So why *couldn't* this genset be used in an RV?

[michigandon]

Looking for a diesel-powered replacement genset for the cantankerous old POS Kohler in da house (fix four things, five more break #@$%! ). I was seriously considering using one of these, until I talked to someone else that wanted to do the same thing and he claimed that the fine folks at Hardy told him it "wasn't appoved for mobile use". I cannot for the life of me understand WHY this unit couldn't be used in such an application. Can any of you guys enlighten me? The staff at Hardy don't seem to be very interested in answering my emails, so the horses mouth is currently mute, so to speak.



Oh, and before anyone even thinks about suggesting it, I cannot and will not fork out a Kings Ransom for a new Onan or Generac. Most of those things retail for almost as much if not more than what the entire coach is worth! :--)



Any suggestions/recommendations for a unit comparable to the one above are more than welcome though.



Don

 

[Dkuhlman]

I'd assume it hasn't been certified to run in a closed compartment - i. e. cooling, exhaust routing (looks like a side mount muffler in picture), etc. . Also, you wouldn't need their dinky fuel tank. You might post over at rv.net and see if anyone has experience with this unit. That's indeed a good price for a diesel generator with that capacity. It also may be a little on the noisy side for campground use.



Loved your motorhome conversion by the way!



Good luck,



Don

 

[DaveK98]

I looked at that model as well when I needed a generator. I liked that it was diesel and could stick with one fuel source. I've got a 5th wheel and don't use the generator very often. I went with 2 honda eu2000's.



I didn't have the space in my rv to mount a dedicated generator.



If you built a fire resistant space ie surrounded by metal and added some cooling to it (ie maybe pusher and puller fans for ventilation) it might work.



How loud is that generator? The thing I found with the cheaper diesel generators was that they were LOUD and I wanted quiet.



If you don't go diesel I can highly recommend the honda's.



DO YOU HAVE A LINK FOR YOUR CONVERSION? Or pic's, I've got a brother that would be interested to see what you have done.



At my work they are installing a 250kw diesel generator right outside my window. Been interesting.....

 

[Jumbo Jet]

If it is anywhere like the model I have - engine looks identical - you would be disappointed and so would your neighbors.



The engine is a Chinese copy of a 'Japanese' designed Yanmar. It makes enough noise to wake the dead. It may run forever, but is not an RV type genset.



... and it is a good thing it has electric start - I have never been able to use the pull rope to start mine. It even has a compression release for rope starting. Doesn't help.



The thing has serious vibration too!

 

[michigandon]

Hmmm, good points about the cooling and the noise. I already figured on having to custom-pipe the exhaust to the outside and using a BIGGER muffler, as well as ditching the engine-mounted fuel tank. And I could add a few layers of Dynamat to the inside of the compartment if need be. We don't use it at the campsite very often. Mainly to keep the roof air operating whilst underway (no dash air on our rig). I'd really like to get away from carrying THREE different types of fuel on board this thing, if possible.



This is what the genset compartment looks like on this thing. According to their dimensions, it oughtta fit like a glove:



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DaveK98, you can see more pics of ny rig by going here. Feel free to email or PM me if you have any questions about anything.



Don

 

[DaveK98]

The thing I found with most generators is that quieter=more expensive. Any air cooled diesel is going to be loud. I figured it was going to cost me 5-6k to get one I would be happy with. Way too expensive for me so I went with the honda's for under 2k. Probably not an option for you as you want to the genset driving down the road.



Looks like there is ton's of room in that compartment. If you are willing to put up with noise / vibration I bet that one would work. I might put a fan on the square grate and use the top grate as exhaust (cooling exhaust not engine exhaust).



My 1982 class c honey rv (now sold thank god) didn't have dash a/c and the roof couldn't keep up with the hot air coming in from the ford 460 under the doghouse. It was 2/60 ac. Needless to say the wife wasn't happy when we got there and she was drenched from sweat... ...

 

[SRehberg]

Noise issues aside, I would be concerned with replacement parts with a European generator and a Chinese copy of a Japanese design. I've never had good luck with anything Chinese, especially their copies with the lower quality steel products. My 2cts.

