Generator fumes inside

Depending on the wind, we often get fumes in the dinette window. However, we never run the genny for an extended time period --- usually just long enough to microwave something.

Just as an aside - to be fume-free during warm weather - I see no reason to have any windows, or doors, or roof vents (except for a single powered vent) open whenever running an RV generator large enough to run one's air conditioner (even though the generator may be running for other reasons, such as battery charging). This is because with the generator running, coach comfort can be achieved via generator powered air conditioning instead of open windows or doors.

Doing this, just use the interior air pressure method that I mentioned earlier to keep all generator fumes out. It's easy and effective, even for those with extreme exhaust fume sensitivity. The single powered roof vent open to maintain the coach's interior air pressure also provides enough fresh air while all the other RV openings are closed up.

Some people are very sensitive to exhaust. Those who are sensitive find solar panels are a wonderful alternative to generators.

We have the stock set-up you describe with the onan 4. Never been a problem with noise or exhaust in 7 years. Low hum as some describe, no problem talking or watching TV. My wife doesn't have a problem sleeping over it either, me, I'm in the upper bed.
Brian

Thank you to everyone who replied or posted; this was very good information. I looked up the GenTuri on Amazon and watch a couple of youtube vid's. I've put one of these on my purchase list. We currently have a Lance slide in. It has a generator. We don't use it that often because of the noise while inside and out. Hopefully, with this the noise level will be reduced and we can enjoy our slide in more. As for the future, if the GenTuri lives up to the hype, it will be coming out of the slide-in when we sell it.

Thanx.
Ed.

pnichols wrote:
We keep our Onan's fumes out of the RV by maintaining a slight air pressure inside the coach.

Close all windows and roof vents except for one roof vent with a reversible fan in it. Set it to blow IN and set it's speed to LOW. This keeps the inside air free of fumes no matter what the outside prevailing winds are doing while running the generator because the small amount of air pressure that the roof fan maintains in the interior prevents any fumes from entering through any opening down low where they're originating.

This also works to keep the interior clean when traveling on gravel roads.

We've used this technique for years with our motorhome and it works great to keep out generator fumes and dust.

Our last desert trip required traveling down some long dirt roads,in some areas there is silt. For those of you that haven't experienced it, silt is like driving through flour. With Christmas vacation coming the grandkids want to camp so definitely will use the fan method. The bedroom has a nice reversible.
Also after traveling in the dust I always wash the underside of the slides to remove the grit. It doesn't take much to jam the slide. Dust plus lubricant equals gunk.

When I had a "C" the generator was located in the left front behind the driver also. Unfortunately it also had a slide there too that wasn't sealing well. With the exhaust under the slide it was a problem unless there was enough breeze to clear the fumes or if someone parked next to me and the breeze was blowing the wrong way. Set the O2 detector off a few time. Was going to make a Venturi but never got to it.

We keep our Onan's fumes out of the RV by maintaining a slight air pressure inside the coach.

Close all windows and roof vents except for one roof vent with a reversible fan in it. Set it to blow IN and set it's speed to LOW. This keeps the inside air free of fumes no matter what the outside prevailing winds are doing while running the generator because the small amount of air pressure that the roof fan maintains in the interior prevents any fumes from entering through any opening down low where they're originating.

This also works to keep the interior clean when traveling on gravel roads.

We've used this technique for years with our motorhome and it works great to keep out generator fumes and dust.

garyemunson wrote:
Anyone one who intends to use their generator more than just occasionally should build or buy a Genturi. Less noise and far less chance of issues with fume either with your coach or neighbor's.

Good answer, I have never had a problem with the exhaust BUT, if the generator exhaust has a leak, even a genturi won't help much, inspect the generator exhaust system.

I have the same configuration and have never had any fumes in the living area,the vibration very slight and as an experiment I did a sound test while running the Onan Micro Quiet 4000 to see just how noisy it was.

It only was 10 db above the ambient noise level,so very tolerable.

The Genturi may be a nice idea if you are camping in a crowded campsite like a race or some sort of event but I have never seen any use for one where I have camped.