Generator comparisons

OKIE9ERS · July 20, 2018, 04:27:05 PM

In the early stages of generator shopping...
$10,000 for an Onan 10KW quiet generator...
$7600.00 for a Wrico 10KW...
Talked with Justin at Wrico--man that guy knows his stuff...
$500 more for a 13kw Wrico
$1000 more for 13kw Onan..
Is Onan thay much better, if at all?
Thats Northern Tool pricing on the Onans..
Thanks

buswarrior · July 20, 2018, 05:03:58 PM

What rpm do these two examples spin at?

1800 rpm trumps 3600...

Both of them will need some busnut ingenuity for the install in order to be truly silent.

If no one can tell your generator is running, standing around the coach at a rally, then you have succeeded.

Wrico can help you with that in ways Onan cannot.

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

lostagain · July 20, 2018, 05:18:57 PM

I would go with the Wrico. They know generators. They've been doing generators for bus conversions for a long time. I have been at bus rallies when Dick Wright is on the phone in the middle of a party helping a customer with an issue. He is good.

JC

brmax · July 20, 2018, 06:06:26 PM

Your user name makes me think south west Hot!
I tend to think the Wright 13k is your ticket then.
The 3cylinders and some with turbo get my vote.
Totally agree with BW the install and that silencing part is a big deal.

Good day

Floyd

luvrbus · July 20, 2018, 07:24:41 PM

Dick dosen't do a quite box like Onan he will sell you stuff to do one though,I bought a 13kw from Dick in 2000 it was ok I had a few problems nothing major but it ate shutdown solenoids @$275.00 a pop.
Onan is a good generator but I think 12kw is as large as they go,I am not a huge fan of PowerTech some really like those.The bus I have now has a 20kw EPS (Engine Power Source) in a quite box a advertiser here it has to be the best generator I have ever owned IMO with the Smart Start.Me I would buy used or old stock and stay away from the Tier 4 engines

chessie4905 · July 20, 2018, 07:41:28 PM

Personally, I wouldn't ownan Onan anymore since Cummins owns them. Crazy parts prices for engine repairs. Dick Wright can be great help if you have any issues. I would think 10 kw should be more than enough unless you are going to spend a lot of time at high altitude which will sap generator power.
Whatever you purchase, make sure the generator head is brushless..
Scott and Heather have had great service from two Honda gas generators paralleled.

luvrbus · July 20, 2018, 07:57:22 PM

Great thing about ONAN is their service and parts network no other brand can touch it

jhufford · July 20, 2018, 08:11:09 PM

I second Floyd, Wrico 13k. 10K will only give you 40 amps of service, 50amps on the 13K for a total of 100amp service or same as your power cord.
JimH.

OKIE9ERS · July 20, 2018, 08:46:18 PM

Thanks all---
Yea Floyd, 110 plus today in western Okla...ugh..
I did like the personal touch from Wrico---they called me back and gave me way more info than my newbie mind could even grasp...
Considered used luvrbus, but worry about buying something on the verge of problems...really dont want generator issues..
Not crazy about the thought of gasoline either...
So...probably leaning towards the larger wrico...
Thanks again!!

luvrbus · July 20, 2018, 08:57:50 PM

Any good generator will go 15,000 to 20,000 hrs with not many problems.I work on a bus that has a antique 6.5 gasoline twin cylinder Onan runs 1800 rpms it has over 13,000 hours, a fuel pump replacement is all that has ever been replaced since 1984 not to shabby

chessie4905 · July 21, 2018, 04:53:06 AM

This is what you really need....ignore the noise. Enjoy the sweet sound of that Detroit.

https://www.deucepower.com

richard5933 · July 21, 2018, 06:36:47 AM

We got a 13kw Mecc Alte generator head from Wrico to mate to the Perkins in our 4106. Great generator head and pleasant experience.

luvrbus · July 21, 2018, 07:02:39 AM

You guys with the older generator are better off ,they added so much stuff to the Tier 4 final on the little engines it's a nightmare plus higher prices too.I have a friend that owns 2 BobCats with the tier 4 Kubota engines they are always in the shop.They are going to be expensive to maintain for bus people every bus owner needs a tier 4 engine in a bus with a old 2 stroke engine it will be a learning curve

jcussen · July 21, 2018, 07:31:43 AM

Had a 10kw built by these guys, fantastic support. http://martindiesel.com/

luvrbus · July 21, 2018, 07:48:52 AM

Quote from: jcussen on July 21, 2018, 07:31:43 AM
Had a 10kw built by these guys, fantastic support. http://martindiesel.com/

That is a good generator Martin is the most preferred generator for entertainer coaches running 24/7 .When buying a generator never buy the minimum. I learn that on my 13K over size because altitude and heat,they lose 1% power at every 10 degrees over 85 degrees and 3.5% engine power at every 1000 ft in altitude.I go through this daily when people do not understand why their generators ran 2 AC units fine till they reached AZ with a 115 degree temperature