Generation X

[Coelacanth]

Folks,
As some may know, rodents ate my Onan QG 4000, onboard generator last year.
The cost of repair thru Onan was almost the cost of a new generator. (Heck, they charged $600, just to diagnose the issue.) Therefore, I decided to go new.
The problem is, the generator compartment is open to the road. Therefore, there is nothing to prevent this situation from repeating. So, I’ve, decided to purchase a replacement, but I’d prefer a portable.
The RV is a Holiday Rambler, Augusta, B+. It has dual, roof A/C units. But, only one runs at any time. We never dry camp. In fact we’ve never gone anywhere that shore electric wasn’t available. I don’t foresee needing a generator to run the RV long term. Our previous rig was a Itasca, Suncruiser. The only time the generator was run in ten years was a weekly function check.
Can anyone tell me what size portable generator would serve us in an emergency?

Best,
Jack

[valhalla360]

Coelacanth wrote:
Well,…last summer we were camping at a local state park when a violent series of thunderstorms passed through. It seemed to last for hours. In the process, the entire campground lost power. This occurred at about 2am and lasted for most of the night. The temperature and humidity were both in the 90’s.
As a result, the interior of the RV became beyond oppressive. I don’t mind. I’m generally oblivious. But, my wife is extremely claustrophobic. You can’t imagine. Therefore, it’s an experience I’d rather not repeat.
So, if in the future I only need a generator once, I’m only too willing to pay the price.

Ergo, the initial question.

If it's very rare and just a fan would be enough, a 2000-2200w unit would work fine. You might even find a 1000w generator works but you will have to really limit what electrical loads you run.

If you want to run the air/con, go at least 3000w. Keep in mind, those quiet dB ratings they advertise are typically for something like 25% load. The little 2000w generator will struggle to start the air/con and then be running a 75-90% of continuous load rating...so much for being quiet.

The other issue if the generator sits most of the time is small carbureted engines don't like to sit for months. Any gas eventually evaporates leaving a gummy residue that stops the carb working properly. Seriously consider getting a dual fuel generator that can run on propane.

We have a 4500w Champion Dual Fuel. Not much bigger than a 3000w and it barely notices when the air/con kicks on. Only running at like 30% load, so even though it's not rated as quiet as the high priced hondas, it's quieter than the 2000-2200w hondas under actual operation. Watch and you can find them new in the $800-900 price range when they go on sale several times per year. You will pay more than that for the 2200w honda gas only option.

[Coelacanth]

Thanks again!

[willald]

Coelacanth wrote:
Will,
Thanks.
Do you have a name for the spray?

here’s the mouse spray repellent I use

here’s the rodent powder repellant I spread on the ground as well

[Coelacanth]

Will,
Thanks.
Do you have a name for the spray?
Relatives in TN suggested “hedge apples”.
I did some research and discovered that the trees that produce them are Osage orange.
Supposedly, the fruit repels rodents and spiders?
Well, we brought a bunch of the fruit home and placed them around the RV.
So far, no critter sign. May have no connection, but I’ll take it.
Sure beats dryer sheets.

[willald]

Can't offer much advice in terms of what generator to replace it with or whether you should, but....As one thats also dealt with critter damage, I can offer you some insight on how we solved that problem.

We had critters crawl up onto the engine on our last Motorhome, a 36' Georgetown, and chewed up the fuel line. Smelled fuel really strong when cranked it up, so took off doghouse, and gasoline was shooting straight up like a geyser! Main fuel line had to be replaced. Found evidence several places inside of mice as well.

Was quite a challenge getting that fixed, because we could not even crank the engine without it being a huge fire risk, so it wasn't moving under its own power. Because of how it sits at the end of our long, narrow driveway, getting it towed would not be easy. Eventually, I found a mobile mechanic that came out and replaced the fuel line.

After that happened, I bought some mice repellant spray from Lowe's, and every few weeeks I spray that all around the Motorhome. I also spread rodent repellant powder (also bought from Lowe's) all around it to ward off other critters. Typically buy 3 or 4 cans of each of those a year, which is not cheap, but its a LOT cheaper than fixing the damage them critters can do!

Have not had a critter problem since.

[Coelacanth]

Thanks, John. I’ll check it out!

[johnhicks]

If you put a softstart device on one of those air conditioners a 2200-2500w unit should be sufficient. The only real caveats are to get a quiet inverter unit, and if you're running the a/c you're probably not going to be able to run any major appliances at the same time. Of course a 3600w unit would replace what you lost but they're rather heavy.

There's a 4000w installed unit available to replace the Onan for significantly less money if you're interested.
https://rvmp.co/products/flex-power-4000i-rv-generator

[Coelacanth]

Well,…last summer we were camping at a local state park when a violent series of thunderstorms passed through. It seemed to last for hours. In the process, the entire campground lost power. This occurred at about 2am and lasted for most of the night. The temperature and humidity were both in the 90’s.
As a result, the interior of the RV became beyond oppressive. I don’t mind. I’m generally oblivious. But, my wife is extremely claustrophobic. You can’t imagine. Therefore, it’s an experience I’d rather not repeat.
So, if in the future I only need a generator once, I’m only too willing to pay the price.

Ergo, the initial question.

[Tyler0215]

If you never use it, why haul it around.

[RLS7201]

I'll second Critter Ridder.

Richard

[toedtoes]

If you've never actually used the generator you had in 10 years, then I say save the money. Why put out good money on something you have no use for?

[BB_TX]

Rodents ate the wiring and vacuum hoses and built nests under the hood of my 2007 F350. Three times. To the tune of about $400 each time. Fox urine. Moth balls. Nothing helped. Then I found Critter Ridder at Home Depot. Sprayed everything under the hood with it every month to 6 weeks. Never another problem.

[Coelacanth]

ArchHoagland wrote:
Did you contact your insurance company?

Yes, we got some of it back.

[ArchHoagland]

Did you contact your insurance company?