Truck camper generator oil type/Built in or small portable.

[jaycocreek]

What oil are you guys using in your generators that you use with your truck camper?

I have been using Honda oil in mine but it is hard to find if you don't have a nearby dealer..I used Onan oil in my Onan gens and I had to buy it by the case to have it on hand in the places I lived..

So what is a good oil that meets all the spec's of a small portable generator that we use for our truck campers that is equal to Honda or Onan oil and does it have to be 4-cycle oil?

[bigfootgrey]

Buzzcut1 wrote:
Mobile One synthetic in my Honda 2000

X2

[Grit_dog]

Fwiw, Honda and Onan aren't oil companies so their oil, just like other rebranded products aren't special, but rather marketing and profit opportunities.

[GeoBoy]

https://www.amsoil.com/p/10w-30-synthetic-small-engine-oil-ase/

[Buzzcut1]

Mobile One synthetic in my Honda 2000

[jimh406]

I changed my oil from dinosaur to synthetic. My Onan got much quieter. As little as it needs, I’d always use very good synthetic.

[Grit_dog]

To prove it’s not rocket surgery, I recently inherited a contractor air compressor from a roofer who left it behind and never came back for it.
Checked oil. Was like tar. Drain for a while and not lot coming out. Filled w new oil ran a while to get it hot. Drain refill , have run about 10 tanks of gas thru it since then. Purrs like a kitten....

[Grit_dog]

Of course it has to be 4 stroke oil. Why would you consider 2 cycle oil?
Short answer, basically any engine oil is fine.
Splash lube engines aren’t picky.
We have thousands of small engines ( construction) that basically never or rarely get oil changes and they run for years, or the equivalent of a lifetime for weekenders.
Personal preference, I run 15w40, whatever is on sale in virtually every 4s motor small to large. Small engines get oil changed every 1-3 years depending on use.
Greatly simplifies oil stock and selection.

[Kayteg1]

Motor oils with today's technology are like androids.
What was top of the line 2 years ago, is dinosaur today.
Check the generator manual for recommended weight and any of modern oil will do.
Since I am using synthetics in my cars, that is what goes to my generator as well.

[KD4UPL]

Your generator manual should tell you the API rating and viscosity needed for your engine. Any oil that meets the viscosity grade and API rating will be acceptable. My personal brand preference for gas engines is Castrol.