| Author | Message | ||
| Mark & Michele (Busnut_pd4106)
Rating: N/A |
We need your help. Should we buy this 6500 Watt Contractor quality Generator for $725 We found this used generator, which is big enough to run most of the items in a house or our 4106, rated 6500 watts continuous and over 8100 watts maximum load. It is a contractor quality MegaForce Generac 6500 with a 13hp ohv engine and a front and rear wheel kit and handle. It has multiple 110 outlets, 3 and 4 wire twist lok plugs for 110 or 220. It also includes an RV 3 prong plug-in box installed so we could plug in a 30 amp RV plug. It even has a built in 12v battery charger for charging batteries. This is a serious generator which can run for hours on end with no problem. It has a pressurized lubrication system with a screw-on filter, and a low oil level warning and shutdown system to prevent accidental damage. It is capable of running welders, power tools, whatever. Under no load it idles down, then when the load is applied it powers up to the speed required..all automatically. Take a look at the pictures below ,...it still looks new and runs like a new one. http://www.geocities.com/busnut_pd4106/generator1.jpg http://www.geocities.com/busnut_pd4106/generator2.jpg http://www.geocities.com/busnut_pd4106/generator3.jpg http://www.geocities.com/busnut_pd4106/generator4.jpg So should we buy this generator because of the price or continue looking for an RV generator? | ||
| Ross Carlisle (Rrc62)
Rating: N/A |
I wouldn't pay $725 for a Generac. Whether it's stamped "contractor grade" or not, Generac is still the bottom end of the generator market, which is why they are sold in big box stores. You can buy a used, good quality RV generator for about the same or less. My friend just sold some Onan 4KW gas and propane RV units at a local auction for $500 and they were brand new. One guy bought all 6 of them, so they might surface on eBay. | ||
| H3-40 Rating: N/A |
M&M, Ross is right and besides, therse were made to use outdoors just as you described, not in a bus! The noise alone would get old quick! Look around for another as they are out there and at good prices too! I have one similar (5500) to the one you pictured and it just sits in the shop doing nothing. Has about 3 (very noisy) hours from the last bad hurricane we had. Since then, the 12.5 kw diesel bus Generator does the job! Ace | ||
| Chuck Lott (Chuckmc8)
Rating: N/A |
M&M-You will only be happy with a unit that turns 1800 RPM. The 3600 rpm models usually vibrate excessilely and are much noiser. In the Gas lineup, Honda or Onan is OK. Used Honda or Onan RV models sell for$1500 or so in the 7.5 KW range. Either of these in the RV models are quiet and dependable. Added pluses are remote starting possibilities.Older model Onan's are less $$ to buy and run very well also.If you bought a model that has points ignition, a solid state upgrade is available that's worth the money. Caculate your electrical needs and buy only as much generator as you need. larger sets are more $$. If you can get by with 4 or 5 kw, price cuts drastically (ebay is a good source, but ask the seller to send the model and serial # b/f you bid) Honda contractor model gennys are quiet and dependable as well, and can be purchaced used for less than the RV models. However, they aren't designed to run in an enclosed area. Of course, it doesn't mean that you can't engineer proper air flow for it to operate properly. You don't want generator hassles.....because that usually equates to no air conditioning and spoiled food. Which, in my case, doesn't add much to the RV experience. If you upgrade to nice Diesel gensets, there are guys here that can advise you on benefits and sources. They are awesome, but usually in the $5 to 7k range. A general statement is usually to avoid the Chinese import units. If you want topersue that option, mention it and someone will provide details. Hope this helps, Chuck Lott, Douglasville Ga. | ||
| FAST FRED Rating: N/A |
Save your money , Geneerac is GARBAGE! FAST FRED | ||
| Frank Allen (Frank66)
Rating: N/A |
a contractors gen set wont work for a rv in a compartment, will over heat , not designed for the job, you need a set that is designed for RV or one that can run in a compartment safely Frank allen 4106 | ||
| Richard Bowyer (Drivingmisslazy)
Rating: N/A |
A contractor grade genset is designed for a contractor to take out on a job site and use for a few weeks and then throw away when the job is finished. Especially if it is manufactured by Generac. The last time I heard you even had to prove that you operated it every thirty days or the warranty was void!!! Richard | ||
| Brian Brown (Blue_velvet)
Rating: N/A |
