Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Onan 6KV Easy In/Out
| Onan 6KV Easy In/Out [message #138154] |
Tue, 09 August 2011 08:55  |
philipswanson
Messages: 282
Registered: January 2004
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Has anyone thought about setting up the 6 KV Onan for easy in/out. Since it weights over 400 pounds it would be nice to only load it for a dry camping trip. I was thinking about quick disconnects for cables and fuel and a lowboy dolly that could be used with a modified track enabling easy removal and replacement. 90% of my trips are with hookups so I would not have to lug all this additional weight around. I already have the hydraulic dolly that goes low enough to do the job.
Phil Swanson
77GMCPB
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| Re: Onan 6KV Easy In/Out [message #138159 is a reply to message #138154] |
Tue, 09 August 2011 09:56  |
Neil
Messages: 271
Registered: July 2007
Location: Los Angeles and Magalia, ...
Karma: 1
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"Has anyone thought about setting up the 6 KV Onan for easy in/out. ... 90% of my trips are with hookups so I would not have to lug all this additional weight around. "
Think of all the fun you will have explaining to the wife why you can't run the roof air enrotue when it gets hot, or if you are sitting on the side of the road with a flat tire.
Just Saying.
Neil
76 Eleganza now sold
Los Angeles
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| Re: Onan 6KV Easy In/Out [message #138165 is a reply to message #138159] |
Tue, 09 August 2011 10:51 |
C Boyd
Messages: 2629
Registered: April 2006
Karma: 18
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| Neil wrote on Tue, 09 August 2011 10:56 |
"Has anyone thought about setting up the 6 KV Onan for easy in/out. ... 90% of my trips are with hookups so I would not have to lug all this additional weight around. "
Think of all the fun you will have explaining to the wife why you can't run the roof air enrotue when it gets hot, or if you are sitting on the side of the road with a flat tire.
Just Saying.
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Hi Neil: The generator sure comes in handy if your alternator goes south or you sling a belt in the middle of a rainy night. Just start the gen and acticate the boost sol or jump it and you are back on the road. It is also handy for roof air on hot days of driving. It would be like leaving your bearing tool at home. Confusedus says "You won`t need it unless you don`t have it".
C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
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| Re: Onan 6KV Easy In/Out [message #138170 is a reply to message #138165] |
Tue, 09 August 2011 11:11 |
hertfordnc
Messages: 1164
Registered: September 2009
Location: East NC
Karma: 0
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And it only amounts to 3-4% of the coaches total weight so the fuel savings, if there is any, would be imperceptable.
Dave & Ellen Silva
Hertford, NC
76 Birchaven, 1-ton and other stuff
Currently planning the Great american Road Trip Summer 2021
It's gonna take a lot of Adderall to get this thing right.
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| Re: Onan 6KV Easy In/Out [message #138172 is a reply to message #138154] |
Tue, 09 August 2011 11:17 |
Dennis S
Messages: 3046
Registered: November 2005
Karma: 2
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Phil,
No one I know of has done this -- but an interesting project idea. Perhaps have a docking station at home in case of power outage as well. Don't know if it would be best to modify it to remove the frame with it -- or leave the frame in place.
My problem would be where to store the Onan if I left it home as I keep my coach in a mini-storage.
Let us know how you proceed.
Dennis
| philipswanson wrote on Tue, 09 August 2011 08:55 |
Has anyone thought about setting up the 6 KV Onan for easy in/out. Since it weights over 400 pounds it would be nice to only load it for a dry camping trip. I was thinking about quick disconnects for cables and fuel and a lowboy dolly that could be used with a modified track enabling easy removal and replacement. 90% of my trips are with hookups so I would not have to lug all this additional weight around. I already have the hydraulic dolly that goes low enough to do the job.
