Generator February 23, 2016, 12:22:45 am Yahoo Message Number: 158933Who and how much does it cost to get a generator installed in my 26.6 LD. I live in Oklahoma City ok. There never was one in it.. A.H.
Re: Generator Reply #1 – February 23, 2016, 02:01:45 am Yahoo Message Number: 158934Hi Alfred. The model year and floorplan has a lot to do with whether the motorhome was prepared for the later installation of a generator. Unlike a distributor who might install a generator for a potential customer, the LD factory knew whether or not the original buyer was getting a generator. Since your rig has never had one, it is quite likely missing everything needed for the installation of a generator. From fuel tank pickup to electrical wiring, frame weight loading and access doors, it could be a lot of work to install. Hope this helped, RonB
Re: Generator Reply #2 – February 23, 2016, 02:05:48 am Yahoo Message Number: 158935Thanks ! It's a 1994 and according to the manual it is set up for after market install. A.H.
Re: Generator Reply #3 – February 23, 2016, 11:30:56 am Yahoo Message Number: 158946Hi Alfred. You are in luck. Paul Newton told me in 1997 that they didn't put in anything for the generator unless you ordered the generator. My '99 has 99 hours on the Emerald ll+ (original owner, 16 years). I asked Paul because I really didn't want the weight of the genny on my E350 chassis, and knew that I wouldn't use it much. Most of those 99 hours are for maintenance running. I did want it prepared, in case I changed my mind. When I ordered in 1999 from Ed, the generator was standard equipment, so I have it to haul around. In my previous class 'C' I added an Onan MicroLite 2.8 kw generator, shoehorned into a place not intended, or prepared for a generator. I tee'd into the gas line, so you could drain the tank dry with the generator if you weren't careful. I mostly used it to run a 13,500 Btuh roof air conditioner. If you can find a used Onan MicroQuiet 4kw., they are much quieter that the Emerald, and should fit into the same space. Fuel line, and electrical, including the buss transfer relay should be there. Do you have a compartment door for the generator with nothing behind it? RonB
Re: Generator Reply #4 – February 23, 2016, 12:18:51 pm Yahoo Message Number: 158948Your idea of "set up for aftermarket install" and the factory's idea could be quite different.I have a 1989 that is not genny equipped. My manual also states that all units are prepped for an aftermarket install.However, reality seems to be different. On the plus side they appear to have run 120V Romex for such, As I have an unconnected bundle of it behind my power converter and I believe the other side terminates at the genny compartment. But, there is no plug on either end and I am not at all sure of the status of things like an automatic cutout if the generator shuts off.The genny compartment is a metal box and I would expect that it is braced to handle the weight load. I don't see built in provisions to bolt in a genny.I am not at all sure of the status of 12V connections (for starter operation) as they are not in the genny compartment. Maybe there is a harness outside the compartment to tap into, but I have no idea if it is fused properly or what one would need to do.My LD has no provisions for a remote start switch for a genny.Likewise, I don't see fuel plumbing and think it unlikely that they would run fuel lines. It is probably a safe bet that the tank pickup has a provision for a genny fuel line, but you would probably need to drop the tank to plumb a line. Don't splice the main engine fuel line as it is high pressure in fuel-injected cabs and would flood the float bowl in the genny carburetor.My conclusion is that "set up for aftermarket install" means that it is possible to add a genny at a later date, because there is space to do so. However, I doubt it will be an easy or straightforward afternoon project.-Jeff
Re: Generator Reply #5 – February 23, 2016, 05:15:24 pm Yahoo Message Number: 158957It is possible when I asked Vince at the mother ship about my 97TK. But he said it was only designed for a generator that is out of production and no longer has the metal bracket mount that is required so they won't install it. I am looking at installing 2 more batteries where the generator would have mounted and some more solar as I only have 1 95watt panel. I have the 12v swamp cooler and don't need the AC as much as I originally thought. I plan on bringing 2 small Honda generators in the jeep or trailer if I think I might need the AC in the desert which are quieter than the OEM Genny Craig
Re: Generator Reply #6 – February 23, 2016, 09:52:08 pm Yahoo Message Number: 158961This !. A.H.Quote On Feb 23, 2016, at 12:16, Jeff Newman [lifewithalazydazerv] lifewithalazydazerv@yahoogroups.com> wrote:Your idea of "set up for aftermarket install" and the factory's idea could be quite different.I have a 1989 that is not genny equipped. My manual also states that all units are prepped for an aftermarket install.However, reality seems to be different. On the plus side they appear to have run 120V Romex for such, As I have an unconnected bundle of it behind my power converter and I believe the other side terminates at the genny compartment. But, there is no plug on either end and I am not at all sure of the status of things like an automatic cutout if the generator shuts off.The genny compartment is a metal box and I would expect that it is braced to handle the weight