I just received a call from the Camping World service center stating the belt on my generator broke. Of course this is not covered and I would not expect it to be but the generator only has 104 hours on it and the toy hauler is only two years old. Does this sound normal for a generator or not? I mentioned to the person who called yesterday that I would really like to know why the belt broke with so little use so I am not spending another $600 in two years to get it done again. Your thoughts.

I didnt know they had a belt. What does it run?? Where is the belt located on the Generator.

I believe that belt has a lifetime warranty.

I didn"t know that Onan had a belt. I know my Emerald 4000 watt doesn"t. Are you sure they haven"t got you confused with someone eles's Generac.

The new models use a vertical V twin engine driving the generator through a belt drive- they run at various speeds (IIRC, the 5.5 is 2400 rpms).The whole drive systems does have a lifetime warranty *to the original purchaser*.Onan wrote:3-year limited warranty, lifetime drive warrantyhttp://www.cumminsonan.com/www/html/Common/pdf/specsheets/a-1425.pdf

Chris Bryant wrote:The new models use a vertical V twin engine driving the generator through a belt drive- they run at various speeds (IIRC, the 5.5 is 2400 rpms).The whole drive systems does have a lifetime warranty *to the original purchaser*.Onan wrote:3-year limited warranty, lifetime drive warrantyhttp://www.cumminsonan.com/www/html/Common/pdf/specsheets/a-1425.pdf Chris, haven't they been like that for 10 plus years? I guess newer is a relative term. Sam

5.5kw Onan genset in my 2011 toy hauler belt broke

14 Replies

lamopar
Explorer
May 03, 2013
I don't believe an authorization number is an issue. The senior staff at CW directed the shop to process the paperwork and that it would be paid for and I owe $28 for the belt. As I said, I am very surprised by the support I received when I was only looking for some clarity. Again, thank you CW.
rkentzel
Explorer
May 03, 2013
Wow cant believe they are covering a seal. Especially one that caused damage. Hope you have a authorization number for that.
joebedford
Nomad III
May 03, 2013
Hurricaner wrote:
Chris Bryant wrote:
The new models use a vertical V twin engine driving the generator through a belt drive- they run at various speeds (IIRC, the 5.5 is 2400 rpms).
The whole drive systems does have a lifetime warranty *to the original purchaser*.
Onan wrote:
3-year limited warranty, lifetime drive
warranty

http://www.cumminsonan.com/www/html/Common/pdf/specsheets/a-1425.pdf
Chris, haven't they been like that for 10 plus years? I guess newer is a relative term.

Sam
My 2 year old Onan 5500 has a horizontal engine running at a constant 3600 rpm.
lamopar
Explorer
May 03, 2013
Turns out the seal in the engine failed which allowed oil to get on the belt causing premature failure. Just a note for awesome support from this CW website I posted a question on the repair. I was told by the CW mechanic that the belt and seal were not covered. I ask the question on the ESP forum page and a person from Colorado made a call to the CW store working on my toy hauler and the ESP is covering the repair costs. I was only asking for some guidance and received great support. The service manager called to inform me today he received directives the ESP would cover the cost for the repairs. I am pretty amazed by the support since I was only asking for some clarification and received total care. Great job CW!
lamopar
Explorer
Apr 27, 2013
I had to make a trip to the dealer as the generator will not come out the hole for it. They are going to need to cut the bottom of the opening for the generator out. Sounded like the mechanic has a lot of experience with these generators so I feel pretty good about him working on it. I can't wait to see why the belt was bad.
Generator_Jim
Explorer
Apr 26, 2013
Make sure they replace the idler pulley along with the belt

JimL
lamopar
Explorer
Apr 25, 2013
Thanks and I will check into it. The belt is only $28 but the labor for 4 hours is right at $500. That is the rough part. Thanks again and I will check with Onan.
westend
Explorer
Apr 25, 2013
Belt failure in newer equipment is usually caused by improper belt tension or, infrequently, in misalignment. I would bet that Onan/Cummins steps up to the plate with a new belt if it is a model-dependent issue.
aruba5er
Explorer
Apr 25, 2013
learn something new every day. Also learned that they took a good product and made it cheaper( The American way)
Hurricaner
Explorer
Apr 25, 2013
Chris Bryant wrote:
The new models use a vertical V twin engine driving the generator through a belt drive- they run at various speeds (IIRC, the 5.5 is 2400 rpms).
The whole drive systems does have a lifetime warranty *to the original purchaser*.
Onan wrote:
3-year limited warranty, lifetime drive
warranty

http://www.cumminsonan.com/www/html/Common/pdf/specsheets/a-1425.pdf
Chris, haven't they been like that for 10 plus years? I guess newer is a relative term.

Sam