Mark, Try to find a used water-cooled diesel, 4kW or better, that you can plumb right into your fuel tank. Kubota or Isuzu engines are the best ones. Some folks like propane (clean burning, less smelly, great storage properties, etc.), and that's fine... if you buy the add'l. tankage for it. Propane will certainly cost more per hour, but that's probably OK for occasional, RV usage. I for one, wouldn't go the gasoline genny route, even to save some $. Smelly, extra tank and fuel, and they generally require more maintenence and babying in storage. Points and ingition, not to mention carb. issues in the older models. And just stay FAR away from air-cooled, "Gener-wrecks" and cheap Chinese diesels. They'll let you down... just when you need it most. bb | ||
| Mark & Michele (Busnut_pd4106)
Rating: N/A |
Thanks again to everyone for the good advices. We are so glad we have all of you to guide us. We will stay clear of anything Generac and focus our search on a diesel unit designed for RVs. Mark | ||
| niles steckbauer (Niles500)
Rating: N/A |
This is timely - Has any one had any experience w/ the B&S Empower systems ???? - I just called them and they said they were building their OWN gen heads in Wisconsin - thanks | ||
| Len Silva (Lsilva)
Rating: N/A |
Speaking of Generac, do you guys feel the same way about the Generac Quietpact diesel units? They seem to be a knockoff of the Onan Quiet Diesel, three cyl, liquid cooled etc. | ||
| Richard Bowyer (Drivingmisslazy)
Rating: N/A |
Niles, building gen heads is a very major task requiring lots of tooling and money and a market. Quite truthfully I have seen a few people try this and none of them were successful. It is very hard to compete with companies like Kato and Lima and a couple of European companies that supply rotaries. The number of poles, the type of excitation the type and style of insulation and many other factors come into play. The market place for smaller rotaries is really quite limited and I doubt they have a large enough market to support the start up costs. Len, I have yet to hear one positive comment regarding Generac. The unit you are talking about is aimed at the homeowner for standby power, I believe. It would seldom get any appreciable usage. Richard | ||
| Len Silva (Lsilva)
Rating: N/A |
Actually, they are being used on some fairly high line units (Alfa Seeya for one) http://www.guardiangenerators.com/products/RV_features_Quietpact.asp?NavID=1 Len Silva | ||
| Buswarrior (Buswarrior)
Rating: N/A |
Hello Mark, Good advice here. I hauled a big air-cooled contractor model around for a couple of years because I had it. If there was an award for loud at Jack's parties, I had it won hands down! And heat? You don't dare try to carelessly build anything around one of these to close it in. Sent the noisey beast out to my elderly parents' place in the country so they have a back-up to the utility. They are thrilled to have it! FWIW, I am currently trying out one of those quiet Yamaha inverter gas units. 3000 watts and deadly quiet. Ran the refrigerator up at the cabin on it last weekend due to a lightening strike. Doesn't even rise off the reduced idle to do it. Charged the batteries nicely down in Arcadia this past New Year's. Have to get some summer time experience to see if I'm willing (perhaps I should say if the family is willing? lol!) to manage the loads to this low a level. I have grown to hate unneccesary noise and plan to do what it takes to keep the noise down in the conversion. I am NO FAN of Generac either. Watched a pair of diesels of a 1990 vintage require pretty much constant rebuilding over the last 15 years. If it wasn't one thing it was another. happy coaching! buswarrior | ||
| Joe Doe
Rating: N/A |
Len, I worked as a RV Tech for a dealership that handled Alfa's and the opinion of the techs was that they looked good, but..... Every financial short-cut they could take was taken. There were such 'innovations' as a auto reset circuit breaker being used as the limit switch on slide-outs instead of actual switches. Pointing them out as 'Quality' rigs and the components (like Generac)as quality for that reason just doesn't fly...IMNSHO Dale MC8 | ||
| Brian Elfert
Rating: N/A |
Briggs & Stratton bought out Generac's small generator line back four or five years ago. They may have also purchased Generac's small engine division. Any Generac branded contractor grade generator still in the stores is made by B&S these days. I think B&S has mostly switched over the B&S name on everything. If B&S Empower is building generator heads in Wisconsin, they are probably using a Generac plant as Generac is/was in Wisconsin. Brian Elfert | ||
| niles steckbauer (Niles500)
Rating: N/A |
Thanks Brian - I had a suspicion as to why they were evasive with me on the phone about the origination of their Gen head and why they acted like they had been manufacturing them forever - thier web site and marketing materials mention nothing about Generac and do not even discuss the head - unfortunately B&S has been promoting them as backup for homes - those people are going to be very upset with the cost required to maintain and repair that C*** and certainly disappointed when it fails to operate in their time of need - FWIW | ||
| John MC9 Rating: N/A |
Real quick question to those that have done it/doing it... What is the absolute minimum size genset needed to run one 13.5k btu roof air conditioner? (I have to buy a small genset to run one AC unit in a class "B") (No formulas or hypothetical, just BTDT...please?) | ||
