Generator fumes inside

[edbennett002]

We're in the market for a class C - we've narrowed our choices to three. Each, though, has the generator mounted behind the driver; approximately under the couch/bed or dinette. Has anyone had any problems with fumes entering the inside space? The exhaust pipe doesn't extend out from the side but about an inch or so.

And, how about noise from the generator inside? tolerable?

Thanx.
Ed.

[whizbang]

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.

[pnichols]

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.

[Harvey51]

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

[Cobra21]

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

[edbennett002]

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.

[klutchdust]

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.

[RedRollingRoadb]

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.

[pnichols]

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.

[bukhrn]

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.

[IAMICHABOD]

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.

[hotbyte]

When tailgaiting or running extended period of time without moving, we always us our homemade genturi type exhaust. When using generator while traveling, we've not had any issues with fumes. I did add an extra CO detector inside MH right where exhaust exits under side.

I do not agree with rockhillmanor's posted issues with a Genturi. I used EMT elbows for the metal part that connects to generator exhaust and 3" thin wall PVC for the "stack." After running generator several hours, the PVC only gets warm to the touch...not hot. Also, I bent some pieces of aluminum to mount the PVC to metal elbow just like the genturi pictured so cool air will be pulled into the PVC and no back pressure on generator exhaust.

If you are able to make one ***PROPERLY*** then DIY is just as safe and cost way less than purchasing one. If you don't have tools/skills/etc. to make one properly, then YES you should buy one..

[DrewE]

I have a similar installation (no gen-turi as yet), and have never had any noticeable problems nor any CO alarms using the generator. Obviously I don't open the window directly above when running it.

I suspect the exhaust for the main engine also terminates at about the same distance from the vehicle in a different location. The two are not entirely comparable, of course; the main engine is mostly used when you are in motion, and perhaps more to the point the catalytic converter system means that there is basically no CO coming out the exhaust pipe. Neither applies to the generator, though if it's tuned and running properly it should not be producing much CO...but it doesn't take all that much to be dangerous, either.

[rockhillmanor]

Since you are new to RV'ing or new to MH's with gen's here are some pics of what the Genturi looks like when you purchase it. :C







IMHO making one yourself will not provide you the safety features that the Genturi does.

1. Special Pipe material that is cool to the touch. So now one passing your RV will get burned and more importantly will not burn the side of your RV!

2. Patented air intake where it attaches to your gen to 'prevent' back pressure that can damage your gen.

Happy Camping. Jump right in and buy that Class C with the gen you won't regret it! :B

[ksg5000]

I keep that window closed and have never had an issue. I keep a CO detector located in the RV in the approximate location of the generator - it has never registered and carbon monoxide. Whether you have an issue may depend on wind, windows open, and even whether other RV's are running their generators nearby.