Does anyone know anything about these cheap diesel generators?
Anyone have one?
Coop
I haven't heard of that brand, but most of the "cheap diesel generators" are made in China, usually 1 or 2 cylinder NOISY engines, of questionable quality, and very poor parts availability. Although there are occasionally good deals on used generators, I have found that you usually get what you pay for. I went through several "deals" before buying a reman from PowerTech. I spent all most as much on the "Deals" as I did for the PowerTech. Jack
Chris,
I know you want a Diesel genny and so do I. And someday I'll have one. But I found a Kohler 7K gasser (air cooled, cast iron cylinders) at a local generator dealer for $400.00. I had to spend some time on it and $180.00 to have the stator repaired but now I have a nice, slow running genny that will run both roof airs and anything else that I need. What's the 8K that your bus came with?
It took me a little time, but I got something that works OK for just a few bucks. Of course, the gas tank was already there too. The P.O. had already installed that. Just a thought.
Fred
Fred,
I remember your tank, it was a behind the seat tank from an old truck right?
I am also looking at used gas gennys.
I currently have a 8kw propane Winco. It is a house back up generator that is a little loud and hard to keep cool in the bay. Other than that works well. I have considered taking it out of the box it is in and putting it in the AC evap. bay where yours is. It has a B&S twin OHV engine. Currently the propane tank is in that space, so it would have to go in a bay somewhere.
What does everyone think about moving it? Would a good muffler and some sound damping be enough to make me an OK neighbor? I have a dog and 4 kids under 12, so being a great neighbor is already out of the question! :)
Propane is nice because it can sit for months and I don't have to worry about old gas or start up problems. But, I am not sure how much run time I can get. I guess my hope is to get some $ out of the one I have now and then buy one that is made for RVs?
We really won't use the generator that much. Mostly for over the road AC cooling power. I can power one Air con. with my 2500watt inverter, but there are times we will want more power over the road. We also hope to boondock some next summer.
Thanks
Coop
Cooling is going to be a problem with that unit no matter where you put it because it was probably never designed to be in an enclosed space like a bus. Maybe in an enclosure, but not inside a bay. Air cooled units designed for RVs are designed to pull cooling air in one place and blow it out another. The AC bay is a great spot and even has some holes already cut in the floor for blowing out hot air. But still that unit might still be how.
I agree about the propane, but like you said, I don't know about how much it will burn. I think running two ACs you'd burn up a 30 lb tank in about 6-8 hours. Just guessing. My Kohler seems to burn about 1/2 gal/hr running the ACs on regular gas. And I'd rather buy gas than try to get a propane tank filled.
As I said earlier; if it works, I would leave it for now while keeping a keen eye out for a hell of a deal on a diesel. My cousin works at Onan right here in Mpls and do you suppose I can even get her to return my phone calls????????