From: John De Armond
Subject: Re: Generators
Date: Sun, 26 Sep 1999 02:22:31 EDT
Newsgroups: rec.outdoors.rv-travel

Brad Slaughter wrote:
> 
> But still, now I know not to pay MORE because of the propane generator.  My
> question was really that basic.  For all I knew, a propane generator was
> something that cost more than a diesel.  I really don't expect to use a
> generator all that much (my 1993 Damon has 86 hours on it!), I just wanted
> to know if it was worth more (a positive), relative to what I might have to
> pay for the rig.

One thing you need to be aware of is that a given genset makes less
power on LP than gas.  Thumbing through my Northern Hydraulics
catalog, an 11KW (gas) generator is only rated at 8KW on LP.  May or
may not be an issue with you but something you need to be aware of.

Regarding diesel generators:  IMHO, not very practical in the
smaller sizes.  They are VERY heavy, VERY noisy (and the diesel
clatter is particularly annoying) and very nasty.  Soot leaks out of
every leak in the exhaust system.  You end up with a generator
compartment coated in soot.  If you want to hear a diesel generator
in action, stop by any of those flashing arrow trailers used for
warning motorists in construction zones.  Many of those use a small
2 kw generator driven by a Yanmar single cylinder diesel generator. 
The clatter sounds like someone hitting the cooling fins with a
hammer 1800 times a minute!

John

From: John De Armond
Subject: Re: Generators
Date: Sun, 26 Sep 1999 23:23:15 EDT
Newsgroups: rec.outdoors.rv-travel

DJOsborn wrote:
> 
> johngd@bellsouth.net writes (in part):
> 
> >Regarding diesel generators:  IMHO, not very practical in the
> >smaller sizes.  They are VERY heavy, VERY noisy (and the diesel
> >clatter is particularly annoying) and very nasty.
> 
>      The latest generation of Onan diesel generators is so quiet than you can
> barely hear them operating.  They claim to be quieter than gasoline generators,
> and my impression is that they are correct.


But the guy asked about small generators.  In that class my opinion
is valid.  I've heard the Onan run - nearby in a campground, as a
matter of fact.  yes, it's amazingly quiet for a diesel.  But it's
still a diesel and it still stinks and it still makes soot.  I don't
like the sound or the smell or the filth of diesels (may have
something to do with a college summer job as a heavy equipment
mechanic).  I'd tolerate it as the propulsion engine to gain the
benefits.  But to have a generator drone on and on and on ... Nyet!

John