GMCforum
For enthusiast of the Classic GMC Motorhome built from 1973 to 1978. A web-based mirror of the GMCnet mailing list.

Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » General question about Onan generators (Dimensions)
General question about Onan generators [message #346868] Mon, 26 August 2019 06:18 Go to next message
6cuda6 is currently offline  6cuda6   Canada
Messages: 975
Registered: June 2019
Karma: -6
Senior Member
Question for you guys....are all Onan rv gensets about the same size....so the dimensions of a 4000 will be about the same as a 5000 or a 6000 about the same as a 7000?

Whats the biggest that will fit in the back of a 26' ? I know you guys have tried to shoe horn some power back there.....lol.


Rich Mondor, Brockville, ON 77 Hughes 2600
Re: [GMCnet] General question about Onan generators [message #346874 is a reply to message #346868] Mon, 26 August 2019 07:40 Go to previous messageGo to next message
GMC.LES is currently offline  GMC.LES   United States
Messages: 505
Registered: April 2014
Karma: -2
Senior Member
Rick,
Keep checking the classifieds like Kijiji, & craigslist for the Honda EV4010 & EV6010. I see them occasionally pop up within reasonable driving distance for less than 1000$. they are an easy install in a 26ft TZE.

I personally like these gensets, but no so much for use in an RV due to the higher rpms. The older Onans @ 1800rpm are still a better machine IMO.

Les Burt
Montreal
'75 Eleganza 26'


> On Aug 26, 2019, at 7:18 AM, tonka6cuda6--- via Gmclist wrote:
>
> Question for you guys....are all Onan rv gensets about the same size....so the dimensions of a 4000 will be about the same as a 5000 or a 6000 about
> the same as a 7000?
>
> Whats the biggest that will fit in the back of a 26' ? I know you guys have tried to shoe horn some power back there.....lol.
> --
> Rich Mondor,
>
> Brockville, ON
>
> 77 Hughes 2600
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

Re: [GMCnet] General question about Onan generators [message #346875 is a reply to message #346874] Mon, 26 August 2019 08:06 Go to previous messageGo to next message
6cuda6 is currently offline  6cuda6   United States
Messages: 975
Registered: June 2019
Karma: -6
Senior Member
Les Burt[1
wrote on Mon, 26 August 2019 08:40]Rick,
Keep checking the classifieds like Kijiji, & craigslist for the Honda EV4010 & EV6010. I see them occasionally pop up within reasonable driving distance for less than 1000$. they are an easy install in a 26ft TZE.

I personally like these gensets, but no so much for use in an RV due to the higher rpms. The older Onans @ 1800rpm are still a better machine IMO.

Les Burt
Montreal
'75 Eleganza 26'


> On Aug 26, 2019, at 7:18 AM, tonka6cuda6--- via Gmclist wrote:
>
> Question for you guys....are all Onan rv gensets about the same size....so the dimensions of a 4000 will be about the same as a 5000 or a 6000 about
> the same as a 7000?
>
> Whats the biggest that will fit in the back of a 26' ? I know you guys have tried to shoe horn some power back there.....lol.
> --
> Rich Mondor,
>
> Brockville, ON
>
> 77 Hughes 2600
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

Hi Les,
I have a line on an Onan but just no sure if all Onans will fit in the TZE.


Rich Mondor, Brockville, ON 77 Hughes 2600
Re: General question about Onan generators [message #346878 is a reply to message #346868] Mon, 26 August 2019 08:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jhbridges is currently offline  jhbridges   United States
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
Senior Member
The 4 and 6 KW Onans will fit. You need the 'power drawer' ones because they have lower manifolds to fit the available space. Some people have fitted the belt drive newer ones, if you go that route pay the extra and get the injected version. I put one in a remote truck, they only warranted the belt for five years. In an RV, the belt carries a lifetime warranty. According to Cummins-Onan if there's a bathroom, it's an RV.
I think they call that model a Marquis but I could be wrong, it's been a while. Jim Miller would know. We got excellent service from it.

--johnny


Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons. Braselton, Ga. I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
Re: [GMCnet] General question about Onan generators [message #346881 is a reply to message #346878] Mon, 26 August 2019 08:50 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jimk is currently offline  jimk   United States
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
Senior Member
A new 5.5 Onan will fit with minor mod to compartment.
Have done few.

On Mon, Aug 26, 2019 at 6:29 AM Johnny Bridges via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:

> The 4 and 6 KW Onans will fit. You need the 'power drawer' ones because
> they have lower manifolds to fit the available space. Some people have
> fitted the belt drive newer ones, if you go that route pay the extra and
> get the injected version. I put one in a remote truck, they only warranted
> the belt for five years. In an RV, the belt carries a lifetime warranty.
> According to Cummins-Onan if there's a bathroom, it's an RV.
> I think they call that model a Marquis but I could be wrong, it's been a
> while. Jim Miller would know. We got excellent service from it.
>
> --johnny
> --
> Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
> Braselton, Ga.
> I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me
> in hell
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org



Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
Re: [GMCnet] General question about Onan generators [message #346883 is a reply to message #346881] Mon, 26 August 2019 09:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
GMC.LES is currently offline  GMC.LES   United States
Messages: 505
Registered: April 2014
Karma: -2
Senior Member
Rich,
Knowing what model onan you are considering would help the rest of us provide an accurate answer. There are so many different onan gensets that the answer will depend on the model.

