Generator questions

[AlmostThere]

Ok, I was kinda hijacking another thread so I'll start a new one here.

I did a google search on running the generator and I'm hearing that it needs to run at least 2 hrs every month with a load on it! Yikes, I thought 20 mins was a good time. I guess I'll have to take a book or get a laptop w/aircard and sit at the storage place to do this all this winter.

Any idea how much gas the generator uses per hr of usage? Just curious. Mine's a 4000W size.

[VickieP]

My generator is a 5500 Onan and uses about 1/2 gallon every hour. Hope that helps! I'm sure "Somebody" will research it & find a link for you! Is it an Onan?

[mitch5252]

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Do all generators really need to be run for 2 hours a month under a load? I never knew that.

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[AlmostThere]

I actually did an online search and that's what kept coming up. That's why I'm asking here. Has everyone been doing it wrong. It said something about using it that length of time under a load to set the cycles. Cycles, new to me.

Vicki, thanks for the info. My gen. is a brand name I'm not familiar with, but the I only know Onan, Honda and Generac (sp?).

[VickieP]

Try this freq.asked question section on the Onan web site: http://www.cumminsonan.com/rv/support/faq/

[mitch5252]

I'm sure "Somebody" will research it & find a link for you! ?

You are such a BRAT! STOP IT! LEAVE ME ALONE!

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[retiredhappy]

We can't leave you alone - your are our official information officer.

[VickieP]

I also keep "STA-BIL" in my fuel tank ( mine is for generator and has a nozzel like at gas stations for fueling "toys"). I keep it in there everytime I fill up, which isn't often, yet because I never know how long it will sit.

[Cedar518]

I have a Honda 2000w gen,... I run it at least once a month in the off-season and do put a load on it for at least 20 min. Have never done it for two hours. Runs like a top after 2 years of camping/storage life.

[WickedLady]

I have thought about getting a Honda 2000 for boondocking to charge batteries. Don't have AC. What kind of "load" are you talking about? strictly a newbie about gens.

[AlmostThere]

From what I've read, Marda, 'a load' is running your air or furnace.
Remember to make sure you turn on your air or furnace after starting the generator, then remember to turn it back off before shutting down the generator.

EDIT: here's a couple links from RV.NET

http://blog.rv.net/2008/03/exercising-y ... generator/

http://blog.rv.net/2009/08/keep-your-ge ... ing-going/

[sunshinecruiserTN]

My owners manual says 1 hr per mo under load. I have an onan too.

[cat]

Lenore, You're sounding like such an expert. Lucky that you have all the manuals. I was told about running the gen for 2 hrs. each month. Here in the desert, it is easy to do.

blessings,
carol

[VickieP]

Thank you ladies. I started my generator, turned on lights and a/c, went and mowed the grass (2hrs), came back and opened the door to a nice cool rv, shut it all down, turned off generator, plugged power cord back in and went on my merry way! ( I usually do try to do it around the first of the month)

[Bethers]

The two hours is recommended, but what's really important is that you USE the generator every month. If one month it's less time than another, it'll probably be ok. Just like everything else - things need to be used. LIke, in a house, it's important to use every plumbing fixture, they recommend every week. People have showers/bathrooms in basements they forget about - then all of a sudden they can't turn the water on, or the toilet doesn't work - from non-use.

When you see an rv ad with low mileage on a generator, it generally isn't such a good thing - cuz they probably didn't do the running of it every month. That's been my biggest problem with my rig.