Phil Swanson
77GMCPB
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Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Memphis TN Metro
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| Re: [GMCnet] Onan 6KV Easy In/Out [message #138175 is a reply to message #138164] |
Tue, 09 August 2011 11:43 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Well, after seeing the aftermath of th ex GMCer's pusher SOB which blew a right front, I'd be respectful. Shredded the side of the coach and ruined the wheel. He said if he hadn't had a curb for the wheel to grind on he would have tucked it in the ditch beside the road. Working tire temp and pressure monitors, plenty of tread, but a 7 year old tire. Made a mess.
--johnny
--- On Tue, 8/9/11, Phil Swanson <woodyman1@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
From: Phil Swanson <woodyman1@sbcglobal.net>
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Onan 6KV Easy In/Out
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Date: Tuesday, August 9, 2011, 3:51 PM
I'll take my chances with the flat. Never had one on the GMC but a good breaker bar is all I need or simply my AAA card. Do you carry a 400 pound generator in your Pick Up truck in case you get a flat?
Phil Swanson
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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
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| Re: Onan 6KV Easy In/Out [message #138176 is a reply to message #138154] |
Tue, 09 August 2011 11:48 |
GeorgeRud
Messages: 1380
Registered: February 2007
Location: Chicago, IL
Karma: 0
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Actually, I'm considering trying to hook up a transfer switch to be able to run some house circuits off the GMC's generator when we have the next power outage at home. I've already had several successful experiences by making a dedicated extension cord that runs from the generator's output receptacle to two GFCI outlets, giving me two 20 amp lines providing 120 volt power. By simply adding another green ground wire that I hook up to a ground source (water pipe, electrical conduit), I have a safe system. Having a simple disconnect switch to the main breaker panel in the house would save a lot of running around with long extension cords, so this may be an alternative to getting a natural gas powered, standby generator. The 50 gallon gas tank in the GMC would provide quite a long running time, and I have already used this system for 60 hours straight in hot weather without taxing the generator.
As far as making the Onan generator mobile, that is still quite an undertaking as the power drawer does not lend itself to a simple removal with a flat bottom surface. The muffler, fuel lines, and electrical connections would make quite a project to easily remove and reinstall the unit in my opinion.
George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
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| Re: Onan 6KV Easy In/Out [message #138178 is a reply to message #138165] |
Tue, 09 August 2011 12:03 |
philipswanson
Messages: 282
Registered: January 2004
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I have allot of bearing tools, much more than the puller. I do bearings for folks all the time. And no, I do not carry any bearing tools. I also have an engine boom, but I don't take that either. Just common hand tools, a tranny governor, ignition and carb parts and a AAA card, a Blacklist and a cell phone. Fortunately in about 80K miles of driving my GMC, I have never had a breakdown or even a flat. Even if I have a flat, my DeWalt air wrench easily handles the lugs without the generator on the inverter.
Phil Swanson
[Updated on: Tue, 09 August 2011 12:04] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Onan 6KV Easy In/Out [message #138181 is a reply to message #138178] |
Tue, 09 August 2011 12:33 |
jknezek
Messages: 1057
Registered: December 2007
Karma: 5
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| philipswanson wrote on Tue, 09 August 2011 13:03 |
I have allot of bearing tools, much more than the puller. I do bearings for folks all the time. And no, I do not carry any bearing tools. I also have an engine boom, but I don't take that either. Just common hand tools, a tranny governor, ignition and carb parts and a AAA card, a Blacklist and a cell phone. Fortunately in about 80K miles of driving my GMC, I have never had a breakdown or even a flat. Even if I have a flat, my DeWalt air wrench easily handles the lugs without the generator on the inverter.
Phil Swanson
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I'm a big believer in letting people do whatever they want to their GMCs so long as it doesn't involve cutting up perfectly good ones. I'd be interested in seeing how it works, and would consider it a pretty good challenge if you choose to pursue this project.
That being said, I'm really not sure what the purpose would be. At a couple hundred pounds, it won't make a difference to your fuel efficiency. It might make a difference to your handling, especially if your air system isn't very good and doesn't adjust the ride height for the differences in lateral weight. And it will limit some options, as people have brought up, in case of emergency.
