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Topic: Generator Breaker Box Ventilation??? (Read 565 times) previous topic - next topic

Generator Breaker Box Ventilation???

Other than to check the oil I haven't spent much time in the Gen compartment since purchase. Yesterday I changed the oil and filter and starting looking and wonder what in the world was this ugly contraction mounted on the from of the generator breaker box. It seems it is a vent ??? Surely nothing like this came from Foretravel, I would like to remove it if it isn't necessary. Any thoughts on this?

Bill and Marsha Kuykendall
1999 Foretravel U320 36' CAI
Build Number 5446
2006 Lexus GX 470

Re: Generator Breaker Box Ventilation???

Reply #1 –
I'm guessing it's there to bring in cooler outside air for the generator air filter.
David and Carolyn Osborn
1995 U320C SE 40' Build 4726 Feb 1995
FMCA 147762
Motorcade 17186

Re: Generator Breaker Box Ventilation???

Reply #2 –
Cold Ram Air Pipe (also known as C.R.A.P.)

It could possibly increase the High RPM EPH by up to 10%  :thumbsup:

EPH = Electrons Per Hour
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Generator Breaker Box Ventilation???

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
Ram Air Intake.  It could possibly increase the Top End EPH by up to 10%  :thumbsup:

EPH = Electrons Per Hour
LOL...It's in the way and I would like to remove it. Being on the front of a large learning curve I thought I would ask if anyone knew what the point was or if there were and known issues with the wiring getting hot in the breaker box.
Bill and Marsha Kuykendall
1999 Foretravel U320 36' CAI
Build Number 5446
2006 Lexus GX 470

Re: Generator Breaker Box Ventilation???

Reply #4 –
I can't figure why a guy would add that setup. I think I'd just throw it. The stock setup works fine as long as you replace the air filter when needed.
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Generator Breaker Box Ventilation???

Reply #5 –
 :o   
Maybe one of the PO's was Rube Goldberg?
If mine ..... I would pitch it and return it to it's FT factory set up..........
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Generator Breaker Box Ventilation???

Reply #6 –
Looks like over kill.  I have a flexible vent tube on the back of my control box and an air dam connected to the left side of the control box.  The air dam connects to the large rubber boot on the end of the generator.  My assumption, and I may be wrong.  The air that flows through the box is to help dissipate the heat that comes off of the regulator heat sinks and cool of the regulator.
John M
John & Carm Morales

"We travel not to go anywhere, but to just go.  We travel for travel's sake.  Our great desire is to move."

Re: Generator Breaker Box Ventilation???

Reply #7 –
Where is the control box that is normally in that position?  Is the air filter canister with the filter still behind the contraption?  It may take some work to return to the original configuration.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R

Re: Generator Breaker Box Ventilation???

Reply #8 –
Quote from: amos.harrison –
Where is the control box that is normally in that position?  Is the air filter canister with the filter still behind the contraption?  It may take some work to return to the original configuration.
The vent is into the face of the control/breaker box, it doesn't invade the air filter canister at all except to block the front of it. For some reason one of the previous owners felt the need to get air into the breaker box, I'm calling it a breaker box because there is a breaker on the left side next to the contraction. If I remove it there would be a round hole cut in the face of the box that would need to be covered or the box would need to be replaced to return to stock.
Bill and Marsha Kuykendall
1999 Foretravel U320 36' CAI
Build Number 5446
2006 Lexus GX 470

Re: Generator Breaker Box Ventilation???

Reply #9 –
You might could replace all of that contraption with a small cooling fan installed in place of the PVC junction box.
Powered by the 120 v output of the generator.............. just a thought........ it would help to know what the original problem was that prompted this modification.

Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Generator Breaker Box Ventilation???

Reply #10 –
Quote from: John Morales –
Looks like over kill.  I have a flexible vent tube on the back of my control box and an air dam connected to the left side of the control box.  The air dam connects to the large rubber boot on the end of the generator.  My assumption, and I may be wrong.  The air that flows through the box is to help dissipate the heat that comes off of the regulator heat sinks and cool of the regulator.
John M
I will check the box more thoroughly, hopefully mine is constructed the way yours is and will be okay without the current set up. Thinking of putting a small vent plate over the hole in the box, air can still get in just won't be RAM air...
Bill and Marsha Kuykendall
1999 Foretravel U320 36' CAI
Build Number 5446
2006 Lexus GX 470

Re: Generator Breaker Box Ventilation???

Reply #11 –
Bill,

A test of whether this is good/bad/neutral is to see if there is excessive dust/debris in the box.

If not, I see no harm in leaving Rube Goldburg's contraption.
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

Re: Generator Breaker Box Ventilation???

Reply #12 –
Bill,
Does your coach have the mod that moved all the generator relays to the front driver's side bay with the generator radiator fan?  Maybe this was the PO's alternate.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R