Onan RV Generators & RV Electrical Help

For those of you who may be confused by the new EPA regulations for generators, this post is meant to clear up the mystery.

We will dive right in and explain what the hoopla is all about.

Starting January 1, 2011, the rules that have applied to California for some time, have been adopted in the rest of the states. It simply means this: If you install a generator on a vehicle that doesn't draw gasoline out of the same tank as the vehicles engine, you must install an EPA certified fuel tank and an EVAP model generator.

The reasoning behind this is that gasoline vapors escape to the atmosphere when they have no place else to go. A prime example would be clear to most folks above 40 that remember when Dad used to park the old car in the garage and it always smelled like gasoline. This was because the fuel tank was vented to atmosphere. Nowadays, all motor vehicles have a system that incorporates the use of a carbon vapor cannister to capture the vapor and hold it there until the engine runs again, draws it out with intake vacuum, and burns it up.

With that said, this is how it works:

If you have a motorhome, you can use a standard model Onan IF it draws out of the same gas tank as the motorhome engine.

If you have a pull behind, such as a fifth wheel, travel trailer, horse trailer, toy hauler, or commercial trailer that has a separate fuel tank from the tow vehicle, you MUST install an EVAP model generator and an EPA certified fuel tank with a carbon canister.

The worst part of all of this would be in the following examples:

A customer goes to an RV dealer and buys a really nice 2010 toy hauler that is left over stock. It is generator ready and has a factory installed fuel tank with a fueling station. If you are wondering why it is such a good deal, we will tell you. Even though the unit is brand new and generator ready, you cannot legally install a standard model generator in this unit. Not only do you have to install an EVAP model generator, you MUST replace the factory tank with an EPA certified tank equipped with a carbon vapor canister. Finding a replacement tank to fit in the alloted space, can be a chore and will probably run the overall cost of installing a generator up to around an extra $700.00 plus labor.

Example 2:

A person buys a big trailer for the purpose of hauling a race car. They begin modifications to add a/c, lighting, and other amenities. They call us up and want a 7HGJAB900 RV model gasoline generator. We ask, "what is this going in".

They tell us a "race trailer".  Our reply, "We cannot sell you this model, you will need an EVAP model with a certified EPA fuel tank. Then the questions start flying. Not only do they need an EVAP model, they need a Commercial Mobile model unless they want to cut their warranty down from 3 years to 1 year. When you install an RV model generator in anything EXCEPT an RV, Cummins will derate your warranty. The Commercial units have a 2 year-2000 hour warranty and are typically not more that $200.00 difference in price from the RV models.

Example 3:

A fellow brings us a 2005 horse trailer that has a badly damaged 4KYFA26100. The generator is beyond repair but, guess what? We cannot install a new replacement unless we change the fuel tank and use an EVAP model 4KYFA6747. No grandfathering exceptions.

Good news:

We at R & K have solutions to assist in the transition. We are a dealer for ECI Fuel Systems EPA approved fuel tanks and carry all of the Onan EVAP models. The additional cost of the EVAP generators over the standard models is only about $100.00.  The fuel tanks start at around $375.00 and come with the vapor canister, approved fuel lines, and even approved clamps  (yes, the use of approved clamps are mandatory).

Keep in mind that the EPA is very serious about these regs and will fine you up to $35,000.00 PER DAY if you are found to have completed an illegal installation.

We hope that this will help to clear things up. Please let us know if you have any questions about these regulations.

It is highly advisable to NOT leave any gasoline sitting in the carburetor on any of the Onan generators for more than a month or two at a time. One of our biggest selling parts items are carburetors.

The main problem lies in today's gasoline. In the old days, gasoline turned dark and made a shellac type substance that could, with a bit of effort, be removed from the inner workings of the carb. These days, the gas leaves a green tint which turns to a white substance that is as hard as a rock. Once it sets in, you cannot clean it out. We have tried everything from carburetor cleaner to ultra-sonic baths with no luck at all. You can usually get them to where the generator will start and run but it will fall on its face when a load is applied. The only choice is to replace the carburetor with a new one. Most of the new carburetors do not have rebuild kits available due to emissions restrictions.

Here two tips to prolong the life of the carburetor:

1. Exercise the generator monthly per the manufacturer instructions

(We find that this is not very convenient for folks who store their RV over the winter)

2.Install a fuel shutoff. Add some Seafoam to the last tank of gas of the season, unload the generator, run it completely out of fuel.

I hope that you find this helpful!

Do you have a Marquis Gold or Commercial Mobile HGJA? that has a terrible sound like a rod knocking? I have found that on these belt drive systems, the pulley that is connected to the flywheel will waller the sleeve where it slides on the tapered crankshaft. This sound resonates through the engine and resemble a rod knock. You will need to replace the flywheel and pulley as they are beyond repair once it gets to this point. Still cheaper than a $1300.00 engine!

This is the place to ask your questions about any RV appliance.  We have parts for all and will be happy to help you with some troubleshooting!

There are many components that have been discontinued by Intellitec. This means replacing an entire BCC or EMS system is required. But wait! We have a fellow that is repairing many of the old pc boards for a fraction of the cost of an upgrade. Email us for details.