Generator usage!

 
 
 
 
 
 
whippy
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Generator usage!

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Posted: 03.06.2014  ·  #1
Hi folks, I am just wondering does anyone with a large on-board generator such as mine, an Onan 8kva ever use it for long term usage. I don't know is it the fear or memories from my childhood of getting the back of the head slapped for use of the immersion at home or what but... I have only ever used it for boiling the kettle along the side of a motorway for ten mins. I have a fear it's too noisy and will upset others, it's too thirsty and will cost a fortune and really is only a viable emergency option. Am I wrong?

To date during my ownership I've only stayed on sites with EHU but really, with summer coming, the odd festival I'll be going to and the likes of the Silverstone classic and old timer Grand Prix coming up, the option to rough camp really is one I'd like to open up to myself,even a little bit... I'm aware it does not stay on all the time when parked up but rather when needed. Please note too... Leisure batteries on my bus really don't involve any more than maybe 25 mins of "leisure"!!!

Any thoughts, observations or comments on the matter are, as always, most welcome! :up:


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Re: Generator usage!

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Posted: 03.06.2014  ·  #2
Is it noisy?

I've had the misfortune of camping near folks with noisy generators and I'd much prefer the sound of silence to be honest.

I wonder if your leisure batteries are fubarred and need to be replaced? 25 mins kinda sucks!


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Re: Generator usage!

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Posted: 03.06.2014  ·  #3
25 Minutes?

What are you running? mine last 3-5 days!


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Re: Generator usage!

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Posted: 03.06.2014  ·  #4
Ok - question so - I've never been able to figure out what they charge off. Is it the engine while running or is it the onan? Or would they charge off either? I suppose I've never really tested them since after I solved my alternator/new engine battery problem last Christmas. All battery issues are now sorted with isolator switches fitted to all. I suppose if the bus is parked and engine batteries iso'd after a decent drive, my leisures should last a while at least for a good test anyway - I'm only assuming the gene won't start them then as power source to start comes from leisure? If I unisolate and then start engine, it should charge everything again and start gene!!!


These really are the lack of experience issues and living where I do, I was not even able to do the handover with the PO - much of the important info seems to have passed over the head of my intermediary/best mate... :-( few months of making my own mistakes in her this summer will answer must things I think.

I really don't get from it or indeed from holidaying in my parents one in California that the leisure batteries in the big yank machines are really to be used in the same way you can the euro style models - it's not a long lasting viable energy source for living with - you've the gene, I think, to try boost them for off the grid living. All very confusing to me which is why I've shy'd away and just plugged in on site to date....


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Re: Generator usage!

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Posted: 03.06.2014  ·  #5
Suppose when parked somewhere on site next month for a long spell, I can unhook ehu and test everything to drain/failing point without fear as I can just plug back in if there are any surprise failures!!! You always learn most from your own F/U's I suppose....


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Re: Generator usage!

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Posted: 03.06.2014  ·  #6
Kevin - I suppose it becomes a low constant hum that you get used to in the back ground but... I'd not like to be sleeping beside it or directly over it in the front bed... Yeah - it's noisy! From what you've said it seems your inconsiderate neighbours had theirs on all night then????


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Re: Generator usage!

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Posted: 03.06.2014  ·  #7
I don't have one myself,but there is nothing worse then listing to one beside you,when the owner dosent seem to here it at all. 🇧🇭 🇧🇭


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Re: Generator usage!

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Posted: 03.06.2014  ·  #8
Especially one of those tiny two stroke Aldi generators!!! Ahhhhhhhhhhh!


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Re: Generator usage!

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Posted: 03.06.2014  ·  #9
Ah no.... Jaysus.... It's not like hat now. But I still wouldn't fire it up in earshot of anyone else! I did once for maintanence reasons for 10 mins and called to our only neighbour to let him know he shouldn't worry it wouldn't even be 10 mins - and that was in the afternoon!


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Re: Generator usage!

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Posted: 03.06.2014  ·  #10
Quote by whippy

Ah no.... Jaysus.... It's not like hat now. But I still wouldn't fire it up in earshot of anyone else! I did once for maintanence reasons for 10 mins and called to our only neighbour to let him know he shouldn't worry it wouldn't even be 10 mins - and that was in the afternoon!


Thats the way it should be done :up: :up: :up: :up: :up:


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Re: Generator usage!

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Posted: 03.06.2014  ·  #11
Didn't think it was John... Just having a laugh...

