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Generators

There seems to be more variety with generators in Foretravels than in the engines..

What's better? Diesel or LP? How big a generator do folks like? I've seen everything from 6k to 10k. If it's LP, can you still run it while driving? I've heard a lot of people shut the gas off for driving for safety reasons.
Paul
'92 U300 SBID 40'  #3968 "Large Marge"
Detroit Diesel 6v92TA & Allison HT746
'09 Mini Clubman w/ manual 6spd @ 39 mpg

Re: Generators

Reply #1 –
It is more of a date issue. The newer ones are all diesel. The size of the motorhome determines the size of the generator. It's a personal matter on leaving the propane on. On my earlier coaches I left it on. The refrigerator needed it to stay cold back then, the electric elements were not as good as they are now.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Generators

Reply #2 –
We have a 10 kw, gen set in our 2002 U 270.  It will run all day sitting still, but stops as soon as you move ( can't drive with it running )
I just changed the low oil pressure sw ., and new oil, and filter.
 It still stops as soon as you start to move
has anyone else had this happen? 
it shuts down with a low oil fault even, when it is full of oil. when you move.

Re: Generators

Reply #3 –
I don't know why you're having this problem. In the summer ours is always on for the roof air. Many posts of members driving with it on for the same reason. Have you called Powertech and talked to Jeff about it?
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Generators

Reply #4 –
We frequently drive with the generator running and both ACs on. Good idea to make sure both the temperature and fuel pressure are stable and where they should be. Wonder if either one of them could be responsible for the shutdown?

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Generators

Reply #5 –
I had that happen on a new demo way back in 1991. The factory added a deflector air flap under the body in front of the hot air exhaust so it could flow better. Helped temps.
George Ray 1992 U280 40'

Re: Generators

Reply #6 –
If it shuts down on low oil level,unplug that shutdown and try and run,if it runs good it's the shutdown end device,try that with the
pressure and all the ones that you think are shutting you down.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Generators

Reply #7 –
Can you run an LP generator while driving?
Paul
'92 U300 SBID 40'  #3968 "Large Marge"
Detroit Diesel 6v92TA & Allison HT746
'09 Mini Clubman w/ manual 6spd @ 39 mpg

Re: Generators

Reply #8 –
A few years ago, I had my generator worked on, and it had the same problem when I drove off.  Quit running within a block of the driveway.  They thought it was oil viscosity, so did an oil change, no change.  They also tried changing the oil pressure sensor and again no change.  Tried the temp sensor too for good measure, no change. They also tried burping the coolant, same result.

And these guys were generator pros.

Finally I got the FT book out and found it had a coolant level sensor wired to another sensor.  I had them swap out the float switch, and the problem went away.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer
 

Re: Generators

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Paully –
Can you run an LP generator while driving?

Sure.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020