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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: Danr on October 18, 2014, 02:42:31 PM

Title: Generator compartment
Post by: Danr on October 18, 2014, 02:42:31 PM
HI all Have any of you guy or gals but you generator on a slide out floor am thinking
about doing it so it is easer to work on. Let me no what you think.

Dan
Title: Re: Generator compartment
Post by: brmax on October 18, 2014, 03:06:02 PM
I will get in here, on the listening side or belly up to the table, bar or whatever.
As I have a slide that needs a few bearings replaced in its design. This is on the present used gen that was bought for my install, I do think or better yet know that building a different structure because it wont come out as far as I would like at the present is my choice but this was known from looking at it before purchase.

Great topic Thanks! and interested to hear your ideas
Good Day
Title: Re: Generator compartment
Post by: akroyaleagle on October 18, 2014, 03:36:26 PM
Lots of folks have generators on slides. Some have swivel outs. It was always something I was going to do, but I can reach everything I need so never got around to it.
Title: Re: Generator compartment
Post by: wg4t50 on October 18, 2014, 04:21:50 PM
Things to consider while designing a slide out,
1-Exhaust flex, rigid mount on slide or disconnect to move unit.
2-is radiator remoted or mounted to engibe
3-electric cabling long enough cables or disconnect.
4-Battery cables
5-Sound box or no cabinet
Just a few things to consider along with the actual slide, on bearings,? hydraulic operation ? secure when slid in ? When all done, have a easy access unit, life is better.

Enjoy
Dave M
Title: Re: Generator compartment
Post by: sparkplug188 on October 18, 2014, 05:07:01 PM
I know this isn't a generator slide mechanism, but it is a solution to the problem.  On my bus, I left the last bay floor and back wall completely open.  When the generator needs to be worked on, I just sit on the ground beside the generator with my body and head sticking up into the bay.  

I did build a slide out tray for my water heater and four propane tanks.  I used garage door tracks and rollers. It works well for 300 lbs of propane tanks and equipment-- no reason it wouldn't work well for a very lightweight generator.  I do not know how much my 20kw generator weighs. I suspect it is between 600-1000lbs. It is far too heavy for garage door tracks and rollers.

There are a couple pictures of the slide out tray on my Google+ page, linked below.
https://plus.google.com/117475453833540385589/posts/VPckm1YuK6X
Title: Re: Generator compartment
Post by: Iceni John on October 19, 2014, 12:42:04 PM
Quote from: wg4t50 on October 18, 2014, 04:21:50 PM
Things to consider while designing a slide out,
1-Exhaust flex, rigid mount on slide or disconnect to move unit.
My generator's exhaust is first routed from its stock muffler through a short length of TracPipe CSST 3/4" stainless flexible gas pipe to absorb vibration and movement, then it connects with a TracPipe fitting to a 5-foot length of galvanized pipe nipple that slides inside a piece of stainless tube as the outer exhaust pipe.   The generator is ahead of the right front wheel on heavy-duty drawer slides, and the exhaust exits just ahead of the left front wheel  -  as I pull the generator out the exhaust pipe telescopes longer.   The entire exhaust system slopes down from the generator so condensation cannot remain inside it and rust it out, and is attached with flexible (flxible?) mounts so it can self-adjust its angle as it telescopes in and out.   TracPipe CSST fittings do not use O-rings, unlike Pro-Flex CSST fittings that do, so they're suitable for exhaust temperatures.

Now that I'm putting the finishing touches to my 2kW of solar panels I won't need the generator much if at all, but it's good to have a Plan B for off-grid electricity generation.

John  
Title: Re: Generator compartment
Post by: digesterman on October 19, 2014, 05:52:53 PM
I like the roll outs, just easier to work on the gen, change oil, filters etc.
Title: Re: Generator compartment
Post by: wal1809 on October 20, 2014, 03:46:33 AM
Mine is on a roll out.  When I bought the bus, the previous owner had the radiator fan backwards trying to push air through the radiator and out the side of the bus.  Works good in October through March.  Doesnt work at all in Texas the rest of the year.  I remote mounted the radiator and fixed that problem.  The roll out to me is as important as having the generator.
Title: Re: Generator compartment
Post by: Oonrahnjay on October 20, 2014, 07:48:15 AM
Quote from: wal1809 on October 20, 2014, 03:46:33 AMMine is on a roll out.  When I bought the bus, the previous owner had the radiator fan backwards trying to push air through the radiator and out the side of the bus.  Works good in October through March.  Doesnt work at all in Texas the rest of the year.  I remote mounted the radiator and fixed that problem.  The roll out to me is as important as having the generator. 

     How did you arrange the radiator hoses to allow for the roll out?  (Mine is fixed but all the important items are right where they can be reached from the outside, plus an access door for the relay panel, but I still like the idea of a roll out so that you can get to anything if you need to.)