BTW, I did suffer a SOB that pulled out one of those tiny aldi generators when we were camping up in North Co Mayo a couple of years ago. 70db is a lot when the only other sound around you is birds and the wind in the trees!!!


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Re: Generator usage!

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Posted: 04.06.2014  ·  #12
Boys, don't ever go to TT - we saw the red arrows last night (they were fantastic) but they were silent compared to the sounds coming from generators around us (and no, we're not staying in the paddock) we're in a public car park in Douglas (they love motorhomes on IOM) no silent gennys here, proper industrial gennys...

Must share my most annoying genny story - motorhome beside us kept it running all night (bikes again) by next morning I was fit to be tied, and decided in a non-confrontational way :bandit: to find out what he was playing at, only to be met by an older man who was constantly plugged into a breathing machine and apologised about the noise but he needed it to live - a lesson in life, there go me but for the grace of God!!! Told a big fib, 'was just inviting you over for brekkie' O-) it didn't annoy me that night!
Live and let live, if it's annoying be thankful it's your motorhome neighbours and you have an engine :-)
Deirdre :up:


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Re: Generator usage!

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Posted: 04.06.2014  ·  #13
Very True, Deirdre. :up:


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Re: Generator usage!

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Posted: 05.06.2014  ·  #14
Was at Sunflower Race a few years ago had arrived late on Friday evening and
had headed to bed about 12:30 shortly after a caravaner returning from Bar
started his up at 1am after 30 mins or so no more I could take Its surprisingly how quick
A glass of water works to turn one off got about two steps away and the generator spluttered
to silence if you'se catch my drift sprinted back to Motorhome and had a peaceful night.
Felt a wee bit guilty but a good Nites sleep made the guilt dissipate.


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Re: Generator usage!

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Posted: 05.06.2014  ·  #15
If you did what I think you did and it were mine..... Sleep would be very quick to come your way!


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Re: Generator usage!

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Posted: 05.06.2014  ·  #16
Quote by BAZ 25

Was at Sunflower Race a few years ago had arrived late on Friday evening and
had headed to bed about 12:30 shortly after a caravaner returning from Bar
started his up at 1am after 30 mins or so no more I could take Its surprisingly how quick
A glass of water works to turn one off got about two steps away and the generator spluttered
to silence if you'se catch my drift sprinted back to Motorhome and had a peaceful night.
Felt a wee bit guilty but a good Nites sleep made the guilt dissipate.


Not cool.


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Re: Generator usage!

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Posted: 05.06.2014  ·  #17
Quote by BAZ 25

Was at Sunflower Race a few years ago had arrived late on Friday evening and
had headed to bed about 12:30 shortly after a caravaner returning from Bar
started his up at 1am after 30 mins or so no more I could take Its surprisingly how quick
A glass of water works to turn one off got about two steps away and the generator spluttered
to silence if you'se catch my drift sprinted back to Motorhome and had a peaceful night.
Felt a wee bit guilty but a good Nites sleep made the guilt dissipate.




Only half glass of water next time :lol:


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Re: Generator usage!

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Posted: 05.06.2014  ·  #18
Not Cool at 1:30am with children on board trying to sleep Must be an American thing as the two replies are from RVers
Lol Time and a place for generators 1:30 am in the morning is not it.I have a Solar on and a 2000 wat pure sine wave which
Gives me all the electric I need think Green lol.


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Re: Generator usage!

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Posted: 05.06.2014  ·  #19
Read my original post and subsequent answers about thoughtful generator usage and consideration of others in my surroundings before you shoot your mouth off. The machine I choose to use has nothing to do with having or not having manners and not being utter scum.

Criminal damage is criminal damage, regardless of whether you've got your Arran sweater and Birkenstock sandals on......

Your post was idiotic and I'd wager, untrue too....

Go back under your bridge there troll and have a green tea boiled up by your solar panel!


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Re: Generator usage!

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Posted: 05.06.2014  ·  #20
You took that bad lol


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Re: Generator usage!

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Posted: 05.06.2014  ·  #21
Not really but I think after a post like yours earlier..... You should be banned. And I'm no square..... ;-)


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Re: Generator usage!

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Posted: 05.06.2014  ·  #22
Quote by BAZ 25

Not Cool at 1:30am with children on board trying to sleep Must be an American thing as the two replies are from RVers
Lol Time and a place for generators 1:30 am in the morning is not it.I have a Solar on and a 2000 wat pure sine wave which
Gives me all the electric I need think Green lol.