| Ross Carlisle (Rrc62)
Rating: N/A |
2500 watt which doesn't give you much wiggle room. 3500 would go it without running at max capacity all the time. I ran one on a 2000 watt cheapo and it was struggling then my friend left his Honda 3500 watt portable. The Honda ran two AC's but was about maxed out. | ||
| H3-40 Rating: N/A |
John are you kidding? You really want to put a roof top a/c in one of these? Since they come equipped with A/C already, are you trying to hang meat or what? AND where you gonna put the Generator? Maybe between the seats would work!  I know, it's just so you can travel around until you finish your, uh, "bus conversion"! The Class B (van) Motorhome is essentially a street van, or panel-type truck, that has been customized for abbreviated motorhome-style accommodations. The raised roof allows full headroom and the Class B features some very innovative packaging and floorplans. Class B Motorhome at a Glance • Length: » Normal Length: 16' to 23' • Width: » Normal Width: 78" to 85" » Wide-Bodies: to 96" • Sleeps: » Two to four people • Engine: » Gasoline » Diesel The Class B Motorhome, also known as a Van Conversion, can be described as a mini-Class-A. Manufacturers have been very creative in space utilization in many of these units. They are fully self-contained, with a refrigerator, sink, hot water, air conditioning and heater and comfortable sleeping facilities. Many have showers and toilet facilities. Although smaller in capacity, they even have holding tanks for your fresh water and gray and black waste water. The advantages of a Class B include it's versatility, size, reasonable costs and driveability. When not used for camping, they are easily utilized as a second vehicle at home. Depending on the unit, a Class B is also capable of towing, either a small camping trailer or other "toys", such as a small boat, jet skis or ATVs. With their compact size and many conveniences, the Class B Motorhome is ideal for couples and families with small children. | ||
| John MC9 Rating: N/A |
Nice "cut & paste", Acc. The "B" ic my perconal option for the "quick getaway" for our hurricane ceacon, and for the "dingy" for our co-called "buc convercion". Yeah, I know it'c not ac good ac your own Prevoct, Acc.... But I am doing it -all- mycelf, between -all- the other life problemc that face uc older and lecc income provided folkc.. Co Acc, demean away... I care! </carcacm> The "B" ic a great vehicle for any of uc that have petc aboard (or humanc in not cuch great health). We can take the major RV vehicle to the campground, and continue to cee the area ucing a vehicle that continuec to provide come perconal needc and comfortc, along. Our $4k "B" lookc like thic: Click Me (I'm going to re-do the interior... The b-4 and after will be pocted) And how do -you- keep bucy, Acc? Pop corn, perhapc? You cound like a great guy, Acc. I do hope we meet comeday! (HAR) | ||
| John MC9 Rating: N/A |
OOps.... The Bus Dingy is here | ||
| Richard Bowyer (Drivingmisslazy)
Rating: N/A |
Man, I sure wish I would have had one of those instead of my Tahoe. There were so many times DML and I would have liked to take a short two or three day side trip in areas where it was totally not practicable to take the coach. Really a home away from home. BTW, on one of my first RV's, a 12' camper pick up slide in I used a 3000 watt, 3600 rpm genset to run the roof air. It was pretty noisy but was designed for RV use. Richard | ||
| Brian Brown (Blue_velvet)
Rating: N/A |
Hey, John, I like your "B"! Does she pull OK behind the 9? Probably weighs in at 5000# or so, eh? Only $4k, really?? I've considered upgrading my daily-driver full-size Chevy van for one of these. Good for local trips and more backwoods stuff. bb (Message edited by blue_velvet on May 20, 2006) | ||
| Richard Bowyer (Drivingmisslazy)
Rating: N/A |
It would really be great if she was 4x4! Richard | ||
| John MC9 Rating: N/A |
Man... I don't want to hijack this thread~~ But... Yeah, 4k... but I just poured $$$ in for brakes, brake lines, etc., shocks, blah blah... so another grand brings it to $5k+.. No hitch on the bus (yet), and no tow bar mounted on the "B", yet... It will be done, hopefully B-4 the hurricane season.. These "B"s came with a toilet in the back, mounted on it's own 6 gal holding tank. Dumping required the owner to dump the black tank (at the rear side of the van), then move the hose to the grey tank valve, at the front side of the van. The thought of having to pay a dump fee, just to empty the small black tank seemed like a waste.. In the past, we've had quite a few campgrounds tell us that they charge the full site price, even if it's just to dump the tank! Uhh.. and adding that most campers would rather stay the night, than at some "shopping center" and end up paying anyway.... Nice, huh? Sooooo.... I tore out the "bathroom", and am in the middle of remodeling it. The toilet and black tank is gone! A Porta-Potti is taking it's place. I