Les Burt
Montreal
'75 Eleganza 26'


>

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

Re: General question about Onan generators [message #346885 is a reply to message #346868] Mon, 26 August 2019 10:02 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lqqkatjon is currently offline  lqqkatjon   United States
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
Senior Member
here is some basic knowledge I have come to conclusions over the years on installing used generators(as Jim K noted, there are quite a few new onan installs done):

first- this is my experience based on dealing primarily with 26' GM upfitted coaches, that have Generator and house battery in back drivers side, like a palm beach, eleganza 2, glenbrook, or Kingley.... I know you have an odd duck coach.

the height of the compartment is usually the problem in figuring out if a generator will fit. Most generators are too tall. You can gain width by moving the house battery.

Proper cooling of any other generator can also be an issue. It might work most times, but when it gets into the higher temps, that seems when people have issues.

the other issue is exhaust- pay attention to how that has to be engineered to work.

as far as Onan's, You are aware the original power drawer fits. I have seen emeralds installed, but they move the batteries.

compatibility of generators with the original electric start panel varies.

not all generators are the same! so measure.

Generators that I know will fit:

Easy install:
Honda ev6010 (I installed one of these- or am in process)
Honda ev4010 (pretty much same as a 6010)

Onan Microlite 2800. I have one in my shed. small guy- I was going to install it, and I have test run it. prior to getting the ev6010. it is short and small, seems lots of room and can be made to work with our original onan panel. I may still install it(thinking it could be quieter then then ev6010). a person will be limited to the 2800 watts, but I know it will run my one modern Atwood A/C just fine.


I know a few people with the Onan Emerald generators. They fit tight, and I know one person who can't do a full tune up without pulling the generator. I am not sure the savings of buying one of those is worth the extra work to fit it in the hole. one of our club members has an onan Marque 7000. that is shoe horned in as well.

other one's that I have seen looks like they have to disassemble the generator and reassemble what fits into the hole. and then add fans.


as far as size, I know the ev6010 fits. inch or so on each side, and still allows just enough room for the battery. and google search that and you find it's dimensions:25.6 x 19.1 x 14.2 inches.... so if a generator is that size or smaller, it will fit.







Jon Roche 75 palm beach EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now. St. Cloud, MN http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
Re: General question about Onan generators [message #346886 is a reply to message #346868] Mon, 26 August 2019 10:23 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jhbridges is currently offline  jhbridges   United States
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
Senior Member
JimK, is the 5.5 the belt drive one? V twin vertical, alternator beside it vertical, belt beneath the floor.

As to the 'take off what won't fit'. The Freight, Harbor and the other contractor gensets are in a frame with a gas tank on top for gravity flow. For most of them (All the Freight, Harbor, dunnno about the Champion, Briggs, etc) you can simply cut the two pieces which hold the genset at the frame tubes and then mount the pieces you cut in the coach with their shock mounts. You'll need a choke solenoid and a pulse pump for the gas to get up to the carb. DO NOT use an electric pump on a contractor genset - the needle valve isn't up to it. Use the pulse pump, they're less than ten bucks on ebay. The Truly Suave work out the wiring and switches and relays. Cheapskates like me simply cut the contractor panel down to size and use it.
Pretty much all the contractor gensets and the little Onans have two pole alternators and turn 3600 RPM. They aren't as quiet as the Onan twins. The belt drive engines turn 2400 and the alternator belt pulleys get it to speed for 60Hz.

--johnny


Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons. Braselton, Ga. I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
Re: [GMCnet] General question about Onan generators [message #346888 is a reply to message #346885] Mon, 26 August 2019 10:41 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Dave Stragand is currently offline  Dave Stragand   United States
Messages: 307
Registered: October 2017
Karma: 0
Senior Member
FYI - I have an Onan Emerald 4000 in my coach, and he is right on. If
anyone needs photos, just let me know.

-Dave
1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh

-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Jon
Roche via Gmclist
Sent: Monday, August 26, 2019 11:03 AM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Cc: Jon Roche
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] General question about Onan generators

as far as Onan's, You are aware the original power drawer fits. I
have seen emeralds installed, but they move the batteries.

I know a few people with the Onan Emerald generators. They fit tight,
and I know one person who can't do a full tune up without pulling the
generator. I am not sure the savings of buying one of those is worth
the extra work to fit it in the hole.


_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org



1978 Transmode (403) Pittsburgh, PA
Re: [GMCnet] General question about Onan generators [message #346892 is a reply to message #346888] Mon, 26 August 2019 11:38 Go to previous messageGo to next message
6cuda6 is currently offline  6cuda6   United States
Messages: 975
Registered: June 2019
Karma: -6
Senior Member
Im asking because i have a line on an Onan Marquis 7000 cheap.....i know it may mean putting a battery somewere else but my coach doesnt have a battery there now.

