My generator may not be repairable, what do I do?

[SCADAMAN29325]

I thought there was a generator forum, but could not find it...

My generator is an Onan 1984 3600 KF (LP) and I cannot find the part for it ((Gen thread)). And a new is like $4000. How do I go about making this one to work? this one

Also, it's too big to go back into the same compartment. I was thinking of getting a cargo hitch. and then plug the RV into it's 30amp socket.

Newbie here with a steep learning curve ahead of me.

[SCADAMAN29325]

opnspaces wrote:
For your house batteries question. Do you already have existing batteries and need to replace? Or is the battery compartment empty and you need to know what to put in there?

Battery compartment is empty.

If you have existing batteries I would first try to determine if you have 6 volt or 12 volt batteries.

Hopefully the voltage is plainly marked on the batteries. But if not you can count the caps on top of the battery used for adding distilled water. Each cap is a 2 volt cell. So 3 caps per battery = 6 volts and 6 caps per battery = 12 volts.

For replacement batteries (both 6 and 12 volt) I find the best prices at Costco.

I will check them out.

Thanks!

[SCADAMAN29325]

garyemunson wrote:
https://www.smallenginesprodealer.com/part-onan-166-0799/

Not in stock. But thanks anyway.

[pianotuna]

For the missing part try one of the RV graveyard sites.

[pianotuna]

If the RV is a 30 amp service, a 4650 watt generator is over kill. I do think the Champion product line is a good choice.

I have a custom built rack on the back of the class C which carries a 2800 watt Yamaha. I did equip it with remote electric start.

I do have a hybrid inverter charger rated for 3000 watts which allows load support if needed.

My favourite battery is SiO2.

My bargain basement battery type are recondition telcom jars with a total capacity of 556 amp-hours. Cost is $1 cdn per amp-hour.

I do have a modest solar charging system.

[bobndot]

An rv should be well balanced. We need to be careful when we alter things to keep weight in order.
Maybe a 2500 or 2800 Onan would fit. Maybe a compartment alteration might be in order. A good welder might be your friend. You could ask an auto body shop that does fabrications.

Go to a commercial truck scale:
I would want to know how much my rig weighs . Front then rear axle. Weighing all 4 corners to see individual weights would be best but f/r would work.
Reason: If, you need to add a portable generator as you described , plus the weight of the receiver and rack , you have to be careful to not overload the axle rating. Plus you need to think about how you will fuel it.
The more weight added to the rear might lighten the front. If the steer axle is too light it will affect handling. If the axle or tires are overloaded, all mechanical components could suffer. Just be careful when you start altering things on your own.

[time2roll]

How often is the generator actually used?

I would be looking at a monster lithium battery and fill the roof with solar. Maybe carry a small portable propane generator for difficult situation. Oh wait, I already do this.

[ItsyRV]

Regarding the replacement generator.

Check to see if the "compartment" is an actual compartment or if the floor is nothing but the base (part of) the exiting generator. If so, check to see how much below the existing generator the new one will hang once you make your own bracket and shelf.

Go examine the proposed generator and see how much height is taken up by the base and wheels. If mounting inside the RV, there's no need for the wheels and base to be attached. You can keep those as a platform for if or when you remove the generator and want to roll it around.

Next remove the side covers and see what is above the working portion. Often the top is just an integrated handle and fuel tank. If the handles can be removed or eliminated, you may gain another inch or so. The fuel tank may also be removed or relocated within the compartment if you can find a way to ensure fuel delivery.

You should be able to connect the generator to RV just like the previous generator without he need for added or outside cables. If you want to keep that replacement generator intact as is, a cargo carrier setup is very common. Just know you'll have to do some creative cabling if you plan on using it while in motion.

[opnspaces]

For your house batteries question. Do you already have existing batteries and need to replace? Or is the battery compartment empty and you need to know what to put in there?

If you have existing batteries I would first try to determine if you have 6 volt or 12 volt batteries.

Hopefully the voltage is plainly marked on the batteries. But if not you can count the caps on top of the battery used for adding distilled water. Each cap is a 2 volt cell. So 3 caps per battery = 6 volts and 6 caps per battery = 12 volts.

For replacement batteries (both 6 and 12 volt) I find the best prices at Costco.

[garyemunson]

https://www.smallenginesprodealer.com/part-onan-166-0799/

[SCADAMAN29325]

BTW, Need house batteries too.