can empty it anywhere I want... State park toilet, gas station toilet... Easy and free. The shower stall that was good for washing feet (no human can fit in one of these), is gone. I will add a sink (there was none), and make the floor the "shower" base. We'd use campground facilities, but it'll be there, just in case... Since there isn't time to get the bus ready for road-life for this hurricane season, and with the price of fuel what it is... I figured this 'lil thang will take us through it all... If I manage to get the bus ready enough for us, then we'll tow the "B" behind it.. Back to topic? Like Mark & Michele, I've been looking over the cheap gensets. Harbor Freight has remanufactured 4.5kw ones for under $400. They have quite a few new ones in the 2.5 to 3kw range for under $400... Anything that will run the AC unit would be fine. And it'd likely be mounted to the rear bumper of the "B"... (I have a Honda 6.5 liquid cooled, for the bus) | ||
| H3-40 Rating: N/A |
Wow John I'm a little impressed. Not with your "b" but your spelling! LOL Seriously though, I am impressed to see that you actually DO have a bus. More than I can say for some others that frequent here and there. What I would really like to see though is the work you have performed on this bus that's in the pic. Now that would be impressive. As for the time I have that you ask about? Yea been pretty busy poppin corn and roastin corn at many different events (usually every weekend, somewhere), working a full time business during the regular guys work week along with designing and mfgr'ing model race car parts for my "other hobby" and dyno'ing race motors that I build in my spare time. Did I mention, doing a daily "check in" on my 85 yr old dad who is in a nursing home and having to be home at certain times of the day and night to make sure my 14 yr old dog (my best friend) gets his meds for an enlarged heart. Yea I would say my plate is a little full but you know what? I still get er' done, somehow, someway, because I don't roll over and give up! If you want something bad enough, you WILL find a way! Sooo, have fun with your "b" but your much better off working on the 9 to get it road worthy! I'm almost sure you'll find time! LOL Ace | ||
| John MC9 Rating: N/A |
Here ya' go Ace: John MC9's bus (I haven't gotten around to taking and posting new pix) You're right about finding a way when the will's there. My problem, is that the bus has to remain at a storage facility. The owner of our facility recently changed his policy to conform with all the other storage facilities in the area.... He has cut the width of the spaces to a perfect 10. Uhh 10 foot, that is. And I now have an motorhome to one side, preventing me from opening the bay doors... and a 102" boat trailer on the other side, preventing me from opening those bay and rear side engine doors. He's also rewired the breakers, so running an AC unit, or a table saw, trips the breaker. The "B" fits under our carport, so I can do most of the work here at home. But the bus, unfortunately, is going to be a bit more of a problem to finish, now. Richard - Thanks for the info regarding the 3kw and roof air. I had been hoping to run the 13.5 on a 2.4.... Maybe this one would be better: Harbor Freight ITEM 55248-1VGA | ||
| H3-40 Rating: N/A |
Ok your off the hook! So far so good but why stop now? Get er' done man and the sooner you do, the sooner can enjoy the hard work! Trust me, it gets to a point where it becomes even MORE fun to work on as you see the finished product of what was only a dream, come alive before your eyes! Ace | ||
| FAST FRED Rating: N/A |
The flea market has a 4kw OHNO listed that would serve better and last longer than ANY of the contractor thro aways. If its running and worth $$$ at 25 years old , it will still be worth something when you are done with it. FAST FRED | ||
| Richard Bowyer (Drivingmisslazy)
Rating: N/A |
John, I would never consider the HF unit if I were you. It is not designed to be operated in an enclosed area and it will be so loud that you could seldom , if ever use it. The unit I had was built by Kohler and was specifically designed to fit in a small compartment on a pickup truck slide in camper. I do not know if they are still made or not. This was at least 20 years ago. Richard | ||
| Mark & Michele (Busnut_pd4106)
Rating: N/A |
Great resource and prices. Thanks John MC9. That 9 HP Robin Surbaru engine even claim to "RUN QUIETER" but no RPM in the specs. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=55248 | ||
| David Hartley (Drdave)
Rating: N/A |
Many of the van conversions can be fitted with one of the Onan MicroLite 2800 watt generators, They usually are mounted under the rear bumper or where the spare tire would normally hang just aft of the fuel tank. The little gems are very small and pretty well insulated considering they have a 3600 rpm engine. Can even be mounted inside between the drivers side rear wheelwell with a couple of vent holes cut through the floor in the corner for the air and exhaust pipe to enter and exit. |