A Women's RV Forum run by Women RVer's!

Hello--I'm new on this site as of today. If you've read my "introduction," I'm just in the market to purchase my first RV. My parents had one back in the 70's/80's, and I don't think they had any kind of generator. I've searched online for info, but all I get is "sales" of Onan's. Would someone be so kind as to tell me what it is (obviously an onboard generator?), what "hours" should I look for wqhen buying used, how often is it serviced or how often does it need to be replaced???? Actually, I know very little about generators at all, except that they generate power! LOL Thanks to anyone who will answer this!!!! I'm so amazed that you "guys" are out there and are so willing to help! THANKS...Carol B.

My 2 cents worth. I have always had Class C or Class A and had onboard (built in or fixed) All of mine have been Onan's I have been very happy with them. The other options most Travel trailers have are portable generators and I have heard good reports from the gals on here that have them. They have a couple different brands so I will let them chime in and tell you about theirs.

I do know that LOW hours are not a good thing. You need to exercise your generator at least monthly. I start mine up and put a load on it (use stuff) I usually run either the heat or the air conditioner, TV, microwave whatever......I run it for a minimum of 2 hours a month. Gas will lacquer up and gum up the works so to speak and then you need the almighty maintenance man to fix it (= $$$). Is much easier to just run the dang thing.

My preference is one that I dont have to shag around. But thats just me.

karen

An Onan generator is a brand of generator that is in most motor homes. There is another brand but I think the Onan is the best. The hours on a generator are seldom a lot unless you find a motor home used by someone that didn't stay in campgrounds. There are campgrounds that don't have electric hookups but they limit the time you can run a generator. They are somewhat noisy, some more than others. Staying somewhere without hookups is called boondocking. The people that do that a lot usually run their generator for short periods to run the microwave or air conditioner and charge the batteries. RV's have a 12volt system to run the lights that are powered by the coach batteries. I don't remember how many hours they need to be serviced. I have had my motorhome 6 years and have had the generator serviced twice. I usually only run my generator once a month which is recommended.

I don't know how long generators last but you don't want to have to buy one. They are in the $4,000 - $6,000 range depending on how large they are. If you buy a used motorhome make them run the generator for at least an hour with the air conditioner on to make sure it works. You don't want one that is surging, spitting and dying.

Martha

You didn't mention if you were looking for a Class A, B or C...with often come with the generator on board. When purchasing a new unit it can be considered basic equipment and on other makes or models it will be listed as an Option. For Trail Trailers and 5th Wheels most generators are ones that you purchase separately since the TT and 5'vers don't have a gasoline source and you need to haul gas with you to run them. If you enjoy smaller off the beaten spots and think you would enjoy boondocking (and don't have unlimited solar panels...) the generator is a wonderful tool. It frees you up to stay in more places. Camping has changed so much from my tent camping day of childhood. Now even many of the tent campers want access to electric.

The exception to the fact that most travel trailers & 5th wheels not having on board generators is if it's a ToyHauler, like we have. Mainly because they also have on board gas tanks for gassing up the toys. Another piece of info is that they normally use about 1/2 gallon of fuel an hour, so it goes pretty far.

Good to know.....got to support good toys!

Thanks All! I have much to learn about the mechanics/maintenance of a rig, so all info is appreciated! I'm thankful for the low hour tip--would have thought low hours meant good generator! Also, I'm so grateful for the tip on purchasing a used rig, to know I should take maybe an hour "test drive" to insure the "genny" is in good condition. Still leaning towards the class B; I can keep it in my driveway and won't have to worry about storage. LOVE this website! I'm on the road tomorrow (in my little Nissan), heading back to NY, and will begin my real search over the weekend. So far, I'm just doing an online search. Will keep you posted! (Oh, I also figured out I can use the "search" on this site--entered "onan" and found many previous posts. I'm just not that computer savvy, but looks like I'll be learning that too! For instance, love the "smilie" guys!)

An hour test drive of the rig won't prove anything about the generator. You need to see it starts easily and then runs under a load. If you meant that, then you are right. And you need to do it a few times. And don't believe anything they say lol. Can you tell I've been there? Even then, like anything else, there are no guarantees. But using the generator is a must if you want it to have a long life.

vicki, you answered one of my questions, thanks! I've never known just how much gas the generator uses. The only thing I knew is that the generator wouldn't start if the gas in the tank was below a point. Guess no one wants to run the tank dry using the generator and not being able to start the engine. 1/2 gallon per hour is pretty cheap power. (note to self, go start the generator and vacuum the RV )

oregonrambler1 wrote:(note to self, go start the generator and vacuum the RV )

Start the generator - yes. Vacuum the RV - why rush into things??

I'm learning--yes,not a test "drive" of the rig, but a test "run" of the genny. Thanks for clarifying that....! Awesome to learn from your experiences! Thanks!