General question about Onan generators

6

6cuda6

Active member
Jul 1, 2019
945
163
43
59
Ontario, Canada
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
 
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'

>
> 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
 
Les Burt[1

> 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'
>
>

> >
> > 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
 
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
 
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 <

> 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
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
 
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'

>
 
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
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
 
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
 
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] On Behalf Of Jon
Roche via Gmclist
Sent: Monday, August 26, 2019 11:03 AM
To: gmclist
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.
 
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
 
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
 
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
 
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
--
Russell Keith,
1978 E2 "Harry" 403 (still carbureted), Danny Dunn Tranny, Thorley, Stock Brakes w/Remote Vacuum Brake Booster, Quad Bags, Dakota Digital Dash, 6.5 kW
Onan, Dunedin, Florida
 
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
--
Russell Keith,
1978 E2 "Harry" 403 (still carbureted), Danny Dunn Tranny, Thorley, Stock Brakes w/Remote Vacuum Brake Booster, Quad Bags, Dakota Digital Dash, 6.5 kW
Onan, Dunedin, Florida
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
GMCMI Fall 2026 Rally
Get your shine on at www.cruzingear.co

Share this page

Share this page
Top Bottom
Back