Use of Honda generator in an enclosed generator compartment

[DaveInVA]

I am considering a truck camper that has a large generator compartment. I would prefer a Honda over the LP Onan option that exists in most TC's.

Has anyone replaced their Onan with a Honda or other brand? Can they operate within the compartment? Or do they require to be operated in an open space?

Clearly there are conveniences that come with the Onan, but I plan to boondock frequently and expect to use the generator 8 plus hours per day depending on the temperature. Access to gasoline will be easier than propane and quieter to operate I believe.

Welcome any pros and cons on both.

Thanks!

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[Kayteg1]

Thanks for the links.
Even I would hesitate to spend $187 for the propane kit for RV use, I like the idea of tri-fuel kit for the same price as backup for emergencies.
The gasoline in my Honda usually is good for another season, but propane has no limit on storage and adding natural gas sure is good option to have for Zombie Apocalypse 😉
Here comes another winter project.

[msiminoff]

Kayteg1 wrote:
How is that propane conversion on Honda working?

My LPG conversion came from Central Maine Diesel and it works great, but It looks like they don't offer the kit anymore. If I were doing it today I'd buy a Motor Snorkel from US Carb'..
To start I just close the choke, depress the priming plunger and pull the rope. The only time that starting is an issue is when the LP bottle has been off for a while and the air needs to be purged from the lines. In this case I start on gasoline and then switch over to propane.
-Mark

[Kayteg1]

How is that propane conversion on Honda working?
Usually the propane carburetors are very primitive and making for hard start.
What did you use?

[jaycocreek]

You did an amazing job... A big thumbs up.

[msiminoff]

I'm the guy that did this back in 2007...

Happy to report that the generator, my family, and I are all still running strong.

Done properly an enclosed Honda can be just as safe or safer than the factory installed, noisy, unreliable Onan (with its exhaust that exits just under the rear bumper :E )
I do understand that not everybody has the experience or fabrication capabilities to tackle this project, and If you do it wrong, well... things can go very very bad. So my advice is this: Do not attempt to do this mod in your RV!

In the case of my installation
-The exhaust is routed out of the generator compartment and the exit is above the roofline.
-The generator runs on propane.
-My TC has a carbon monoxide detector that will shut off the generator if CO is detected (it has never alarmed).
-Electric fans provide plenty of cooling air.
-Eco Mode selection and shut-down can be controlled from inside the TC (I do have to go out to pull-start)
-The Honda is inside a locked compartment so I have no concerns about theft or exposure to the elements.

I was at Emerald Bay State Park last week and ran the genny to power the microwave while cooking dinner ( during generator hours). I don't think that anybody else in the entire campground knew there was a generator running, not even the folks in the site right next to ours.... it's-that-quiet.

Cheers,
-Mark

[Kayteg1]

Once again, all factory TC generators are propane powered.
I could not find comparison, but from experience propane exhaust fumes will give you 1/10 of the headaches gasoline fumes can.

[jaycocreek]

The funny thing about this thread and deaths incurred via placing a honda gen set in an existing/sealed gen compartment with an exhaust extension is nill/none..I could not find one in a google search caused by this mod..

There are plenty of them from a built in generator such as the Onan or a neighbors gen set fumes but none I can find from a portable in the sealed gen compartment.And yes many from the Darwin clan succumbed to generator fumes.

There are so many other things in an RV that kills beside generator fumes that really never get attention but somehow this mod scares some even if done properly.

In RV’s, carbon monoxide gas usually results from:

• Exhaust leaks from a vehicle engine or a generator
• Improper use of portable gas powered heaters
• Someone else’s vehicle or generator when camping in close quarters
• Malfunctioning or unvented LP gas appliances

If your RV doesn’t have a carbon monoxide detector you need to purchase a battery operated carbon monoxide detector designed for use in RVs. Test the carbon monoxide detector every time you use the RV, and replace the batteries when you change clocks for daylight savings time.

Other Tips

• Inspect the generator exhaust system before using the generator, every time
• Avoid leaving windows down and roof vents open when in close proximity to vehicle and/or generator exhaust
• Follow all directions and safety cautions and warnings when operating gas powered heaters
• If you use a portable generator direct the exhaust away from the camping area
• Never use the range burners or oven to heat the RV!
• When cooking with the range burners use the range fan and always leave a window cracked open for fresh air and ventilation

I still maintain that built in Onan generators are a greater threat to life than one an RV guru would put it because of the exhaust fumes and where the Onan tail pipe exits the fumes...

One little wind change and good night Charlie.

[Kayteg1]

Than tell me how many metal fabricators are expert in Venturi extensions?
It takes highly skilled person to just design such thing and then couple of experts to build one.
The linked compartment rebuild is very impressive, but doesn't leave margin for errors.

[mkirsch]

Yes and for every professional fabricator there are 100 hacks who *think* they know what they're doing.

It can be done safely, but only if you cover all the "ifs" in a thorough and professional manner. No room for hackery or tomfoolery on this one.

[BradW]

I would reply and taunt you again, but I have already posted more than I know on the subject. 🙂

[jaycocreek]

If you quit posting should we assume the worst?

For a real scientific survey, we can't just take the word of test subjects who have not killed themselves yet. We need to compile a comprehensive list of enclosed Honda EU2000i users and have a roll call each year to see how many of them are no loner with us. We also need a record of their design so the remaining test subjects don't repeat the non-survivors design flaws

I think your referring to the how safe is a Catalytic heater debate, huh.:B

[BradW]

hunterj wrote:
Did it 5 years ago and no problems. Still here alive and kicking.

If you quit posting should we assume the worst?

For a real scientific survey, we can't just take the word of test subjects who have not killed themselves yet. We need to compile a comprehensive list of enclosed Honda EU2000i users and have a roll call each year to see how many of them are no longer with us. We also need a record of their design so the remaining test subjects don't repeat the non-survivors design flaws. 🙂

BradW

[jaycocreek]

hunterj wrote:
Converted a Honda 2000 to run on propane, put in a expanded metal floor with electric radiator fan underneath and extended the exhaust pipe to exit out the back of the camper . Did it 5 years ago and no problems. Still here alive and kicking. This is installed in a Arctic Fox 1150 using a Coleman Polar Cub AC.

You and quite a few others lived to tell the tail of using a quieter more fuel efficient alternative to the Onan gen set in a TC and done in a professional manner with proper venting and cooling.

[hunterj]

Converted a Honda 2000 to run on propane, put in a expanded metal floor with electric radiator fan underneath and extended the exhaust pipe to exit out the back of the camper . Did it 5 years ago and no problems. Still here alive and kicking. This is installed in a Arctic Fox 1150 using a Coleman Polar Cub AC.