Genset question

[Paladin]

I'm wondering what everyone is using for a genset and what size?

I have a Generac 10kw that's not an rv type that I'd kind of like to put in my bus. The thing is, I read that you risk fire by doing so. Now granted, this isn't like running inside my house and assuming proper ventilation and adequate air fresh input, how bad can it be?



-Dave

[JackConrad]

Generac has a very poor reputation in RV use.  The construction type generators are for the most part 3600 RPM generators. 3600 RPM means they are noisier than the 1800 RPM RV generators. This does help help foster friendship with you neighbors when using the generator.  Construction type generators are designed to operate out in the open with plenty of air flow around them. Putting the generator in a baggage bay will greatly limit the air flow around it, likely causing overheating.  If running the generator with the baggage doors open, see above statement.  Jack

[redbus]

10k with 3 cyl. Isusu diesel.

[Songman]

I've got a 15kw Isuzu diesel.

The things that I think are important for a generator, from what I have gathered from reading the forums, is low RPMs and water cooled. Lots of the generators I see on eBay are running at like 3600 RPMs. You know that is loud! I can't say anything about fire risk though. As long as it is installed right I don't see where there would be a fire danger. You just won't be very popular in the campground with one like that.

Edit: Jack beat me to the submit button. I'm glad to see that I have learned enough to have an answer that is similar to his.

[TomCat]

Hey Dave,

I'm running an Onan 5500 Marquis on dedicated LP, and am very happy with it.

Although I don't have any personal experience with them, and I'm sure it's not always the case, Generac's as a brand has a very poor reputation among the RV crowd.

Jay
87 SaftLiner

[Paladin]

Yep, I've read and heard things about the Generacs. The problem is that for now at least that's what I have.
Hopefully in the future one of them there fancy 3 cyl water cooled low rpm rigs.

[Kristinsgrandpa]

The multi-cylinders run smoother, and the 1800 RPM run quieter, diesel cuts down on the fueling problems and the fire hazard isn't as bad as gas.

Your power needs determine the size needed. A greatly oversized diesel is a problem because diesels should be run with a good load on them.

My coach is total electric and I have a 15 KW. At that size I'm slightly, (maybe greatly) oversized.  I wanted a 12 KW but got a good deal on an Isuzu.

Ed

[Dreamscape]

Use what you have, that's what I'm doing. I have a 12.5 kw Onan, air cooled. When I can afford I'll do like you and upgrade to a quieter unit, although mine is RV type. Just beware of the noise they make, wish mine was quieter also.

You gotta do what you gotta do!

Happy Trails,

Paul

[Songman]

I'm building an all electric coach too. That is one reason I wanted a larger generator. Plus, the fact that I bought it used for $3000 with less than 100 hours on it. I certainly couldn't have afforded to buy it new.

I think most of us here have to be at least mindful of budget. I have been buying parts and storing them in my garage for a year and have never put any of it in a bus yet. Buying things over time makes it a lot easier on the pocketbook. And using what you can afford at the moment gets you out on the road.

Ed, it sounds like you probably have the same generator that I have.

[TomC]

Problem with an air cooled is how to mount it inside to keep it quiet then to be able to circulate enough air to keep it cool.  Onan accomplished that with vacuflow cooling where they sucked the air over the engine and blew the hot air out of the compartment.  Wheras yours pulls fresh air into the engine and just blows the hot air out with out any kind of ducting.  With any kind of generator operation, keeping the unit happy is number one, and number two is keeping your neighbor happy with a quiet installation on the generator-of which I doubt you're going to be able to do with a standard air cooled generator.

One of the first things I bought was my Powertech 10kw generator with 4 cylinder Kubota Diesel engine.  My compartment is next to the drivers seat like a front engine and the generator sits backwards in the compartment-engine facing back with the generator in front.  The servicing is from inside.  I have an inline bathroom blower to blow fresh air through the compartment since the air cleaner is remotely mounted outside the compartment.  The radiator is also remotely mounted to a squirrel cage blower with a 1/2hp 2 spd belt driven motor-high for day use, low for quiet night time use.  Has worked well and is very quiet when running-although you can still here it from the outside-just a low hum.  Just remember-there is no such thing as a too quiet generator.  Good Luck, TomC

[Songman]

I was amazed at how quiet Tom's generator is!

[grantgoold]

I have a deutz 3 cylinder air-cooled industrial quality 18kw. Not so quite! But I am selling power to my neighbors

Grant
Sacramento