Generator Swap

[TheMays]

Good Day all,

So my generator in my 2020 415 has been acting up since I picked up the unit. I have to have 13v available for it to start for example. Getting past that, all of a sudden it will only run 5 minutes and quit. Then if I try to restart it, it sounds more like the starter is stuck or a cylinder is. If I give it a big kick, it starts. Then runs about 5 minutes and quits.

I am seriously considering a generator swap at this point. Has anyone done a swap to the NPS generator? And if so, can you integrate it with the in-command?

Thanks in advance.

Glenn

 

[workinonit]

If you buy a generator with the functions that you want, ie. remote start/stop, hour meter, fuel level then you should be able to integrate it with In Command. Mine has a key fob remote so I don't think I'm going to put it on In Command.

 

[firestation12]

I would suggest you look at the LP system to make sure the ODP valve and pressure regulator are functioning properly. Another issue could be the a sign wave (hertz) is fluctuating causing the motherboard to initiate a shutdown. A generator with more than 600 run hours can begin to have frequency fluctuation because the engine’s drive pulley has a hard rubber filler between the hub and pulley that can begin to slip.

 

[Rdynbama]

The problem with mine was solved by installing a separate battery isolated from the house battery charging system. Installed a separate charger for the generator battery that runs off of 120 volt outlet in the basement/pass through.

 

[chuckster57]

FWIW, I just had to replace an exhaust manifold on an NPS generator and it was a PITA. Had to drill like 3 holes in the frame to be able to remove the cover.

I am going to be installing a new one in a TH this week, I am not overly impressed with them but will give my honest opinion. I have installed numerous Onan gens and they are straight forward.

 

[Rdynbama]

I guess I missed the NPS part
Mine is a Onan 5500
But if anyone has a problem with one shutting down in the middle of the night for no apparent reason
Try a separate battery and charging system

 

[JRTJH]

I guess I missed the NPS part
Mine is a Onan 5500
But if anyone has a problem with one shutting down in the middle of the night for no apparent reason
Try a separate battery and charging system

Unless Onan has changed their design in the last 2 years, Onan RV 5500 watt generators do not have a battery charging system. They were designed to start from the RV "house battery" and when that became an issue with the "house battery" being dead with no way to start the generator, Onan incorporated a "low voltage monitor" to automatically start the generator before the "house battery was fully discharged". Some manufacturers installed a "house battery isolator" to prevent problems, but few manufacturers ever added a battery charger to the generator start system....

So, without installing a complex battery charging system for the generator (to isolate it but still charge it from the RV converter/charger) the easiest way is simply to install a "stand alone battery charger" for an independent/dedicated generator battery as Rdynbama posted. I've seen some people install a "trickle charger/battery maintainer" and others install a "basic 4 amp or 10 amp battery charger" while others have installed a sophisticated battery charger like the "top end NOCO brand"... Regardless of which charger you use, don't forget to add "generator battery electrolyte checks" to your checklist for RV maintenance.

That said, the market is currently starting to introduce "lithium batteries that are capable of providing the amp draw needed to start a generator, so that's another option, but they will require a "lithium capable battery charger" ...

 

[TheMays]

If you buy a generator with the functions that you want, ie. remote start/stop, hour meter, fuel level then you should be able to integrate it with In Command. Mine has a key fob remote so I don't think I'm going to put it on In Command.

The only reason I would is the remote access if I was not there. Helpful when you have a power failure and the fur babies are in the rig.

 

[TheMays]

The problem with mine was solved by installing a separate battery isolated from the house battery charging system. Installed a separate charger for the generator battery that runs off of 120 volt outlet in the basement/pass through.

That is pretty much the solution I came up with. Thr 2nd battery was isolated with just generator only. With no charging system it was draining after a few cold starts. Once it was dead there was no way to charge it.

Silly me assumed it was in a harness and all tied together.