load. I don't see built in provisions to bolt in a genny.I am not at all sure of the status of 12V connections (for starter operation) as they are not in the genny compartment. Maybe there is a harness outside the compartment to tap into, but I have no idea if it is fused properly or what one would need to do.My LD has no provisions for a remote start switch for a genny.Likewise, I don't see fuel plumbing and think it unlikely that they would run fuel lines. It is probably a safe bet that the tank pickup has a provision for a genny fuel line, but you would probably need to drop the tank to plumb a line. Don't splice the main engine fuel line as it is high pressure in fuel-injected cabs and would flood the float bowl in the genny carburetor.My conclusion is that "set up for aftermarket install" means that it is possible to add a genny at a later date, because there is space to do so. However, I doubt it will be an easy or straightforward afternoon project.-JeffFrom: "Alfred Hollis [lifewithalazydazerv]" lifewithalazydazerv@yahoogroups.com> To:lifewithalazydazerv@yahoogroups.com Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2016 1:05 AM Subject: Re: [LD] Re: Generator
Re: Generator Reply #7 – February 23, 2016, 11:36:49 pm Yahoo Message Number: 158962By being 'prepped' for a generator, LD has some of the wiring made up and coiled away near the Power Center and probably a transfer switch. Your vintage of LD came with the Onan Emerald 4000, a very durable and noisy generator. These can be found, condition unknown unless it's a rebuilt. A lot of things can go bad in a old generator. A better solution, as suggested, would be a new Micro-Quiet 4000. I would want to research this a little more to make sure the two generators are interchangeable, in this application. Off hand, I see nothing that would prevent using the Microquiet.What is hard or impossible to find is the box the Emerald generator sits in. The metal box or frame is bolted and hangs under the floor. The generator sits inside the box. on very flexible rubber mounts. A custom fabricated box may be needed if the right one cannot be found. Then the generator needs a fuel line. I believe accessing the outlet requires lowering or dropping the tank to get to the generator outlet, located on the fuel pump. The generator outlet is a separate tube that sits high enough above the bottom of the tank to prevent the generator from using the last quarter of the tank.So what does all of this cost, who knows? It all depends on your skills at both finding and buying the right parts, in good shape, and then the cost of installation. A lot of variables. Figure $3000-5000. Yes, that's a lot of money to spend on a 22 year old motorhome.Yes a portable generator is appealing but do consider the problems of keeping it from walking away and the problem of how to safely carry an adequate amount of fuel. Both generators and full gas cans are very attractive targets for thieves, almost as good as cash. Chains and cables will not stop someone who is prepared. http://www.amazon.com/Neiko%c2%ae-00562A-30-inch-Heavy-duty-Chrome-Molybdenum/dp/B000GVCX94%3FSubscriptionId%3DAKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q%26tag%3Dduckduckgo-d-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB000GVCX94We owned a 1983 LD for eight years and it did not have generator, Ed convinced the original owners that they "didn't need one". We didn't need one either about 99% of the time but that 1% of the time was a........Other reason I wanted one, in the new one, was because we consider the LD to be Escape Pod. In case the earth cracks open and moves again, we want a safe shelter to move into and have enough 120-VAC power to keep our home refrigerator running for a few days. You can't much more water and energy efficient than living in a LD and it's comfortable too. Our 2003 LD came with the generator standard, someone at LD decided we "needed one".In real world usage, we almost never run the generator, having only 200 hours on our 2003, 90% of it running in our driveway during the monthly run and most of the rest used for cooking. We have enough added battery and solar to cover most of our electrical needs. We also have the enough smarts left to not to boondock where it is so hot the at the A/C is needed for more than a couple hours a day and it cools off at night. I can stay home and be hot.Larry As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Generator Reply #8 – February 24, 2016, 12:41:04 am Yahoo Message Number: 158966Re: "I can stay home and be hot. Larry"Had an elderly neighbor who spent most of his 90+ years heating with wood in Iowa. We were once discussing thermostat settings/conservation/etc., & he laughed about a friend in Iowa who had once remarked about the recommendations to turn the thermostat back at night, that he wasn't going to freeze to death in his own home...unlike my poor dad who would dramatically get out his insulated jacket to wear in the house, while Mother was in shorts/short-sleeve shirts in December (she was not sympathetic to his plight, telling him she'd "taken off about everything--[he was] just gonna have to put more on.").Lynne LDy Lulubelle, '05 30' TB Lilly, the 4-Legged Alarm
Generator Reply #9 – March 01, 2016, 02:23:45 pm Yahoo Message Number: 159114Have a 4000 champion, was told all I had to do is mount either outside or in storage area, connect power cord to generator an I am good to go. Has remote starter. Any suggestions or ideas ? . A.H.
