I just purchased a 1998 Coach House 19" motor home. The rv was originally purchased without a generator although all the electrical hookups are there and just waiting for a generator, Does anyone out there know where I can buy a new or used one that would fit into the designated space?
Presumably a Dodge chassis? Under-floor 'hanging' generator mount, or compartment? It's likely that the space was designed for an Onan, probably a Microlite 2800, less likely a Microquiet 4000, even possibly an Generac 3600 (?).
You best bet, unless someone here has owned that specific model, would be to measure the space, then go to the Onan website and start checking dimensions. That should narrow down your choices, probably to the 2800. Then search on-line for your best price. Be prepared for sticker shock.
You'll also need to find or install the fuel line. New Onans don't come with the exhaust pipe or inside start switch & wiring harness, since those are different for different installations.
Jim, "Over the hill? What hill? I don't remember a hill."
'06 Tiger CX 'C Minus' on a Silverado 2500HD 4x4, 8.1 & Allison (aka 'Loafer's Glory') www.tigervehicles.com
Only use an RV certified generator. Do not use a cheap generator that do not have the safety / protection built into an RV generator.
RV generators will shut down upon detection of low oil, electrical anomalies, excess temperature, or something as simple as an exhaust to prevent occupants from being gassed, etc. to prevent a fire.
Emergency generators commonly sold have fuel tank in same package, often few or none of the safety mechanisms, etc.
If you insist on using one of those --- the only safe way is to use a Honda or like generator that is removed / away from vehicle while running, and stored in that space.
But that generator should not be run with the vehicle moving or in that space.
Get the proper gen set, get it properly installed by a professional including tapping into the fuel line properly via the factory provided for taps.
A good install will include an hour meter so you know when the genset need to be serviced.
Geez, that was a fast response...THANK YOU! I can't measure it for a few days, I'm up in Indy burting an old friend. I'll be back to the rv next week and will measure and post it then. Thank you so much for the advice.
Almost surely an Onan 2800, then. If the two side hanger plates are there, just measure their distance apart, and check the width of the 2800. There should also be two struts / braces across the width of the mount, forming a wide 'vee'. If all your hookups are there, it's a pretty simple install. I doubt that the
The only 'safety' that I'm aware of on a 2800 is a low oil level float switch, and I've heard that that's been discontinued because of the issues it caused when the unit is running on the road due to oil slosh. They'll also stop if they're not generating 120 VAC, since that supplies the voltage to the ignition circuit.
Get a new interior CO detector. There's _no_ sensor on the Onan for that, and they need replacement every 5-7 years from what I'm reading on other forums.
Jim, "Money talks. I heard it speak once. It said bye-bye."
Skipper Skip - I'm fairly confident that "Handbasket" is correct about the space being for a Onan MicroLight 2800 unit. Just to give you some idea of availability and price.
Be cautious buying a used 2800. The carb will get gummed/varnished up if fuel is left sitting in it, and is _not_ rebuildable. Costs for replacement from $250 to $500 have been reported here. If running at all, some can be cured DIY with Seafoam fuel system cleaner, others cannot.
It should start, hunt a little, then settle to a steady RPM producing very nearly 120V and 60 Hz, +/- not very much. Loping /hunting / changing RPM after it's warmed up is a likely sign of some varnishing. IMO, it's not acceptable, since it causes the volts & Hertz to rise and fall.
If it won't start at all, don't buy the 'it just needs a tune-up' line. It could also need a new voltage regulator board, or a new rotor & stator set costing around $2K.
Not saying don't buy used, just be forewarned & cautious.
Jim, "Stupidity got us into this mess. Why can't it get us out?"
I have a 1992 Coach House. I bought a swing away cargo box & an 2K Honda. Total cost about $1,400. I have photos of my set up. message me & I'll send them to you if you want. Runs the A/C fine.
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