Whoa...

Not cool is destroying someone's equipment when a simple knock on the door and a quick chat might suffice.

Loss of property isn't cool.

Read Shivsters input further up the thread. What if the chap coming back from somewhere (you're assuming pub maybe) needed that gen for life support or other needs, asthmatic on a nebuliser maybe? God only knows... I'd bet you certainly didn't know when you flung the glass of water and scarpered?? Correct me if I'm wrong, I'm sure you will.

I agree with you that running a generator at 1.30am is ridiculous... bit I wouldn't consider destroying that persons equipment as an option, Rv'er or not...

Thinking green is good and I am with you 100% there. We have a little Honda generator an maybe have used it ten times, ever. Certainly wouldn't use it in-company or at 1.30am either...


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Re: Generator usage!

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Posted: 05.06.2014  ·  #23
Play nicely folks.

RULES

Admin.


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Re: Generator usage!

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Posted: 05.06.2014  ·  #24
Folks?

....I assume you mean folk - singular!


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Re: Generator usage!

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Posted: 05.06.2014  ·  #25
Quote by whippy

Folks?

....I assume you mean folk - singular!


No I meant "folks"

Before it turns into a heated row :D


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Re: Generator usage!

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Posted: 05.06.2014  ·  #26
No I think he means "Folks" lol


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Re: Generator usage!

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Posted: 05.06.2014  ·  #27
I don't remember asking you anything Baz. Thanks very much.

Ally - I don't see anything offensive in what I or Kevin have said here - I certainly do find criminal damage of somebody else's hard earned property offensive and not something I would gave thought would have been condoned around this forum. Anyway, good job I'm away to dinner now - hopefully Baz will have moved on to a street corner somewhere with his track suit and hoodie on with his anti-social ghetto blaster on his shoulder by the time we get home! :D


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Re: Generator usage!

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Posted: 05.06.2014  ·  #28
Drain and refill with new petrol item fixed.Definitley never buying an RV think it must make you lose your sense of humor lol
Have a nice Day !


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Re: Generator usage!

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Posted: 05.06.2014  ·  #29
..... aaannnnyway..... As per the start of the thread, I have the big 5000w Onan/Cummins gennie and , tbh, I find it too loud and , as I"m on LPG, it costs more to run than my engine (6.8 V10) so I also carry a Honda which is quiet and drinks bugger all petrol, although, I"ve heard they#2re absolutely silent when some f%%%er nicks them.... o.O Also, I may own an RV but, as we"re on LPG, we put out very few polutants so I"ve no worries about whether I"m green O-)


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Re: Generator usage!

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Posted: 05.06.2014  ·  #30
Got to agree with whippy, mindless vandalism.

My gen is inboard.... Bring a hose baz 🇧🇭


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Generator

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Posted: 07.06.2014  ·  #31
What does an indoor generator look like and how does it work


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Re: Generator usage!

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Posted: 07.06.2014  ·  #32
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genny

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Posted: 07.06.2014  ·  #33
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Re: Generator usage!

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Posted: 07.06.2014  ·  #34
It's always been spoken about as an 8 kva but I see 7.5 kva printed on the side - yep - derv and runs off the engine tank!

Pretty sure they all carry them alright!


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Re: Generator usage!

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Posted: 08.06.2014  ·  #35
Yep,we all carry a generator big enough for a house! Mine is a 5kva petrol, runs off the petrol tank, it's a bit of overkill really and I use a little Honda if I'm anywhere with no hookup.


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Re: Generator usage!

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Posted: 08.06.2014  ·  #36
It wouldn't be a yank if it didn't have a bit of overkill ;)


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Re: Generator usage!

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Posted: 08.06.2014  ·  #37
PaulH why not use the onboard one if you don't mind me asking?


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Re: Generator usage!

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Posted: 09.06.2014  ·  #38
Thirst I'd say, Jack.


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Re: Generator usage!

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Posted: 09.06.2014  ·  #39
the onboard 8kva generator will use a lot more fuel than the likes of your 2kva honda, but while it produces 4 times the power they probably are not using 4 times the power. When I run the genny in Spain (12kva) I also use the heavy load items such as well pump, pool pump and washing machines, just to take up the power being generated as its a thirsty beast to just charge batteries, and they can only be charged at a slow low rate.


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