recommendations for genset

[Danny]

I am to the point of getting a generator for MCI 102A3.  I am looking at 7KW or greater.  What are some ideas for the best deal for models and brands?

As always - Thanks for your help!

Danny

[John316]

Danny,

We have had two EPS gensets. We have LOVED them, and they are a lot better built than most Onan's out there. They seem to be an industry leader and a standard. Our 20KW has a Kubota (diesel of course) in it, and runs like a champ. I love their Smart Start system. It is a little LCD screen that has a push button on it. You simply press to start, and it runs through the starting process and starts. Very nice, no more going out into the cold to start.

God bless,

John

[luvrbus]

Danny, when buying a generator keep it simple you do not want all the electronic gadgets because sooner or later they fail I know because I have one.  
I believe Dick Wright is the only one that has a mechanical type unit give him a call 1-541-744-4333  he will build anything you want plus what electronic boards he does use they are a universal type easy to find at a good price.
I would go for one with just the safety shut down and a remote starting   Good luck

[TomC]

While my next generator (13kw) will be purchased from Dick Wright at Wrico International, I presently have a Powertech 10kw that is mechanically operated that I've had zero problems with since I installed it in 1995.  Powertech also makes a really nifty 8kw that is a Kubota 3 cylinder layed over to make it lower, has its' own sound shield, and has a squirrel cage blower that pulls the air through the radiator then shoots the hot air down to the ground.  I had a friend of mine that had one on his big rig, and while he had to have the alternator rebuilt because of the commutator rings and brushes, the 8kw is now brushless. The unit had over 24,000hrs on it (like almost a million miles) when he sold the truck and was still running fine.  Take a look at Powertech.com and Wricointernational.com.  Good Luck, TomC

[gumpy]

I have an Onan Quietdiesel that I like, so far. It came out of a wrecked high end RV with less than 4000 miles on it, so it was basically brand new, with some minor damage due to the crash. I got a good deal on it vs. new. However, if I were buying new, I would probably buy a Powertech.

[flynbanjo]

we have a CAT powered 12KW powertech in our coach.  Like others have said, it is in its own quiet box and works great. 

[Zeroclearance]

I have a Powertech genset.  It has 12K hours on it.  Right now I need to replace the bearings in the generator head.  The Kubota engine shows no signs of wear.

[Danny]

Thanks guys....  It looks like Powertech has the vote....

Danny

[justin25taylor]

Ditto on the Powertech. Those and the Martins are used almost exclusively in the entertainment world. We run them 24/7 for weeks on end. I just rplaced a Pwertech for a guy that had just over 90,000 hours on it. It would still be going if he would have noticed oil coming out of the vents on the generator side. He had a rear main seal on the engine fail.
I have had nothing but terrible luck with the Onan units.
Get a good one then you are good to go for many, many years to come.
Best,
Justin

[luvrbus]

Danny, before you run out and buy any type generator check the preventive maintenance on different brands.
I know some that carry extra bearing when traveling for their sets because of this and if I read the Powertech manual right on a 10kw it calls for new bearings in the genrator heads every 2000 hrs   good luck and invest wisely

[justin25taylor]

Luvrbus is right. I was thinking about 15 and 20kw units. I just talked to Jeff at Powertech and he recommended at minimum checking the bearing at 2000 hrs. I am sorry for the misinformation.
I have a 15kw in my Eagle and most of the entertainer coaches have 15-20kw. I have 2 2ton basement units and a washer/dryer combo in mine in case anyone is wondering why I have such a big generator. I can deal with a lot of things but sleeping while it's hot is not one of them.
Best,
Justin

[BG6]

Whatever you get, make sure that you have good airflow to it, that the exhaust extends past the body of the coach and isn't near a window or vent, and that you have a fuel cutoff valve which you could operate even if there were a fire in the genset bay. 

The best example of the latter is a fuel solenoid which is spring loaded to the cutoff position, so that if power fails it cuts off fuel to the generator, and run the wire through several plastic fuses which are mounted directly above the genset (so that a fire will burn them through and cut off power to the solenoid).

[Danny]

Thanks guys for the info - very helpful...

Danny

[Charles in SC]

I have an Onan 8000 Quiet Diesel in my bus and a Power Tech 7000 in a toter truck. The Onan only has 925 hours so far with one sensor failure. The Power Tech had 4000 hrs on it when I got it. It should have had work done to it before I got it. The voltage regulator was bad, several of the wire connectors were loose due to vibration and were stress fatigued, and the generator end bearing was worn out. The PT runs very fast and loud as it is a constant rpm unit. The Onan unit varies rpm due to power needs. The Onan is much quieter. Bottom line is I like the Onan much better.
My .02 worth.

[justin25taylor]

After reading my first post it sounds like I am bashing Onan and I am not doing so intentionally.

As some of you may know I drive for George Strait about 3 months out of the year (all he works anymore) then the rest of the time I do other freelance driving or hop in my Eagle and go somewhere. (I just cant stay put i guess).

I do an awful lot of picking up new Fleetwood motor homes at the factory and delivering them to a large dealer in San Antonio, or Fort Worth.
Ill bet I drive 40-50 of these things a year. In the summertime the dash a/c is not adequate during the heat of the day so I usually run the Onan and the roof units.
I am not sure of the reason but it seems like close to a third of the generators do not stay running until I get them home. They often have a sensor failure or a belt gives up. It seems in the last couple of years this has gotten worse. This is by no means a scientific study but they need to get it together.

It breaks my heart to see people sell their home and spend $150,000-700,000 on one of those things and then not be able to use it because it will not stay running. I could write a book. I have had a windshield pop out, roof peel back, doors come off, engine failures, water tanks break, kingpins break (2), many generator failures, fires, and all kinds of other stuff that should not happen as often as it does. I really wish the people buying these would find a nice bus for less money and have something that will last long enough for their grandkids to use when they are grown.

Sorry to get off topic, but I just didn't want to offend anyone by not recommending Onan gensets.

They are quiet, small, fuel efficient, and put out plenty of power for the size but for some reason I guess they dont like me.

Best,
Justin