Re: Generator Reply #10 – March 02, 2016, 02:04:52 am Yahoo Message Number: 159126"Have a 4000 champion..." If this is a construction site style generator, such as sold at HD, please do not bring it anywhere near any other campers. The noise level makes these illegal in most federal and state campgrounds.Steve
Re: Generator Reply #11 – March 02, 2016, 08:45:57 am Yahoo Message Number: 159128It. saids it's 68 dcp. I think legal parks noise is max. 72 dcp. Also states on unit it is rv ready.. A.H.
Re: Generator Reply #12 – March 02, 2016, 08:46:15 am Yahoo Message Number: 159129I don't know how loud the Champion generator is; the manufacturer apparently doesn't provide specs on decibel measurements. IMO, the Cummins Onan "Microquiet" 4000 in our LDs is LOUD! (And stinky!) And, it's rated at 60 db at 50'. A decibel measurement taken at a distance of 50' from the generator is irrelevant and misleading, IMO; unless one is alone or well separated from one's neighbors (hardly the norm in most campgrounds), e.g., when boondocking, generator noise and exhaust smell can be a real nuisance. When I'm dry camped or boondocking, I do use the generator when I need to, but I also try to be very aware of when and for how long to avoid gassing and/or deafening the neighbors.This page describes decibel numbers compared to "life sounds".http://www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com/stories/936-Why-Some-Generators-Dont-List-Decibel-Ratings.htmlAs always, YMMV.Joan
Re: Generator Reply #14 – March 02, 2016, 12:09:33 pm Yahoo Message Number: 159134Using a noisy construction-site generator like the Champion 4000 in a campground is a great way to make enemies.Andy Baird
Re: Generator Reply #15 – March 02, 2016, 01:12:45 pm Yahoo Message Number: 159136Gene,Shades of SD Bob and his noisy smelly generator.SD Bob
Re: Generator Reply #16 – March 02, 2016, 03:46:16 pm Yahoo Message Number: 159138"Also states on unit it is rv ready."This simply means it has a 30A RV socket - and could be used externally, if you have the muscle to heft it, and a place to store it. However, it would be a bear to adapt it to mount in your LD. It has no fuel pump, designed for gravity feed, so you will have to add that, as well as the fuel takeoff in your fuel tank. Mounted, it will need more cooling than provided, with appropriate ductwork, re-routed exhaust, etc, etc...Steve
Re: Generator Reply #17 – March 02, 2016, 04:26:59 pm Yahoo Message Number: 159139I don’t mean to hop into a tread and offer unwanted advice but generators are a long debated issue with my wife and I for campers. We have to have AC for our fur kids.To those who have capability to carrie an onan and put one in I don’t think there is a better one.To those who want a portable that is usable and semi convient and not life threatning (getting shot over noise) Just hock the cat or dog and get a Honda. Two 2000 s or one 3000 and they are quite and self contained as well as very reliable. Other brands and things are much cheaper; and they are cheaper for a reasons, one being noisy. I know a gent that spent 400 on a other brand to quite it down. Not good results at all. Just my pennys worth to thoses in the debate, sorry to inapproapiately butt in:Grumpy 1995 22tk and 2 corgis Sent from Mail for Windows 10
Re: Generator Reply #18 – March 02, 2016, 04:47:16 pm Yahoo Message Number: 159140Something I found to be a big help in crowded camp conditions, like at a rally, was to use one of the portable exhaust pipes that puts the exhaust fumes up in the air over the roof. Makes it a lot more pleasant for folks sitting around the area.Camping World sells them. Search for Gen-turi Generator Exhaust SystemDick
Re: Generator Reply #19 – March 02, 2016, 06:36:42 pm Yahoo Message Number: 159143I saw a Gen-turi several years ago; it did direct the exhaust "up and away", it broke down into manageable/stowable parts, and it was pretty lightweight, but the early models had a stabilizing bracket that had to be mounted on the RV. I didn't want to drill holes in my rig, so I dismissed the idea of getting one. The current model of the Gen-turi seems to use a suction cup to support/stabilize the tubes; if this works to hold the entire length of the sections in place, it's a much better solution than making holes.Dick, does your model use the suction cup? If so, how well does it stabilize the tubes? Thanks for any information.Joan
Re: Generator Reply #20 – March 03, 2016, 12:16:16 pm Yahoo Message Number: 159150I have used a Genturi for over 10 years now (dogshows). Instead of drilling holes, I use very high bond double sided 3m tape. When I rigged it up on my then-new LD, I found similar brackets in stainless steel, as well as the 3m VHB tape, at a marine hardware store.Lori Y 2011 24FL
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