Forum Discussion

FloridaRosebud's avatar
FloridaRosebud
Explorer
Sep 04, 2018

Onan Generator Life

OK, maybe a silly question - but - I've got a 2006 National SeaBreeze LX with a 5500 Onan. It has about 490 hours on it. I've owned the MH for about 6 months, and I find I'm using the genny even when I'm traveling here in FL because the dash AC just is not enough (we have 2 dogs traveling with us as well) so I run 1 roof unit. So the question - how long, with normal maintenance (I just changed the oil and filter yesterday) should I expect the genny to last? Is 2000 hours reasonable? Maybe more? I realize a generator can have an issue at any time, but we run it at least twice per month for a minimum of a few hours each time, so it does not sit very long. Thoughts anyone?

Al
Class A
  • ksg5000's avatar
    ksg5000
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2018
    Lack of use and poor maintenance is what kills most Onans.
  • garyemunson's avatar
    garyemunson
    Explorer II
    Sep 04, 2018
    I tend not to keep our RVs for really long periods of time but I've gotten at least 2000 hours on all the Onans we've had. None have failed. Always change oil and filter once a year.
  • timmac's avatar
    timmac
    Explorer
    Sep 04, 2018
    Regular maintenance is the key for any motor to last a long time, however do check the oil level often, I went to long on checking my level after using gen for many hours during last summer and the gen was very low on oil, they do eat oil..
  • KD4UPL's avatar
    KD4UPL
    Explorer
    Sep 04, 2018
    I did some work on a mobile broadcast truck that had 2 Onan mobile generators on it. I think they had around 6,000 or 7,000 hours on them.
  • Dutch_12078's avatar
    Dutch_12078
    Explorer II
    Sep 04, 2018
    Our service shop's road service trucks had the same Onan Marquis 7000 generators used in RV's installed on them, and several of them had over 10,000 hours on them without a major overhaul. We were sticklers for regular routine/preventative maintenance though.
  • Happytraveler's avatar
    Happytraveler
    Explorer
    Sep 04, 2018
    We have a 2003 motorhome and have over 3000 hours on our Onan Generator. We also have a dog and when she's panting the generator and air is turned on. We run the generator once a month for 30 minutes on a full load. Also, change out oil, oil filter & air filter once a year and tuneups every 2 or 3 years by an authorized Onan mechanic. Knock on wood the gen. is running great.

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