Generator fumes inside

When tailgaiting or running extended period of time without moving, we always us our homemade genturi type exhaust. When using generator while traveling, we've not had any issues with fumes. I did add an extra CO detector inside MH right where exhaust exits under side.

I do not agree with rockhillmanor's posted issues with a Genturi. I used EMT elbows for the metal part that connects to generator exhaust and 3" thin wall PVC for the "stack." After running generator several hours, the PVC only gets warm to the touch...not hot. Also, I bent some pieces of aluminum to mount the PVC to metal elbow just like the genturi pictured so cool air will be pulled into the PVC and no back pressure on generator exhaust.

If you are able to make one ***PROPERLY*** then DIY is just as safe and cost way less than purchasing one. If you don't have tools/skills/etc. to make one properly, then YES you should buy one..

I have a similar installation (no gen-turi as yet), and have never had any noticeable problems nor any CO alarms using the generator. Obviously I don't open the window directly above when running it.

I suspect the exhaust for the main engine also terminates at about the same distance from the vehicle in a different location. The two are not entirely comparable, of course; the main engine is mostly used when you are in motion, and perhaps more to the point the catalytic converter system means that there is basically no CO coming out the exhaust pipe. Neither applies to the generator, though if it's tuned and running properly it should not be producing much CO...but it doesn't take all that much to be dangerous, either.

Since you are new to RV'ing or new to MH's with gen's here are some pics of what the Genturi looks like when you purchase it. :C







IMHO making one yourself will not provide you the safety features that the Genturi does.

1. Special Pipe material that is cool to the touch. So now one passing your RV will get burned and more importantly will not burn the side of your RV!

2. Patented air intake where it attaches to your gen to 'prevent' back pressure that can damage your gen.

Happy Camping. Jump right in and buy that Class C with the gen you won't regret it! :B

I keep that window closed and have never had an issue. I keep a CO detector located in the RV in the approximate location of the generator - it has never registered and carbon monoxide. Whether you have an issue may depend on wind, windows open, and even whether other RV's are running their generators nearby.

edbennett002 wrote:
We're in the market for a class C - we've narrowed our choices to three. Each, though, has the generator mounted behind the driver; approximately under the couch/bed or dinette.

Has anyone had any problems with fumes entering the inside space?

The exhaust pipe doesn't extend out from the side but about an inch or so.And, how about noise from the generator inside? tolerable?Thanx.Ed.

Yes, Yes and Yes!!

The exhaust pipe does not extend past the wall of RV. You'd think that would be an illegal installation of an exhaust pipe yet all are installed that way.

The exhaust goes right up the side and right into your coach. You windows are not air tight when closed there are weep holes that let the exhaust in.

The exhaust also travels underneath your coach to the engine area and comes in from there too. Not to mention all the openings under the coach.

What I though was headaches from a long day of camping and partying, turned out to be 'from the gen exhaust'. I used to lay on the couch on that side.:R And remember you don't have to smell it for it to be deadly.

I found this out when I purchased the Genturi.
Once I put that on my gen exhaust the headaches disappeared AND the inside of the coach was completely free of any gen exhaust.

I will not stay in an RV or run an RV gen unless a Genturi is in place. It exhausts the gen up and over the RV out of harms way.




This one shows it on a MH that the gen is on the back end as opposed of the side but it shows a good view of what it looks like. Can you imagine how much exhaust comes into the bedroom area on coaches like this without a genturi installed. How dangerous.


I only wish that this was mandatory at more CG's and Sporting Events that don't have hookups.

Mine is under our front couch/bed and it's fine. It's not too loud inside - kind of like a low hum. We can sit in that lounge area and have a conversation easily. Would I want to sleep on top of it? I don't know. I never have but I don't think it would be an issue.

You didn't ask, but heat is not really an issue either.

The only time we get fumes is if we leave the window open that is directly above the exhaust pipe, and even then it takes a pretty specific wind pattern for that to happen. Leaving that window open also lets in more noise so we keep it closed anyway. I have a Gen-turi which helps a lot with outside fumes. The only other time I got fumes was when the muffler had rotted through - so like someone else said: maintain your exhaust system. A CO detector is a good idea in any event.

Anyone one who intends to use their generator more than just occasionally should build or buy a Genturi. Less noise and far less chance of issues with fume either with your coach or neighbor's.

If you maintain the generator exhaust system you won't have any problems.
Also, you can buy or build a Gen-Turi.
It's a pipe that vents the generator exhaust fumes to the top of the RV. You install it while the RV is parked.

Check on Youtube for instructions on how to build one.

Start the generator and go inside the RV you are considering. Only you can decide if it's too much noise. I think the noise from the Onan in our 96 Southwind is minimal. And, it's under the bedroom.