Looking for a diesel Generator

[Chaz]

I have been keeping my eye out for a good diesel gen. for a long time now. I'd love to find a good used one, reasonable, but they don't seem be around too often. (Know of any??)
If I have to "pull the trigger" and buy a new one, (that might be about the time I hit the "magic numbers"  _ ) what would you suggest for a generator with somewhere around 6000 - 7500w output. (I think that is about what i need.) Two roof warts, LED lighting, etc.
I understand the "China jobs" ain't all that and a bag of chips, and they tend to be a bit noisy. I know there are some sweet American made ones but a little salty for me. I just don't get to use my coach as much as I would like. But then again, I didn't use it twice this year because I couldn't get electricity where I was going. Catch 22. The 3500 contractor gen I have in it won't do both "warts" and is quite noisy. I prefer not to subject others to the racket it makes.

  Anyway, just looking for some thoughts.
   Chaz

[belfert]

I'm currently working for 13 days in a dry camping area at a state dair.  One family had an air cooled diesel generator.  It was pretty noisy so they went home and brought back a gas powered unit instead. 

[FloridaCliff]

Chaz,

Jack Conrad and I both bought low run hours, used gensets from PowerTech.

They get them in usually when someone needs to trade up for more power.

You can expect to pay around half of new.

I am sure all the other major generator suppliers have similar deals.

I let them know what I was looking for and received a call back when one was available.

But you have to be ready to buy, right then.

Usually the low hours, under 1000, still have some warranty left for a little "piece of mind"

Have fun,

Cliff

[John316]

How much you looking to spend?

God bless,

John

[Chaz]

Thanx Cliff, Ill look into that. But which suppliers would you recommend?? Wonder if there are any up in No. Indiana?? I wouldn't know who to contact but at least I'm not far away. I'll be north of Fort Wayne tomorrow.

John, I guess that would depend on the gen. I guess Cliff has about the right idea in mind.



Chaz

[RTS/Daytona]

Chaz

Have you looked into Surplus Light Towers at goverment auction sales  - they usually have 3 cylinder diesel 6KW generators - Kabota or Yanmar Lanbardini IIRC

ebay -->  search   -->  LIGHT TOWER CONSTRUCTION

EXAMPLES

http://cgi.ebay.com/6-kw-generator-Kubota-diesel-engine-light-tower-solar_W0QQitemZ270446605147QQcmdZViewItemQQptZBI_Generators?hash=item3ef7dfb35b&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

http://cgi.ebay.com/Coleman-Light-Tower_W0QQitemZ260468812775QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3ca526abe7&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

[wildbob24]

Chaz,

We have found portable light towers to be a pretty good source. They can sometimes be had at equipment auctions for less than $1500. The generators are usually in the 6-6.5k range.

Like this:

http://nh.craigslist.org/grd/1310653395.html

[coachconverter]

Hey Chaz, I sent you an email, I have a couple new sets leftover from a project.

Todd

[John316]

If all else fails, we have our other 20KW that we are selling (water cooled, Kubota engine, EPS). It probably be more than you want to spend. It has under 1K hours.

God bless,

John

[bruceknee]

we have 2 15kw Onans  4 cyl Cummins for $1500 each. They were load tested for 24 hrs by Nimco before being pulled. The owner paid $3600 for the pair and has changed his plans also has 2 new Dometic rooftops for $400 ea.

[DaveG]

Way to go Pete & Wildbob...great ideas.

[wildbob24]

I guess it's true when they say Great Minds think alike.

[TomC]

Powertech makes a really neat 8kw layed over engine-it is layed over about 45 degrees to make it lower.  Plus it has a squirrel cage blower so it evacuates the hot air from the gen compartment.  In recent years they switched to a brushless design on the alternator.  Considering one of my friends had 23,000 hours on one of these generators when he sold it, I wouldn't be afraid of getting one with up to 5,000 hours.  Call Powertech and see it they have any used ones.  Good Luck, TomC

[Chaz]

Awesome, awesome, AWESOME ideas guys. I am out the door right now till sat. taking my baby up to the Auburn Auction so I will be looking into ALL that when I get back.

THanx MILLIONS,
    Chaz

[Chaz]

I'm back. A little early too.

Pete,
For some reason I can't sign on to ebay today but I will see if that second one you posted can still be bought. Thanx!

Bob,
  That doesn't sound bad. I was kinda trying to find something a little closer but maybe we can work a deal to make it worth while. Size is a concern too. I appreciate it. I'll try my local Craig's also.

Todd,
  Hey, I'm definitely interested but I can't find any emails from you. Try skulptor at hotmail.com Thanx !!!

John and Bruce,
  From what I understand, correct me if I'm wrong but, I think a gen should be properly sized to what is needed. I think about 6-7500 is what I need, but then, I could be wrong there too. I run a few lights, car stereo, frig, two roof warts, and looking for some sort of heating system. Oh, and I want to buy a single burner induction cook top.

  Tom,
  Excellent. As with this case, and most case's, "size matters".  The height probably doesn't make that much difference but if I remember right, I can only go 36" long, MAX. And I think that will be cutting out braces, etc. That was another concern with buying one from an individual that doesn't know much about the generator and it maybe being used as a light tower or something where the actual measurments aren't easity gotten. If the gen. is close, I can go see and make sure but if it's a long way away, it could be a "bite in the @$#".

  Thanx a bunch guys!!!!!!!! After the fiasco at the auction this weekend (read thread about water pumps by me) I rEEEEEEEEally need to get this done.

  Have a great holiday weekend,
     Chaz