That being said, some people just like a challenge. Take lots of pictures as I'm sure we'll be interested in your solutions.
Thanks,
Jeremy Knezek
1976 Glenbrook
Birmingham, AL
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| Re: [GMCnet] Onan 6KV Easy In/Out [message #138184 is a reply to message #138174] |
Tue, 09 August 2011 12:55 |
k2gkk
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
Karma: -8
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If you do that, you had better disconnect ALL
house circuits from the normal power source
BEFORE you apply generator power in reverse!
Every year, power company technicicans are
killed because some dumbass fed the 120V back
into the lines! Along the way, it can get
transformed UP to 4,000 Volts and much higher.
DON'T KILL POWER COMPANY LINEMEN!
Proper installation involves a separate
transfer switch that totally disconnects your
house system from the power company and
switches the house over to the RV or other
generator. It ain't cheap to do it right, but
if you don't do it right it can be deadly.
My 200 Amp total manual transfer switch
installation plus the 90 foot 4-wire #6 AWG
power cable, connectors, and professional
(non-union) installation ran about $600!
All the major parts were bought on eBay
for about 40% discount under normal!
And that did NOT include cost of the 8 kW
generator set.
Later this week, I am having circuitry
installed to go the other way so that either
my GMC or travel trailer can be powered by
either house power or the standby generator.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
~ ~ ~ Oklahoma City, OK ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ ~ "The Money Pit" ~ ~ ~~
~~ ~ ~ (TZE166V101966) ~ ~ ~~
~ ~ ~ ex-Palm Beach, 76 ~ ~ ~
~ www.gmcmhphotos.com/okclb ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
> Date: Tue, 9 Aug 2011 10:34:57 -0600
> From: greatmoments60@hotmail.com
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Onan 6KV Easy In/Out
>
> I haven't done this on my GMC yet but on my diesel pusher I had installed a
> receptacle in the Gen compartment and one on my home for a 50 amp service.
> My MH was parked next to my home and incase of a long term power failure I
> had a cable that went from the MH to the house for powering the house
> circuits. Used it a couple of times and it work great. With 30 amps you
> would be limited on what circuits you could use on your home.
>
> Serge
> 1973 GMC
> Deming, NM
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| Re: [GMCnet] Onan 6KV Easy In/Out [message #138189 is a reply to message #138184] |
Tue, 09 August 2011 15:04 |
SergeL
Messages: 169
Registered: January 2011
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Mac, all my installations were done properly with a relay that cut
everything from line Power, even the power pole ground was disconnected, but
not the house ground, like there was no line power coming to our home at all
You are right, you have to do it properly and safely, otherwise you can hurt
or even kill someone working on the lines up the road.
Serge
1973 GMC
Deming, NM
He who expects no gratitude shall never be disapointed
-------Original Message-------
From: D C *Mac* Macdonald
Date: 8/9/2011 11:55:52 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Onan 6KV Easy In/Out
If you do that, you had better disconnect ALL
house circuits from the normal power source
BEFORE you apply generator power in reverse!
Every year, power company technicicans are
killed because some dumbass fed the 120V back
into the lines! Along the way, it can get
transformed UP to 4,000 Volts and much higher.
DON'T KILL POWER COMPANY LINEMEN!
Proper installation involves a separate
transfer switch that totally disconnects your
house system from the power company and
switches the house over to the RV or other
generator. It ain't cheap to do it right, but
if you don't do it right it can be deadly.
My 200 Amp total manual transfer switch
installation plus the 90 foot 4-wire #6 AWG
power cable, connectors, and professional
(non-union) installation ran about $600!
All the major parts were bought on eBay
for about 40% discount under normal!
And that did NOT include cost of the 8 kW
generator set.
