Onan Generator selection

[yvan]

Of the 2 above which one is the better choice. We don't need it often but when we do I would like the quietest one. The Microlite is 3600rpm, but comes encased, the Emerald is 1800rpm, but open framed, both are the same price.


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[christopher]

don't buy either one. get a Honda or kohler or wrico
loud, temperamental and ..........

[luvrbus]

The old Emerald is really not that loud and very dependable we never had a problem with our 6.5 Emerald all the years we owned it. We have a Microlite 3800 which is the propane model of the 4000 in the wife's Trek it's been ok but the Robin/Subaru engine used in the Microlite along with the electronic control board can be a PITA. Me I would go with the Emerald they just seem to run and last forever JMO

[digesterman]

1800 better choice, carb is adjustable too. 3600 is being used to meet calif air specs, carbs are sealed on most.

I've had every gen made Onan has treated me the best in the little ones.

[TomC]

I had an Emerald 6.5 commercial on my truck. Even though I got 12,000hrs on the first model, the carb was a pain having to adjust it when in altitude, keeping it decarboned. If the Emerald doesn't have it, change the points to pointless system-best conversion ever. That one looks like it is a brush type alternator with alternator cranking to start. Just make sure to service the brushes periodically.

The Microlite on the other hand-the more recent ones are electronically fuel injected-no carb to adjust. Yes they run at 3,600, but then because they are overhead valve (the Emerald is old fashion flat head), no decarboning needed.

Which is my choice-NEITHER! Do yourself a big favor and get a good Diesel generator with a brushless alternator. My Powertech 10kw, except for changing oil, has required NO maintenance in the relatively low hours I've had it (1,500hrs). I talked to my truck driver friend and he corrected me, in that he had a 8kw compact Powertech (neat little unit) that had 43,000hrs on it when he sold the truck with only one alternator head replacement. Good Luck, TomC

[luvrbus]

There is no carbon build up with the new crappy gasoline fwiw even if you did have a spray bottle with water removes it without pulling the heads and the Microlite has a adjustment to set for altitude you have to set .I am sure the guy would like to have a diesel set but not everyone likes spending 8 grand for a generator when a 800 dollar generator will serve his needs that is way I see anyways

[yvan]

Correct, the generator is only for when we need the AC, so possibly 10 days a year. We have enough battery and solar for the rest of our needs. I don't want to take up a bay with a generator, so we have a nice little spot for one between the rear wheel and the radiator that one of these will fit in with ease. On our previous RV, we put 10 hours on the generator last year.

[Fredward]

We recently installed an Onan microquiet 7500 Diesel and we love it. We've already put about 40 hours on it with the Spring Break trip. But I also have a lot of experience with Honda E2000 generators. One will run a 13,000 BTU AC unit occasionally. They don't take up much space and they do the job. If you were putting 100+ hours on per season running AC I wouldn't recommend it. But  for your use case I think it would work. And if you buy two of the little buggers and connect them with the jumper kit you have even more options. Its a great system.

But if you need AC while driving, then I think a permanently installed genny is much smarter.

Fred

[gus]

I had an old 7KW 2-cyl Onan on my 4104 when I got it.

The heaviest, noisiest, shakiest, hottest running thing I ever saw.

I gave it away and bought a little 6KW Honda half the weight, smooth as silk (3600rpm) and quiet.