new generator time

[bobbin_nail]

We need to replace a 5000 watt, 2 phase, Onan generator in our class A. Will y'all please make some suggestions for where we should be shopping? thanks, BCNU

[Groover]

bobbin nail wrote:

camperdave wrote:
What happened to it? I know it's not what you asked, but just curious what happened that would make replacing cheaper than repairing.

Well Camper Dave, It no longer will run both A/C and often not even one. We haven't found anyone here in N.Texas to work on one. It is 21 years old and when working perfect...it was loud! thanks for listing to my rant.

It sounds like you have three reasons for wanting to replace it:
1) It doesn't run the AC's
2) It is 21 years old
3) It is LOUD!

I would start by putting some test loads on it and making sure that the generator is really the problem even though it sounds like you want to replace regardless. Knowing whether the generator works to specs will give you an idea of how much really needs to be done. You can check the load can either a clamp on AC ampmeter to read the currents or if you have enough circuits to put on 3 or 4 known loads like a portable heaters. A couple of Kill-a-watt units would monitor the heaters but could be fried by an air conditioner.

I am not sure how you would know how well a used one would address any of the issues, that is something that you would have to figure out. If buying new I would seriously consider springing for an inverter generator though I can understand not wanting to spend that much on a motorhome old enough to be carrying a 21 year old generator.

[Matt_Colie]

Now a question for Bobbin Nail and husband.

Does the engine part run and it does not make electric that works?

Or does the engine not run or starts and quits?

If it is the first, call around to shops that repair electric motors. The machine attached is just an electric motor being pushed. (OK, it may have so controls, but they should still understand what they are.

If it is the second, then call small engine shops. Onan engines are used on many small things like the giant mowers and little diggers.

Good Luck.

Matt

[gatorcq]

bobbin nail wrote:

MountainAir05 wrote:
You sure that is not just a single phase system. Have not seen one that small with 2 phase. As stated find something close that has good shipping if possible.

Husband sez he is sure it's a 2 phase. thanks

And I am sure it is NOT 2 phase.

[BigRabbitMan]

If it was me, I would look for one of the newer induction generators from Oman and other manufactures. Much quieter as only operate at the speed required for the load. Small or no load it just idles. Speeds up to handle proportionally heavier loads.

[ScottG]

Trust us, it isn't 2 phase but it's a common misconception.
Hubbby may think your house is 2 phase as well but it isn't.
They're single, split phase.

[Dutch_12078]

theoldwizard1 wrote:

bobbin nail wrote:
We need to replace a 5000 watt, 2 phase, ...

No such thing as a "2 phase". Likely it is a 240V split phase. Yes, it has two 120V "legs".

Most of the Onan RV generators are dual wound 120V units with both outputs in phase. Some can be fairly easily rewired for 240 split, some can't without some serious surgery.

[theoldwizard1]

bobbin nail wrote:
We need to replace a 5000 watt, 2 phase, ...

No such thing as a "2 phase". Likely it is a 240V split phase. Yes, it has two 120V "legs".

[bobbin_nail]

wolfe10 wrote:
Check Craigslist. You will often find used ones on them from RV's being totaled/scrapped.

Will check this out, thanks

[bobbin_nail]

MountainAir05 wrote:
You sure that is not just a single phase system. Have not seen one that small with 2 phase. As stated find something close that has good shipping if possible.

Husband sez he is sure it's a 2 phase. thanks

[bobbin_nail]

camperdave wrote:
What happened to it? I know it's not what you asked, but just curious what happened that would make replacing cheaper than repairing.

Well Camper Dave, It no longer will run both A/C and often not even one. We haven't found anyone here in N.Texas to work on one. It is 21 years old and when working perfect...it was loud! thanks for listing to my rant.

[wolfe10]

Check Craigslist. You will often find used ones on them from RV's being totaled/scrapped.

[MountainAir05]

https://generators.visonerv.com/cgi-bin/f/onangeneratorsforsale.pl?

[wa8yxm]

Most ONAN RV generators are single phase 2 branch. (Both legs same)

I do know Onan makes 120/240 volt generators (I have worked on one) but I've not seen one in RV use (The one I worked on was a soft serve ice cream truck).

[camperdave]

What happened to it? I know it's not what you asked, but just curious what happened that would make replacing cheaper than repairing.