Later this week, I am having circuitry
installed to go the other way so that either
my GMC or travel trailer can be powered by
either house power or the standby generator.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
~ ~ ~ Oklahoma City, OK ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ ~ "The Money Pit" ~ ~ ~~
~~ ~ ~ (TZE166V101966) ~ ~ ~~
~ ~ ~ ex-Palm Beach, 76 ~ ~ ~
~ www.gmcmhphotos.com/okclb ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
> Date: Tue, 9 Aug 2011 10:34:57 -0600
> From: greatmoments60@hotmail.com
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Onan 6KV Easy In/Out
>
> I haven't done this on my GMC yet but on my diesel pusher I had installed
a
> receptacle in the Gen compartment and one on my home for a 50 amp service.
> My MH was parked next to my home and incase of a long term power failure I
> had a cable that went from the MH to the house for powering the house
> circuits. Used it a couple of times and it work great. With 30 amps you
> would be limited on what circuits you could use on your home.
>
> Serge
> 1973 GMC
> Deming, NM
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| Re: [GMCnet] Onan 6KV Easy In/Out [message #138191 is a reply to message #138189] |
Tue, 09 August 2011 15:41 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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During Hurricane Katrina (actually aftermath), I went out to the GMC, started Mr. Onan, ran a power cable into my house for the frig, ran one next store for his frig, turned on the A/C, Coach frig, and TV. I was set for the next 12 hours, until shore power was turned on. Many other envious neighbors. Joined the on-going 2 mtr net.
Tom Phipps, KA4CSG
Amateur Radio, "When all else fails"
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: Onan 6KV Easy In/Out [message #138193 is a reply to message #138154] |
Tue, 09 August 2011 15:55 |
GeorgeRud
Messages: 1380
Registered: February 2007
Location: Chicago, IL
Karma: 0
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Absolutely one must use a proper transfer switch when using the generator instead of the power company, and you must be sure that there cannot be any back feed. Those lineman have it bad enough working in the middle of the night, in rain, etc. without some ham-fisted person further endangering them.
The switches are easily available and the total project still comes in much cheaper than putting in another standby generator for the house.
To get back to the original post, the weight savings may not be that beneficial, but who would not like to have that much additional storage space on the GMC?
George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
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| Re: Onan 6KV Easy In/Out [message #138195 is a reply to message #138193] |
Tue, 09 August 2011 16:49 |
jknezek
Messages: 1057
Registered: December 2007
Karma: 5
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| GeorgeRud wrote on Tue, 09 August 2011 16:55 |
To get back to the original post, the weight savings may not be that beneficial, but who would not like to have that much additional storage space on the GMC?
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If you are looking to gain space, and you are always going places with full hookups, it's significantly easier to take out the propane tank on the other side. I pulled the propane tank, switched to an electric stovetop and, when it's cold, use a small electric space heater. I rate that as a much easier project, gaining a similar amount of space, than making a removable generator. If you really wanted to keep your gas stove and furnace, you could change out the big propane tank for a small bottle and just move that in and out with readily available quick disconnects.
Thanks,
Jeremy Knezek
1976 Glenbrook
Birmingham, AL
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| Re: [GMCnet] Onan 6KV Easy In/Out [message #138240 is a reply to message #138154] |
Wed, 10 August 2011 09:30 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Phil,
When the PO converted The Blue Streak to 240VAC he removed the Onan and
installed a cheap Chinese generator. It is fairly light weight compared to
the Onan and I have been trying to figure out how to make up a rig that
would have fold down "landing gear" so that I could pull it out, drop the
landing gear and roll it away from the GMC a bit so Helen wouldn't have to
sleep on top of a noisy generator.
Regards,
Rob M.
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion-The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion-Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Phil Swanson
Sent: Tuesday, 9 August 2011 11:55 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: [GMCnet] Onan 6KV Easy In/Out
Has anyone thought about setting up the 6 KV Onan for easy in/out. Since it
weights over 400 pounds it would be nice to only load it for a dry camping
trip. I was thinking about quick disconnects for cables and fuel and a
lowboy dolly that could be used with a modified track enabling easy removal
and replacement. 90% of my trips are with hookups so I would not have to lug
all this additional weight around. I already have the hydraulic dolly that
goes low enough to do the job.
Phil Swanson
77GMCPB
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Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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