deisel gen

codretaw1 · June 25, 2013, 12:14:06 PM

hey fellow busser's looking for new diesel gen any suggestions want 8k at least also need to fit my bay just behind driver front wheel (5A ) looking at power tech any comments on that brand ? onan 8k is to wide to fit is to big

belfert · June 25, 2013, 12:54:39 PM

A lot of folks don't like Onan because of the very expensive electronics boards and such. If you go Powertech get one that is brushless. The Powertech model I have has brushes and I have had some brush issues caused by use in dusty environments. Powertech also has an ECU that could be expensive to replace.

I would suggest talking to Wrico as they specialize in generators for bus conversions and can do custom units for small spaces. They can also build a unit with no electronics, just commonly available relays and such.

mugsytrpt · June 25, 2013, 05:04:55 PM

I just put a knew one in my bus. I went a little overkill but what can I say. I wanted enough power to never worry about it again and be a backup for the house. I put a 23.5kw diesel in my front bay. Here is a link from when he installed it for me.

Bus generator

It runs great and I have room to add anything electric I want. Call Scott at Powerhouse Diesel. You can reach him at 229-44four-1one1eight. Tell him James with the MC9 sent you. He will give you a very good geal on any size you wanted. In the video he tells you I wanted it for backup for my house. That why I went so big. He has some nice 16.5kw and smaller. Good luck.

FYI...if you are not comfortable installing, he will install for you too.

I am very happy with my generator. Hope you find one you like. Lack of power or no power stinks.

Take care,
James

viento1 · June 26, 2013, 04:59:22 AM

I kinda went the opposite way. I have a 3.5 KW genset which puts out exactly 30Amps. I tend to rely on solar for most things and only use the genset when traveling in the winter. Best part is it fits in the spare tire compartment. My bays are open

It is built by NextGen and is brushless.

TomC · June 26, 2013, 09:46:18 AM

On the YouTube of the Kohler with pusher fan-the VERY noisy radiator pusher fan is exactly why I use a remote mounted radiator. I would really be pissed if someone with that noisy of a generator parked next to me. There is no such thing as a to quiet generator.

If you want the most compact 8kw-look at the Powertech CD8000SI. I had a friend that when he got rid of his truck with this generator in it had over 23,000hrs on it with just one generator head replacement. If you have the room-go with a Wrico. Good Luck, TomC

muldoonman · June 26, 2013, 09:51:08 AM

That's a nice set up but whats with all the wires hanging in front of door are has he loomed um?. Hook a couple of those and what would happen.

plyonsMC9 · June 26, 2013, 10:15:02 AM

Almost 10 years w/our Wrico generator setup (Kubota) . They've (Wrico) been good to us over the years as I have questions from time to time.

Kind Regards, Phil

wg4t50 · June 26, 2013, 02:25:49 PM

From my experience, a Kubota diesel and a Marathon Pancake is as good as it gets, Next issue, who built that package, seems Wrico & Power Tech have a good rep.
Might be others, the QC of building is critical for long term happiness.

Charles in SC · June 26, 2013, 02:29:09 PM

I have an Onan Quiet diesel 8k and love it. I have about 1200 hours on it in 11 years. I had a Powertech and did not like it because it was not an inverter type and ran wide open all the time like a construction generator (very noisy). I do not know if Powertech makes a quiet one.

wg4t50 · June 26, 2013, 03:21:20 PM

Oh yes, the Onan variable rpm inverter units are o sweet and so expensive. When te work, te are so wonderful too, howsomever, if you have any issues, they can be a challenge that requires biggie bux.
Glad you have been happy. These units are generally outside the average bus nuts wants due to the big money, yes they are smooth, my bro has the 12-18 kw, version with the water cooled two inverters, again aw so sweet.

luvrbus · June 26, 2013, 03:31:59 PM

I would pass on Onan and Wrico both and buy a Martin they are not cheap but trouble free

technomadia · June 26, 2013, 03:49:00 PM

Quote from: viento1 on June 26, 2013, 04:59:22 AM
I kinda went the opposite way. I have a 3.5 KW genset which puts out exactly 30Amps. I tend to rely on solar for most things and only use the genset when traveling in the winter. Best part is it fits in the spare tire compartment. My bays are open

It is built by NextGen and is brushless.

I love the idea of tucking a generator up into the spare tire bay - has anyone ever done this in a 4106?

I'd love to free up the current generator bay for bikes or lawn furniture. Our big noisy unreliable 7.5KW Onan I would be happy to get rid of - a 3.5KW to 4KW is a much more ideal size, particularly when paired with our Victron Inverter that can boost power when extra loads kick on without overloading the generator.

How is the cooling set up on your generator? How quite have you been able to make it?

This seems like a great way to go.

Cheers,

- Chris

belfert · June 26, 2013, 04:28:59 PM

Quote from: wg4t50 on June 26, 2013, 02:25:49 PM
From my experience, a Kubota diesel and a Marathon Pancake is as good as it gets, Next issue, who built that package, seems Wrico & Power Tech have a good rep.
Might be others, the QC of building is critical for long term happiness.

I've been reasonably happy with my Powertech 8KW 8CSI. Yes, it runs at a constant speed, but all diesels do except Onan. Mine has the Cat (Perkins) engine because that was what they had in stock at the time. Would have liked the Kubota instead. I don't like the pancake head because it has brushes. Powertech didn't leave enough room in the enclosure for a brushless head.

I just literally replaced the regulator like 30 minutes ago on mine. I'm thinking a bad brush experience last may have killed the regulator.

luvrbus · June 26, 2013, 04:36:19 PM

My 13k Wirco had a head made in England that was 2000 who knows what he uses now,I see a lot of Prevost now with 20+ KW generators are running Cat generators not just the engine

mugsytrpt · June 26, 2013, 07:19:08 PM

I find the comments about other peoples post as usual. This is part of the reason I do not get on here much anymore. Everyone does their bus their own way. That is why we have these buses. I for one am tired of the negative comments. I have no problem with TomC saying the generator is loud. I know. It is a huge generator and that fan is meant to keep it cool. However the comment about him being pissed off if someone parked next him....All I can say is oh well. You have now idea how I use my bus. The generator is meant for over the road use not sitting next to you or anyone else. If you see my bus and hear my genny and don't like it.......don't park next to me. I like my generator.

I do not get on here and bash anyones ideas for what they are doing. Again.....you want to know why this site won't expand......Just read some of these negative comments a good many people make. The said fact of the matter is that many of the ones who make negative comments are very smart when it comes to these buses. I am including TomC in my comment. He shares some great information on here at times....but then other times there are negative ones shared. I guess this is why I do not share much.

Codretaw1 all I can say is do it your own way and be happy. Good luck.

Thanks muldoonman. I do like it. The wires are fine. They are in tied up and have just enough room for me to do some other work with them. He and I will clean it up a little more later. We wanted to run it some to see if there where any changes I may want to make. One being the amount of noise. In the bus it is fine and so I am happy. That video was taken right after it had just been installed. It is a monster of a generator.

I believe this may be my last post. Enjoyed it and sorry to rant but life is too short to post something and everyone think their way is the only way. Just my thought.

Take care,
James