Generators

[kevinlee]

What is the best generator for my conversion. In my old bus I had an Onan and was not happy with that at all.

[Lee Bradley]

One that runs at 80% load

[buswarrior]

Lots of Wrico and Powertech fans on here.

Generac is not well regarded.

As noted, sized correctly for the load!!!

And think long and hard about managing the noise. You might not care, but those around you might...

Happy coaching!
buswarrior

[Cary and Don]

Diesel not gas

Don and Cary

[bobofthenorth]

I'm sorry but that question is like asking how long is a piece of string.  The right generator is as much of a compromise as the rest of the bus is.  If you go pole to pole then the right generator might be the one you left sitting on the shelf at the store.  I've seen rigs that lived on solar with at most a 900 watt Honda for backup and they were very happy.  Some people have 16kw diesels and believe that they need them.  We've parked next door to very loud gensets and not found them particularly troublesome but others are more sensitive.  If you plan to be close to other coaches for extended periods - rallies for example - that may be a consideration.  If that's not a big part of your life then noise may be less of a concern and you can always shut it down if it is bugging the neighbours.  Proper soundproofing is a process - you need to select the right unit, build the right enclosure, provide adequate ventilation, isolate the vibration and baffle the airflow - its not cheap if you do it right. (and its probably not right if you do it cheap)

My advice is to start with something simple/cheap and add cost if the cheap solution isn't meeting your needs.  You can pick up a little 2 or 3K inverter unit for under $1000 if you watch Craigslist.  If that doesn't meet your needs you can likely get most of your money back when you upgrade.  3000 watts should easily run one roof air.  If you want to run 4 roof airs simultaneously then you'll need something bigger - like I said - each of us has different "needs".

[kevinlee]

Sorry should have been more specific. Which brand is most reliable, I'm leaning to Kubota but just not sure. Oh ya it will be diesel.

[eagle19952]

Sorry should have been more specific. Which brand is most reliable, I'm leaning to Kubota but just not sure. Oh ya it will be diesel.

I spent alot of time in the NW Arctic running around servicing small generators in very remote areas (traveling around in float planes and river boats) the most dependable bullet proof and able to withsatand poor maintenance for small generators were those powered by Yanmar diesels.
FWIW, YMMV, IMO etc.

PS I own a Kubota.

[robertglines1]

Like other Bob  said: it's in how it's used.  If you spend more on generator than bus is worth then you have a expensive generator that comes with a bus.  First time I would figure loads then see what I absolutely need. If money is no consideration Go with the best diesel with best service support!