Forum Discussion

zach477's avatar
zach477
Explorer
Jul 08, 2015

LOW generator hours

I just went through a 08 fleetwood fiesta with an inspector to make sure everything is good to go before I buy it. I have mentioned this unit in previous threads.

Everything looked good except one thing. The Generator. It's a 5.5 Onan. It only has 21 hours on it! It started up ok. The first few times it shut itself off after about a minute. After that it seemed to run fine. We powered up both ACs and it powered those just fine.

The inspector didn't seem to think it was an issue. How concerned should I be? 21 hours on a generator that's 7 years old???

Zach
Class A

9 Replies

  • the_vfox's avatar
    the_vfox
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2015
    I don't see any issues with it. On my first two MH, we didn't use the genny except to start and run it for a few minutes.
  • lj2654's avatar
    lj2654
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2015
    Ask them to service the generator, then run it with the airs on for at least an hour and see how it does...If good then buy it.
  • Executive45's avatar
    Executive45
    Explorer III
    Jul 08, 2015
    I wouldn't worry about the low hours. Change the filters, (oil/fuel), and oil and enjoy it. It may start but stop a few times until all the old fuel is spent, but after that you should be good to go. Service on it should be less than $100, certainly not worth haggling over....Dennis
  • Jim's avatar
    Jim
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2015
    Sounds exactly like what would happen with a Genset that has dirty slip rings. Which oxidise from just sitting and not being run enough. You would only need to take a square (1/4") stick with some fine sandpaper stapled up to 2" on either side, hold it on the rings while it's either turning over, or running, and you'll probably be good to go.
  • fredbon's avatar
    fredbon
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2015
    I am in the other camp, it's mechanical and it's designed to be used. Let these "toys" sit and they will fail.

    Fred
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Jul 08, 2015
    I would take it as a plus... did not boondock/tailgate often and maybe the dash air works well enough that you do not need to use it to run the roof AC going down the road. Granted I do not run my generator every month or my portable welders... only been neglecting them for 40+ years.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2015
    I wouldn't be overly concerned. The hours are low but, it has been used briefly.
    Maybe offer to pay for the gas, then start the generator and run the A/C and other 120 volt appliances for an hour or two. If there's no problem, I'd say you're good to go. If nothing else, it will make you feel better and, you'll know the generator is working properly.

    I would definitely change the oil/filter and fuel filter if you make the purchase. Or, better yet, have the seller do it or, adjust the price. No harm in asking.
    Let us know if you purchase the Fiesta.
  • lj2654's avatar
    lj2654
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2015
    Not a big issue. I know lots of people that have generators with low hours. Hopefully they started it and ran it under a load monthly. But I wouldn't make a big issue of it though either way.

About Motorhome Group

38,759 PostsLatest Activity: Nov 14, 2025