I gather i will have to remove or relocate the rear heater (water radiant heater with a fan)....

The other option at this point is a EV4010 but thst would mean some cross country shipping and i have no idea what Fastenal would charge.


Rich Mondor, Brockville, ON 77 Hughes 2600
Re: [GMCnet] General question about Onan generators [message #346918 is a reply to message #346892] Tue, 27 August 2019 00:19 Go to previous messageGo to next message
ljdavick is currently offline  ljdavick   United States
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
Senior Member
No help with the generator question, but moving the batteries should pose no problem There is room on the passenger side engine bay for 2 or 3 of 'em. Ragusa has a dandy tray for batteries that is meant just for that corner. Now all you need is the world's longest battery cable.

Folks - please correct me if I'm wrong. It's been a long day and I'm just trying to help...


Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
Re: General question about Onan generators [message #346920 is a reply to message #346868] Tue, 27 August 2019 08:02 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jhbridges is currently offline  jhbridges   United States
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
Senior Member
As an aside - I've tried both the 2800 and the little 4K in promotional service. They're 3600 RPM gensets, and in our service (Radio promotional appearances) they didn't do well. I took a 2800 to the local Cummins-Onan store, and the service tech - long term bud - showed me a stack of busted 2800s and 4Ks in the corner, all dead. We bought the bigger set and never looked back. I have a 2800 in the shop which I haven't started ii some years. But "Running when I took it out" Smile

--johnny


Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons. Braselton, Ga. I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
Re: [GMCnet] General question about Onan generators do [message #346921 is a reply to message #346920] Tue, 27 August 2019 08:40 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jimk is currently offline  jimk   United States
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
Senior Member
Larry,
You might have a big positive cable on the coach so you can use it for
positive and ground the generator .

On Tue, Aug 27, 2019 at 6:34 AM Johnny Bridges via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:

> As an aside - I've tried both the 2800 and the little 4K in promotional
> service. They're 3600 RPM gensets, and in our service (Radio promotional
> appearances) they didn't do well. I took a 2800 to the local Cummins-Onan
> store, and the service tech - long term bud - showed me a stack of busted
> 2800s and 4Ks in the corner, all dead. We bought the bigger set and never
> looked back. I have a 2800 in the shop which I haven't started ii some
> years. But "Running when I took it out" :)
>
> --johnny
> --
> Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
> Braselton, Ga.
> I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me
> in hell
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org



Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
Re: [GMCnet] General question about Onan generators [message #346965 is a reply to message #346892] Wed, 28 August 2019 10:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Russell K. is currently offline  Russell K.   United States
Messages: 178
Registered: October 2016
Location: Dunedin, Florida
Karma: 4
Senior Member
Rich,
I've seen the Onan Marquis 7000 in a few GMC II restorations by Explorer, so it should fit. I do not know how much extra effort was required to install them. Our GMC has a 6.5 kW Commercial Onan that slides out for maintenance, and our house batteries are still next to the generator. I do not know if that model is still available, it was installed by PO 20 years ago. If the 7000 is in good shape, go for it!

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/onan-generator-maintenance/p63061-our-onan-65-kw-barbarian.html

Russell


1978 Eleganza II, Dunedin, Florida
Re: [GMCnet] General question about Onan generators [message #346969 is a reply to message #346892] Wed, 28 August 2019 11:51 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Russell K. is currently offline  Russell K.   United States
Messages: 178
Registered: October 2016
Location: Dunedin, Florida
Karma: 4
Senior Member
Rich,

Found this pics on the GMC photo site. GMC's with Onan Marquis 7000

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/brian-leith-27s-75-elle-ii/p36958-lake-laborday2010-166.html

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p25955-onan-7000-marquis.html

There might be other info there to help you install yours, if you go with the 7000.

Russell


1978 Eleganza II, Dunedin, Florida
Re: [GMCnet] General question about Onan generators [message #346977 is a reply to message #346969] Wed, 28 August 2019 12:49 Go to previous message
6cuda6 is currently offline  6cuda6   United States
Messages: 975
Registered: June 2019
Karma: -6
Senior Member
Russell K. wrote on Wed, 28 August 2019 12:51
Rich,

Found this pics on the GMC photo site. GMC's with Onan Marquis 7000

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/brian-leith-27s-75-elle-ii/p36958-lake-laborday2010-166.html

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p25955-onan-7000-marquis.html

There might be other info there to help you install yours, if you go with the 7000.

Russell
Thanks Russell....i had found the second pic but not that first one.


Rich Mondor, Brockville, ON 77 Hughes 2600
Previous Topic: Re: [GMCnet] Tire age advise
Next Topic: stormChasers Radar AND SATELITE Weather Map Added Satelite Linik
Goto Forum:
  


Current Time: Wed Sep 18 18:17:10 CDT 2024

Total time taken to generate the page: 0.01433 seconds