Generator Size?

[Lee Bradley]

6.5 KW should have no problem running your bus with mini-split AC. Will you have house batteries and an inverter?

[neoneddy]

I'd think 6.5kw would be plenty.   

What about taking the $800, put some solar up and maybe add some more batteries to help extend boon docking? 

https://goo.gl/vZhLVS  This is a kit from Amazon, I'm not a big fan of these kits, but it's a start.   If you're serious you could maybe double the size for the same price from a local seller. 

I guess my intention wasn't to push Solar, but here I am.   I think the idea of multiple power sources is a good idea, combine it all with a nice hybrid Inverter and the Solar and or Battery bank can boost your power for those times when the 6.5 KW might not have enough to supply all your needs.

[lostagain]

Solar is nice on a bright sunny day. But it doesn't do dick when you're holed up for the night in a rest area in the middle of a blizzard and it is 20 below. Even with the best intentions of only travelling in nice weather, sooner or later you will be caught in winter conditions without shore power. A good reliable generator is the only thing that will keep you comfortable.

JC

[Jcparmley]

The Winco generator is a 1800 rpm generator.  Here is what the add says.  
Winco 12.500 Watt 1800 RPM Industrial Generator
Quiet operation.
115/230 volt single phase
Multiple outlets for maximum flexibility
54.4 amps maximum
Rated continuous duty
Wisconsin V4 engine
25 gallon gas tank with filter
New battery

The Onan I have has been sitting for years so I need to get it serviced and see if it works.  The Winco I know works so that is a plus.  I already own the Onan but for the cost of the Winco I can double my capacity and save on the cost of getting the Onan working.  What do you all think?

I had an 6.5kw Onan Emerald III commercial (had a PTO shaft coming out the rear of the generator that I powered an auto type A/C compressor for my sleeper) in my truck. The first one lasted 12,000 hours-mainly because everytime it was on, I also had my 1,500 watt block heater so always a load. Plus regular oil changes. I would choose the 1,800rpm Onan Emerald III over the 3,600rpm Winco anyday.
If you're going to be using the bus alot, get a Diesel genset-no other more reliable-plus uses the same fuel. Good Luck, TomC

[lostagain]

Hard to tell without seeing the Winco, although as I said earlier, I would prefer 12.5 kw over 6.5. You could probably make it quiet by building a sound proof box for it.

JC

[eagle19952]

Hard to tell without seeing the Winco, although as I said earlier, I would prefer 12.5 kw over 6.5. You could probably make it quiet by building a sound proof box for it.

JC

sound proof and air cooled isn't happening.

[DoubleEagle]

Quiet dependable power costs thousands, even if it is one or two gas Honda's.

[buswarrior]

Winco quiet??

Compared to what?

If they won't publish the FACTS, dB at what distance from the unit at what loading...

Never mind how good a deal it is,

You will have no friends.

There are no polite words to describe the hatred that will be directed towards you and your family, if you run one of these cheap, noisy generators nearby. With more and more folks willing to take matters into their own hands...

Keeping to yourself, includes your noise.

Now, have you done any design work to decide that the 6.5 isn't enough, or are you suffering size envy?

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[Debo]

I'm with buswarrior. If you haven't really taken a long, hard look at what your needs (plus some contingency built in) are then you should wait. I was able to do just fine with a much smaller generator setup than commonly recommended because I took a "whole system" approach. I factored in electrical needs, battery bank capacity when factored by battery type, inverter type, efficiency of appliances/loads to be run, and time I wanted to run off of battery until shore power was available again. For the way I use my bus, it makes the most sense to me. Your needs may be different, but I suggest just taking the time to figure out what you really need. My two cents...

[TomC]

Winco with a Wisconsin V-4 will be very heavy-maybe heavier than a Diesel

[luvrbus]

A v4 will be a antique they haven't made those since the mid 70's

[DoubleEagle]

The Winco site lists a WL12000HE for $3000 something, but has a rating of 12,000 for starting, but 10,800 running watts. The engine is a Honda GX630. If the one you are looking at has a V-4, it is very old, very noisy, and relatively heavy. Keep looking.

[eagle19952]

A v4 will be a antique they haven't made those since the mid 70's

Might be a peach....with a hand crank