Generator install advice

[Adarian]

This bus had a generator installed by the PO. He took a portable generator and mounted it underneath the bus.
I don't think the install is very safe.
As you can see from the photo of how it is mounted to the bus with the thin rods along with the exhaust gases being under the bus.
http://www.palofitness.com/images/bus/genset.JPG
http://www.palofitness.com/images/bus/airtanks.JPG
The other issue is no safety catch for if one of the rods break, that will stop the generator from hitting the road.
I am thinking about removing it and turning it back into a portable generator.

[belfert]

Don't run this generator until you at least extend the exhaust beyond the edge of the vehicle.  This looks like CO poisoning waiting to happening.  I would be sure you have a CO detector regardless.

I would redo the mounting if you want to keep this setup.  Threaded rod is used for hanging stuff in stationary applications, but the flexing on the road would probably cause it to fail at some point.  I think you'll find a portable generator to be pretty noisy if used on any regular basis.

[FloridaCliff]

I am thinking about removing it and turning it back into a portable generator.

I think that is a good idea for a many reasons.

You probably will be saving yourself some undue stress and problems in the future, not to mention the potential health issues from the CO.

Adding a CO detector in the coach is 100% needed, even if you don't have a generator. Your neighbors might accidentally kill you with there's.

Cliff

[TomC]

We both have transits-albeit mine is an '77 AMGeneral 10240B.  Mounting a generator is one of the hardest things to do in a transit. Many will sacrifice the rear door to make a generator compartment out of the stair well.  On mine, the rear door leads directly into the bathroom (which has turned out not to be used much-but always is nice when it is used).  On mine, I have a 10kw Powertech Diesel genset mounted next to the driver's seat like a front engine-with the exception of the generator facing with the engine back and the generator facing forward.  I created the compartment by moving some air brake stuff around then built it into the bus with a 1/4" steel plate floor then using 3/4" plywood for the walls with 1" lead foam insulation.  It was installed from inside with a cherry picker through the front door.  I had to move the control panel forward to clear the floor cross member, change the exhaust manifold to a closer to the engine design, mount the air cleaner outside, and the radiator remote mounted under the driver's seat with a belt driven single inlet squirrel cage blower.  I also have an inline 250cfm bathroom blower (to withstand any moisture) to ventilate the compartment.  It is relatively quiet-never had any complaints.  The Onan "quiet diesels" are more noisy then mine.  You have to do everything on the genset from inside, but there isn't any smell from it, so no biggie.  I have three Coleman 13,500btu roof airs, but two are generally what we use going down the road (they are my only A/C).  But with 2.25" of sprayed insulation, they work very well-in 108 degree weather, a comfortable 75 inside.  We came into 102 weather last May after the Albuquerque RV get together, and I turned on all three.  After about a half hour, I looked back and my wife had a sweater on (like most guys, I like it colder then my wife does).

I would seriously consider changing out that genset.  While those threaded rods may hold the genset up, they may let loose under an emergency stopping situation-and transits have extra large brakes compared to highway buses.  Also the fore mentioned CO problem.  And it looks like it hangs down lower then the bus skirts. If you're going to keep the bus for many years, you might consider just chucking that genset in favor of a Diesel genset.  I'm converting my old KW into a motorhome, and am going to use the Wrico International 13kw on mine.  You might look at the Powertech 8kw compact-it is a three cylinder Kubota that is layed down at a 45 degree angle to make it lower, and has a built in squirrel cage blower. I have a truck driver friend that had one of these on his truck and when he sold the truck it had over 23,000 hours on the engine, with only one rebuild on the generator head.  Good Luck, TomC

[Adarian]

The genset is only needed to power one treadmill at 2400 watts and one 13.5k btu AC unit.
I may look at getting an inverter and use the genset as an emergency backup.
The only time they need would be in use is when the bus is parked at a show.

[TomC]

If you want- you could get away with a Honda 3000 watt, or hook together 2-2000 watt Hondas.  They're very quiet and reliable-especially for a show (the enclosed type).

I just like having the Diesel genset-have power going down the road for my roof top A/C's and Diesel's need very little maintenance up and beyond just changing the oil at 150 hour intervals.  Good Luck, TomC

[gus]

You can't beat Honda generators.

Mine is a EV6010, gas, 6KW liquid cooled but it comes also in a 4kw. It is quiet, small and smooth and much cheaper than a diesel. It is so small and lightweight that it should be ideal for a transit.

Needing a separate gasoline tank may be a nuisance but, fortunately, the 4104 came with one.

The portable 3KW size is supposed to be a good one also, as Tom said, but I have no personal experience with them.