I highly respect the opinions I get here so I am inquiring as I'm looking at a coach that has a Generac generator. I would like to know how well they compare to an Onan in dependability? I have had Onans for the past 12 years and am comfortable with how they operate but know nothing about Generac except seeing them in other RVs. Are parts and service easily available or are they a "red-headed stepchild" in that situation? Replacing it is not something I would want to do after doing that on my old coach a year ago.Thanks!

Generac and Onan are equally large companies, and both make wonderful products.I have a buddy who has a Generac, and it works great! I have an Onan, and it worked great for the first 15 years that I had the RV. . .Good luck,Fred.

Mine (2001) came with a 5.5 GENERAC. Only one major problem,a crankshaft oil seal blew out...oil all over the place. Had a shop remove, rebuild and reinstall. Around 2300 bucks. HOWEVER....during Sandy, I started it up and with an extension cord nightmare, the genny provided lights and TV and the fridge for 4 straight days. It RAN for 4 straight days! (The motorhomes' 75 gallon gas tank..recently filled, helped out too!)Reading here on the Forum, either GENERAC or ONAN...both are good, both have problems. And...btw, parts for GENERAC are available. Dealers seem really far and few between, so any major work...find a good shop.

My 2001 5500 Generac is a Kohler engine,...maybe all are. The engine is just as good and service is just as available (maybe more so) as Onan. But........given a choice, I'd take the Onan. While Onan is a noisy pos, the Generac is worse. But that's after using my eu1000 almost exclusively for years,...(solar mixed in).big one for Micro only.

Generac generators for RVs are not made anymore. So, you have a choice between Onan, Powertech (if a diesel), paying the big bucks for Kohler, or getting a portable genset.

I have a Generac 5500 in my 03 mh. PO worked for FEMA and ran it 24/7 for thirty days while in New Orleans after Katrina. I currently have about 1500 hours on it and the only problem I had was a dry rotted fuel line. It's quiet and reliable. I do regular maintenance on it.

Generac vs Onan generator | Good Sam Community

Tom_M1
Explorer
Jan 31, 2016
Generac no longer makes RV generators so Onan is about the only choice if buying new.
Vacationer04
Explorer
Jan 31, 2016
I really appreciate all of the input. I guess we won't pass on a good deal but will be informed about it if the Generac fails in the future. On our present MH except for exercising, we only use it in the summer when driving for A/C or at a rest stop to use the Microwave. We don't boondock otherwise.
Thanks!
RJsfishin
Explorer
Jan 31, 2016
If its a Kohler engine, and I'd bet it is, there is probably no better engine made. They are used in many heavy hard working commercial equipment.
The generator itself, I know nothing about, except mine has over 1,000 hrs w/ no problems.
But overall, it is a louder Genset than most Onans
CJW8
Explorer
Jan 31, 2016
I can't compare to Generac as I've never owned the former. I'm on my second Onan. The first was a 4000 watt and was reliable but kind of loud. It was factory installed in 2003 toyhauler. My current RV is a 2015 toyhauler with a 5500 watt. It is so quiet, it is hard to tell when it starts. They have made great strides in soundproofing but I think big difference in sound is is my new generator runs slower than the old generator (2400 RPM vs 3600 RPM).
RLS7201
Explorer II
Jan 31, 2016
Don't shoot the messenger, but I have seen the term "Gen-a-junk" used many times in reference to Generac generators.

Richard
gatorcq
Explorer
Jan 31, 2016
Both are excellent, maintenance is the key keeping them in running shape
TEXAS
Explorer
Feb 01, 2016
They are called Genajunk Genacrap for a reason.I had two in a company. One ran perfect never a problem.The other was a constant problem. Always something wrong.Same models just one serial number off. Another problem was you never knew. When they would start and stop making RV units.I refuse to even work on them and know other techs that feel the same way. Guy in town has a two year old portable. Can't get parts for it. So if you buy Generac don't expect much.
jerseyjim
Explorer
Feb 01, 2016
My biggest problem with my GENERAC 5500 (since the oil seal and rebuild) is that the thing will absolutely not start in, say 30 degree weather. It'll crank like crazy, but will not start. Let the temp get up into the 40s and above...no problem.
RJsfishin
Explorer
Feb 01, 2016
Well, I have a friend that has one of those "ONAJUNKS" right now too,....won't start, and if it does, it "hunts" for stable throttle, has no power. But when the weather gets civilized I'll help him pull the "bowl",...probably find some junk in it, get it running good again,.....then we can take the "junk" out of the "ONA" :)
TEXAS
Explorer
Feb 01, 2016
RJsfishin wrote:
Well, I have a friend that has one of those "ONAJUNKS" right now too,....won't start, and if it does, it "hunts" for stable throttle, has no power. But when the weather gets civilized I'll help him pull the "bowl",...probably find some junk in it, get it running good again,.....then we can take the "junk" out of the "ONA" :)

Been working with Onan's since 1980. To me the new Onan units are not as good as the older ones.

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