Genset as a backup...

[Iver]

We occasionally have power outages around here in the winter so I would like to use the genset in the coach for backup power in our house.
The problem is the coach is inside a shop.  I would need to run the exhaust from under the coach around 10 to 15 feet out through a wall to the
outside.

Can the exhaust run that far without any problems for the engine? (kubota diesel).  What size of pipe would be appropriate?
     Thanks,  Iver.

[robertglines1]

I d id it last year for a week during a ice storm.7.5 kohler;used a piece of flex pipe that would slip over exhaust and used exhaust wrap to seal.no damage to gen set;;had to power manage load in house:Shut main supply switch off and backfed thru welder plug..

[gumpy]

If you increase the diameter of the flexible hose so as not the add restriction, I think it would be fine. If you are putting in a more permanent installation, how about adding a large diameter pipe up through the ceiling of the garage to get an upward draft.

Now, on another thought, since power outages are usually short lived, why not just pull the bus out of the garage and let the gen run normally. When the power comes back on, put the bus away?

Then another consideration... most gensets are set up for 120V. Most houses are set up for 240V. So you will only be able to drive one side of your house panel with your generator. This opens up some issues with 220V appliances, and half your house circuits. And then there's the ole transfer switch issue and not backfeeding the grid.... 

Just some things to think about. Not saying don't do it, but be aware and be safe.

[robertglines1]

on my 7.5 kohler there are 2 (120 legs) I use a 50 amp supply (shore line)so the 220 stove and hot water heater worked fine .If you just have a 30 amp power cord (shore line) you might have a problem. Good luck you know how your set up works...saved me in the ice storm..I had talked to utility and they told me to throw the main and they would not get any feed back...just watched for neighbors lites to come on then stopped gen and turned main switch on..stay warm and happy bussing...

[zimtok]

If you want something more user friendly then the steel flex pipe try to source the heavy rubber tubes that a lot of repair shops use. I believe you can get them in different lengths.

For a short term solution you could also just open the shop door for ventilation.



.

[boogiethecat]

Just be very VERY careful about exhaust leaks.  Some people I know got killed doing just this. 
CO was dense enough in the garage that hubby took one step in, one breath, and was dead.
Then the cloud came into the house (he left the door open) and it got the wife, the dogs, etc. 
Everyone dead, no-one even moved from what they were doing, and nobody had a clue

[gumpy]

on my 7.5 kohler there are 2 (120 legs) I use a 50 amp supply (shore line)so the 220 stove and hot water heater worked fine .

This is not always the case. My Onan has 2 120V legs, also, but they are on the same phase and cannot be used for 220V.

[Kevin Warnock]

I think you should only run the generator when the bus is outside of the garage. There might be leaks in the exhaust system that will kill you, as a previous poster mentioned. I really wouldn't risk it no matter how many detectors I had installed.

[Iver]

All good thoughts on the exhaust situation.  My bus shop has 11 windows and a 24'x 13' door so if in doubt I
will open everything up.  Not close to the house so that won't be a problem.

The tag on my kubota genset says  240/120V. 
  I just thought that meant it produced 240?

I have an old gasoline 6kv genset 240v which I have used for years  but the old gas engine
is really not too dependable and sometimes hard to start.
  Just thought it might be simpler to use the bus genset and give it some exercise as well.
           Thanks,  Iver.

[buswarrior]

The use of the coach as back-up/escape module for the house is a big cost justification for the systems installed on the coach.

Think of your coach generator as your back-up generator, then you get to take it camping for free?

Same for a bit of solar?

When at home, the solar system on the coach can wean your house refrigerator off the grid, which will help pay for it all.

Nothing like hobby bits that pay back?

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[JackConrad]

The use of the coach as back-up/escape module for the house is a big cost justification for the systems installed on the coach.
Think of your coach generator as your back-up generator, then you get to take it camping for free?
Same for a bit of solar?
When at home, the solar system on the coach can wean your house refrigerator off the grid, which will help pay for it all.
Nothing like hobby bits that pay back?
happy coaching!
buswarrior

You can also think of your coach as a "guest house/Mother-In-Law apartment as justification for the $$$$ and time you put into it.  Just one more excuse for spending more on it "But Honey, we really should have satellite TV in the coach in case friends come to visit"  Jack

[Jriddle]

Had to use my bus as backup power for my house yesterday. One problem though was I added power service to my fuel a few weeks ago and didn't run the generator. Yesterday was -16 F and after I got gen running it ran for about two minutes then quit. I got lucky I put a torch in the bay under close fire watch and got it running. Next time I will winterize the whole fuel system. Power was out for over five hours but we had heat, lights in our house and hot coffee. Wife has not complained about the price of the gen for the last two years as we have used it several times when power was out.

[buswarrior]

Mark the calendar, time for winterizing our coach fuel systems is back in September, otherwise, we forget, and it doesn't get all the way through...

For what the additive of your choice costs, even if you go out again, it's only another fill up.

happy coaching!
buswarrior