 

[PToombs]

Don, if you are going to use on the road, why not put a small scoop to bring in fresh air? Or a trap door in the bottom, like a scoop, open when driving, closed when raining, etc. Just an idea.

 

[E2360]

What determines a good generator

Not an expert but been around the block a few times with generators.



There is more to the generator part of the setup than the motor. Yes you want quiet and reliable from the drive section. Where the money is, is in the generator part. Low cost generators almost always use brushes in the pickups. think old electric drill brushs. lots of "Noise" from the power generated which is harmful to all electronics.



Next best is "brushless", these are usually more money but provide much "cleaner" electricity. you see these in the Hondas, onans some generacs.



The best is an inverter like the Honda "i" series or similar . VERY clean and regulated frequency and true sine wave power. You pay more but get more.



Running lights and motors are ok with the brush sets... any use with electronics in mind whether a Microwave or up to a computer is the domain of the brushless and even better the inverter sets. Fry out some electronics and the deal you got on a Cheap generator just became a lot more expensive



Just my 2 cents for what its worth

 

[Msilbernagel]

Any chance 'approved for mobile use' might include the ability to run while rolling down the highway? Perhaps there could be a danger of oil starvation if the oil pan isn't designed with baffles, etc that take turns and hills into consideration?



Just a thought.



Mark

 

[michigandon]

FWIW: a lot of the stuff coming out of China is pure unadulaterated crap, no doubt about it. However this does not apply across the board IMHO. A few minutes of reading over at www.utterpower.com convinced me of that.



E2360, the unit in question has a brushless alternator.



PToombs, I'd like to hook up some trick shutters like on the stationary generators at work. Open up when the rig starts, close when its shut down.

 

[michigandon]

Howzabout this one instead

Price certainly isn't as attractive :



http://www.genpropower.com/gpndl60e1.html

 

[SRehberg]

The generator running @ 3600 gets pretty noisey as well. A good quality generator will run at 1800rpm. Most of the RV brands seem to be in the 3600rpm range, probably due to cost.

 

[RustyJC]

The generator running @ 3600 gets pretty noisey as well. A good quality generator will run at 1800rpm. Most of the RV brands seem to be in the 3600rpm range, probably due to cost.

And size. For a given KW (BHP) output, running at half the rotational speed means the engine must produce twice the torque. This means more cubic inches and larger physical size (and weight) for the 1800 RPM genset.



Rusty

 

[Todd T]

It makes enough noise to wake the dead.



The thing has serious vibration too!

well then if he's a fisherman he can use it to vibrate the worms up out of the earth and can be off fishing whilst the neighbors are yelling over the noise

 

[ECappleman]

Check out this link.



Trailer Life Mag.



Bought mine because of this, and it is very quite.

 

[michigandon]

I've decided to look for an LP genset instead.

 

[kblranch]

There is a used diesel generator at www.coolhorse.com . Click on trailers & access. . Then click on lq. trailers only.

 

[michigandon]

I just got off the phone with Mark Holstein from Genpro. He sez that while not a true RV genset, the5KW Lombardini powered unit that they have avaialble is approved for mobile use! He claims that they have installed several of these on utility and rescue squad trucks. He also told me that an engine has to be Tier 2 and EPA certified for a mobile application, and that Hardy and/or the Chink outfit that makes the prime mover for that unit probably does not want to spend the money to do that. Claims this to be a very robust unit, but does admit to it being somewhat on the noisy side. One other downfall is there is no remote start. Supposedly they are assembled right at their own facility in Rapid City. It's quite a bit more than I originally wanted to spend and I still haven't made up my mind on what I want to do as of yet, but I would by from these guys just based on their customer service attitude alone. I filled out the "contact us" form on their website and actually recieved a phone call! Never recieved as much as a fart in my direction from Hardy.

 

[emarsh]

what about the yamaha see details here http://www.yamaha-motor.com/outdoor/products/modelhome/452/0/home.aspxa

soory the link will not go direct, however follow the pages to consumer generators, model # EDL6500S