The Onan(gas powered)in our 85 Regal is in need of at least a major tuneup, and we're wondering if it's the time to buy a new one. So the question for the 'panel' is, "What's the best Generator out there?". It would have to be quiet, run two air conditioners at the same time, and while we're at it, should we add an inverter to our converter set up?
Humbo

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Originally posted by Jim and Tere:
"What's the best Generator out there?". It would have to be quiet, run two air conditioners at the same time,

My preference is the Honda EV6100. Hollywood loves them for location electricity. Quiet and durable.

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and while we're at it, should we add an inverter to our converter set up?
Humbo

Every RV needs some kind of inverter, just to charge laptops, shavers, toothbrushes, tools etc. A little bigger one runs our coffee grinder. And, with a strong enough battery bank, an inverter capable of running a microwave is nice for when you don't want to or are forbidden to run the genset. And then, there is a household fridge, as several Barthers use.

I second the Honda EV-x010 (4KW or 6KW). I replaced the Kohler LPG genset with the EV-4010 - very pleased.

I have a Xantrex ProSine inverter to run the TV/Satellite and a second (modified sine) to charge the laptop.

I have a Honda EV4010, love it!

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I have a Xantrex ProSine inverter to run the TV/Satellite and a second (modified sine) to charge the laptop.

Where are your inverters mounted? What sort of transfer switches to you have? Are they auto or manual?

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Originally posted by Steve Castner:
Where are your inverters mounted? What sort of transfer switches to you have? Are they auto or manual?

No for the faint of heart - not for the ones who want things done 100% right - but I'll tell you my story.

I've got my inverter mounted in the storage box closest to the batteries.





As you can tell, I have 2 extension cords plugged into the inverter.

The cords go from the inverter to a manual transfer switch.



When on inverter power there are things you can't use. As an example: You wouldn't want to run your a/c units like this.

These images were taken when I had a triplite 1800 - Now I have a XANTREX PROWATT SW2000 <> 2000W Pure Sinewave Inverter Model 806-1220 for 359.25 on Ebay.

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Originally posted by bill h:
And then, there is a household fridge, as several Barthers use.

I have a household fridge in my Barth - here is a writeup I did

Back to your generator. If all it needs is a good tune up that is what I would do. It all becomes a matter of economics.

I have a Honda 4010 in our Breakaway. Nice genset, but if were to change it would be to a diesel unit.

I assume you have the onan emerld. If you could find an Onan marque you would really be happy as it is QUITE.

I agree with Gary, tune-up is the best usually. I have a 1967 6.5 Kohler on the boat. It was an original option and now has over 1500hrs and no bad habits. It is an 1800 rpm engine so it is not too noisy but does take up a lot more space than would the equivalent 3600 rpm version.
My inverter is the older Heart inverter/charger so it has an internal switch.

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Originally posted by Steve Castner:

quote:

I have a Xantrex ProSine inverter to run the TV/Satellite and a second (modified sine) to charge the laptop.

Where are your inverters mounted? What sort of transfer switches to you have? Are they auto or manual?

The 600W ProSine is in the center console on the floor. The prior owner had installed a standard duplex receptacle with a pigtail to plug into the inverter. However, newer inverters have electronic power switches, so I plug in directly. Because the wiring scheme for the '94 28' Breakaway was redone (all the terminals and relays are now inside), there's 12VDC 80A from the house batteries available in the dash.

The mod-sine is on the floor under the reefer and in front of the furnace. The prior owner had wired a 50A circuit for an inverter for the reefer for running electric underway. Since this reefer is 3-way, that inverter is just used for the laptop when dry camping.

Both are manually used and controlled. I plug whatever needs power into the inverters, and turn them on.

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Back to your generator. If all it needs is a good tune up that is what I would do. It all becomes a matter of economics.

I agree. I replaced the Kohler because it was noisy and inefficient (the Honda EV-4010 has 35% the fuel consumption [in GPH] of the LPG Kohler. While the former is 3600 RPM, the noise is both lower and less irritating than the 1800 RPM Kohler).

It's doubtful your genset is ready for the boneyard - Onans are internally robust, but the electronics can be frail, and most don't get enough use to avoid an occasional carburetor cleaning nd tuneup.

quote:

Originally posted by Jim and Tere:
The Onan(gas powered)in our 85 Regal is in need of at least a major tuneup, and we're wondering if it's the time to buy a new one.

A lot of that depends on the honesty and competency of the place doing the work. I would check out a place's reputation carefully.