going across the country with our 5 kids and 2 dogs in it….soooo I need to figure this out asap hahaha

Along with information supplied by others, there is also a fairly important feature that lots of folks miss. There is a dial that adjusts the fuel mixture that helps these units run smoother and helps the carb from getting fouled as often. We go from Sea Level to 5000 feet and adjusting the dial does make a difference. I remember to make the change when ours is hard to start or sputters.

Quoted from Cummins:

The altitude knob on Cummins Onan RV generator compensates for thinner air at higher elevations by leaning out the air-to-fuel mixture. Located inside the generator's front service cover (often featuring a blue dot or marker), adjusting it prevents power loss, engine surging, and rough running when camping in the mountains.

 

[TheLooks]

Funny you mention that. I went to one the other day, NOT to look at the generator, but....while you are here. lol. I looked at it and twisted the adjustment and if smoothed out and ran......always look for the obvious and easy things first.