Exercising Generator

We have a 4000 watt Onan in our Class C. For full load exercising we can have it power both the air conditioner and a 1500 watt heater once a month.

Bobbo wrote:
Onan recommends once a month for 2 hours under at least 50% load. They say once a month for 2 hours is better than weekly for 30 minutes. I use air conditioner in the summer and 2 space heaters in the winter.

Exactly the same for me. This is what the manufacturer recommends, and I figure they know more about it than I do (or anyone else, for that matter).

bgum wrote:
Monthly and 1/2 to 1 hour. Run Air in hot weather and elect. heater in cool weather.

X2 (dry climate)

IMO Generator:
15 min will keep carb gas fresh and prevent clogging.
30 min heats oil and exhaust to drive off combustion moisture.
2 hrs heats the (electric generator stator, etc) and drives moisture from the windings.

AC: 15-30 min "should" be enough to keep bearings, compressor, etc. lubricated.

If I lived in a wet moist climate I'd run the generator the recommended 2hrs monthly using space heater as load. Dry climate a few times per year May suffice.

I exercise my generator once a month. I will crank the generator, put a load on it and go cut the grass. By the time I am done it is time to turn it off and wait until next time. If we have been on a trip and used the generator then an exercise is not in order.

During the summer I use it often enough that I don't have to run it for exercise very often. In the winter it depends on the weather. I don't shovel it out so I exercise it when the snow and the temperature allows. This winter I only exercised it once, too cold.

Don't forget to check the oil.

Monthly for 1/2 to 1 hour. I have a smartphone set to remind me every month.

weekly for 30 minutes and monthly for 1 hour

Monthly for two hours with either the A/C or electric heater on going on 4 years without issue. My portable gennys the same while hooked up to the RV.

Onan recommends once a month for 2 hours under at least 50% load. They say once a month for 2 hours is better than weekly for 30 minutes. I use air conditioner in the summer and 2 space heaters in the winter.

Thanks for all the input.