Hello all, I appreciate any and all help in advance. Long story short, Camping World never changed the oil on my generator even though I asked them to and my generator (Cummins Onan RV QG 4000) ran out of oil and is kaput. Obviously I need a new one soon. Do I really need to buy the same generator to the tune of $2900+ or can I buy something else that isn't as expensive)? If its the latter, will you please recommend a comparable one that can be turned on/off with the switch inside the cabin, run on the propane, etc.... basically the same functions as the stock generator. Also, is there anything I can/should do with the dead one? I'm considering a civil suit against Camping World. My RV is a 2017 Forest River Georgetown 31B3.Thanks again!

Atrain217 wrote: generator (Cummins Onan RV QG 4000) ran out of oil and is kaput. Did it run TOTALLY dry and the engine seize up? Most gens have a low oil cutoff switch to stop the engine before damage occurs. I would try adding some oil and then try to starting it.

Yes, I believe it seized up. I took it to a different camping world and they told me they found metal shavings in the oil. Perhaps I should get a second opinion if it has a cutoff switch like you mentioned?

Take it to a Cummins service center.

Yes - find a Cummins Service Center before you do anything and get them to tell you what's wrong.

Great, I will do that, thank you. And if they tell me that it's completely shot, any suggestions/answers for my original question?

Generator help PLEASE! | Good Sam Community

31 Replies

4x4van
Explorer III
Aug 10, 2017
I'm trying to figure out why the OP didn't scream bloody he11 when the CW tech told him that they wouldn't change the oil without replacing the starter? And when he supposedly laughed after the OP started the generator up, and said they're replacing the starter anyway? There is alot missing from this story, I'm just not really buying it.:h
darsben1
Explorer
Aug 10, 2017
wa8yxm wrote:
Most RV Generators have a low oil sensor. IT should have shut down the Genny.

I would not trust Camping World to do an oil change. THey goofed when they did mine, they goofed when they did yours.. and .. Well (Different CW's too I'm sure).

The bottom line is they also charge too much.

I agree with you about CW and service but in this case it seems CW did nothing not that they did it wrong just that they did not do the oil change at all.
However this is a new genny with splash oil lubrication no oil pump, no filter and the literature (which I referenced in an earlier post)from Cummins does not mention a low oil cutoff
jplante4
Explorer II
Aug 10, 2017
SidecarFlip wrote:
Still scratching my head over the OP's original post, how does one run out of oil and trash a motor when it's so easy to check. Don't get it and never will and no viable explaination has ever been given by the OP.

This is something I was saying in another thread. There is an entire generation out there that has never worked on a car, do not know the very basics of keeping an infernal combustion engine going and whose idea of maintenance is wait for the check engine light to come on, then take it to the dealer. How these people ever convince themselves that they can successfully own and operate a motor home is beyond me.
SidecarFlip
Explorer III
Aug 10, 2017
wa8yxm wrote:
Most RV Generators have a low oil sensor. IT should have shut down the Genny.

I would not trust Camping World to do an oil change. THey goofed when they did mine, they goofed when they did yours.. and .. Well (Different CW's too I'm sure).

The bottom line is they also charge too much.

My final comment (I'm about to unsubscribe to this fiasco is...)

CW is like a 10 minute oil change place but for RV's. Semi skilled employees doing a half arsed job on your unit and charging a premium price to do it.

I find routine maintenance to be a 'in the driveway' job to be done by the owner to insure that it's done right or at least done.

Still scratching my head over the OP's original post, how does one run out of oil and trash a motor when it's so easy to check. Don't get it and never will and no viable explaination has ever been given by the OP.
SidecarFlip
Explorer III
Aug 10, 2017
Dave H M wrote:
Deleted, I will stifle myself. :S

Good idea. I quit posting comment s a while ago. No point.
Dave_H_M
Explorer II
Aug 10, 2017
Deleted, I will stifle myself. :S
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Aug 10, 2017
Most RV Generators have a low oil sensor. IT should have shut down the Genny.

I would not trust Camping World to do an oil change. THey goofed when they did mine, they goofed when they did yours.. and .. Well (Different CW's too I'm sure).

The bottom line is they also charge too much.
darsben1
Explorer
Aug 10, 2017
Grit dog wrote:
^Not if he took it back to CW with no oil in it......unless maybe he's got only a few hours on it and can convince them it straight up burned thru some oil or wasn't filled when bought new. Doubt that if going in for oil change.
Otherwise stupid things like not checking your oil aren't warranties. You'll get laughed out of the store.
Not checking the oil after someone changes it is sort of like leaving the stove burner on at home. Most of the time nothing will happen. But if it does it's really bad regardless of who left the stove on!

Again it is under warranty taking anywhere other than a Cummins service center would be fool hardy, until Cummins tells the OP that the damage is NOT covered. Then a decision will need to be made if it is not a covered problem But until then IT IS UNDER WARRANTY
Grit_dog
Navigator
Aug 10, 2017
^Not if he took it back to CW with no oil in it......unless maybe he's got only a few hours on it and can convince them it straight up burned thru some oil or wasn't filled when bought new. Doubt that if going in for oil change.
Otherwise stupid things like not checking your oil aren't warranties. You'll get laughed out of the store.
Not checking the oil after someone changes it is sort of like leaving the stove burner on at home. Most of the time nothing will happen. But if it does it's really bad regardless of who left the stove on!
darsben1
Explorer
Aug 09, 2017
The unit is under warranty