Forum Discussion

Empty_Nest__Soo's avatar
Empty_Nest__Soo
Explorer
Jun 01, 2014

10kW Diesel generator

I’m interested in a used motorhome that has a 10kW diesel generator. Strikes me as bigger than I need, but that's what it has.

I doubt I would need the generator for too much more than charging the batteries while boondocking. I figure when it is hot, we will be camping with hookups.

My question: If I am running the 10kW generator only to charge batteries, and it therefore has a very light load, can I assume that it will consume only a small amount of diesel fuel?

I would hate to have to tote the little Yamaha portable just to charge batteries. Seems to defeat the purpose of having an on-board generator.

Thanks!

Wayne
Class A
  • Empty_Nest__Soo's avatar
    Empty_Nest__Soo
    Explorer
    Jun 01, 2014
    I'm not much concerned about resale. I have a history of keeping motor vehicles for 12 to 20 years.

    The majority of our camping is in heating season, not A/C season. I need to buy what works best for us.

    A couple of other coaches on my radar have generators in the 5.5 or 6.3 kW range. Those are probably a better fit for our needs.

    I'm not so young anymore. I'm trying to be smart enough to buy my last coach, first.

    Best,
    Wayne
  • Mr_Mark1's avatar
    Mr_Mark1
    Explorer
    Jun 01, 2014
    Wayne, keep in mind that if the unit that you are looking at has a generator larger than you think you need, when you sell it, the new owner may very will need the 10K genny.

    The coach is 50 amp and you just might need it more than you think (you just never know).

    A campground might lose power in the heat of the summer due to a storm, etc. The generator is sized for the unit so that you can use everything normally without having to balance power.

    Good luck on your search.
    MM.
  • Empty_Nest__Soo's avatar
    Empty_Nest__Soo
    Explorer
    Jun 01, 2014
    It sounds like I would do better to find a unit with a generator sized more in line with our expected usage. Good to know.

    Thanks everyone!

    Wayne
  • imgoin4it's avatar
    imgoin4it
    Explorer
    Jun 01, 2014
    Diesels generators typically like run with about 75% load. That is pretty much a standard for most.
  • John_S_'s avatar
    John_S_
    Explorer II
    Jun 01, 2014
    I had a 10 and now a 12.5 kW generator. I use it to charge batteries run the microwave and run the acs. You can be totally self sufficient with it. I have three roof acs and I can run the microwave or the washer dryer too.

    It is used for much more then charging batteries.
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Jun 01, 2014
    there is a reason for that generator
    you might want those A/C units running while traveling in 100+ temps

    how many batteries are installed and how big is the converter/charging system
    etc..
  • KD4UPL's avatar
    KD4UPL
    Explorer
    Jun 01, 2014
    I have a Kohler 10 kW diesel gen with a Kubota 3 cylinder engine. At 25% load it claims .46 gph, 50% load .6 gph, 75% load .8 gph, 100% load 1.07 gph.

    The real issue might be having enough load on the gen. If your load is so light that it's basically idling you might have problems with "wet stacking", oil dilution, etc.

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