Help me choice a generator/fuel

[Darwin]

I have a Yamaha 2000 that I used in Central America, it works but to be honest it's loud and annoying when running the AC because it wont do it on eco mode, the RPM's have it wrapped out. I parked next to some guys in CO that had just aquired a used Unimog camper from GXV and it had a diesel genny in an enclosure and it was really quite, also the diesel has a lower pitch sound that it eaiser on my ears. I would look into something like that if you are designing a custom camper and have the room and available weight for one. Push button start is also nice, I think you would probably like that feature.

 

[dvorocks]

I looked at the GXV website and most their rigs use the onan quiet diesel...I guess that's probably the best choice. Bad part is they are like 8k new...

 

[quickfarms]

I looked at the GXV website and most their rigs use the onan quiet diesel...I guess that's probably the best choice. Bad part is they are like 8k new...

You want the ones with the Kubota engine in it some of the other ones have known issues.

 

[quickfarms]

Thanks for the replys.. I live in a diesel pusher motorhome so I pretty much always have power unless something goes wrong!!
I been looking at light towers and found an older one with a kubota d905 3 cylinder 3kw generator. The generator is the perfect size but not sure I can fit that engine in the back of my rig. Going to go look at it . The plan would be to mount the engine in an enclosure and the radiator mounted outside.

That's what I have two of. They are designed to have airflow around the engine and generator head, it is air cooled. The air intake needs to be the same size as the radiator. You also need to think about maintenance and service. The control panel can be moved away from the generator so you could start it from inside.

One thing to think about is each of mine have a different generator head on it. One is longer and skinnier and the other one is shorter and fatter.

One advantage of the D905 is that it is a tractor engine and parts may be easier to get in remote locations.

You can enclose one in a enclosure but they are already really quiet because they run at 1800 rpm and not 3600 like some of the cheaper diesel and gas generators do.

 

[pugslyyy]

I looked at the GXV website and most their rigs use the onan quiet diesel...I guess that's probably the best choice. Bad part is they are like 8k new...

Yeah, GXV makes a serious product but if budget is a concern the choices they make in their builds may not be right for you.

 

[dvorocks]

I've found 2 semi local diesels on Craigslist that would do the trick.. The first is the a kubota light tower with the 3 cylinder 905 engine with 6000 hrs. The second is the 5500 onan quiet diesel with almost 4000 hours ( was just serviced by onan)
Both have kinda high hours but are priced around 1k. I'm leaning towards the onan. Think it will be easier to install and get fixed if it explodes

 

[jkam]

I full time in my 20 year old RV. I have an Onan Emerald Plus 4k gas model. A few years ago it started to act up, I tried a few things to get it back running again myself but couldn't figure it out and couldn't afford to have it looked at and fixed properly. Recently I was able to get it fixed with the help of a guy who helped figure out the problem.
After so much messing with it I needed a new starter just to get it turning. The nearest Onan dealer in Medford had the starter in stock. Then we needed a new fuel pump as it was not working well, had it in stock too. Finally able to get it running, but then it would quit after a little bit. Found the voltage regulator not working (that was the original problem) it didn't sense output voltage and shuts down. Had it in stock as well. These were not cheap parts at all, but they were available from Onan and the guys there were very helpful.

For international travel I don't know how well their support system is, but I now have 1300 hours on mine and it runs just fine.

 

[mojavephonebooth]

If you are running A/C HONDA 3000 with remote electric start, No A/C then a HONDA 2000. I own both never a problem. I have a Small soft sided dog cage/tent I can run them in if its raining.

 

[quickfarms]

I've found 2 semi local diesels on Craigslist that would do the trick.. The first is the a kubota light tower with the 3 cylinder 905 engine with 6000 hrs. The second is the 5500 onan quiet diesel with almost 4000 hours ( was just serviced by onan)
Both have kinda high hours but are priced around 1k. I'm leaning towards the onan. Think it will be easier to install and get fixed if it explodes

The 905 with some maintenance has been known to push 10,000 hours.

What engine is in the QD 5500?

 

[dvorocks]

Pretty sure its the Kubota z482. From what ive read they are great little engines

The 905 with some maintenance has been known to push 10,000 hours.

What engine is in the QD 5500?

 

[Kiomon]

Have you seen this one? This is the model we were going to get. It's rated at 3200 watts continuous. Which is basically two Honda 2000's. We were able to find it for under $6000 new. http://power.cummins.com/content/rv-qd-3200

Ideally you would avoid have a huge generator that you run at quarter load and would be best served with a gent that you can keep loaded up. Better for the generator and engine inside.

 

[dvorocks]

Picked up a onan quiet diesel today...low hours . I'm super impressed with it so far