freestoneangler Posted December 27, 2015 Report Share Posted December 27, 2015 Seems like the majority of coaches we've seen have the Onan units. Are these as quiet as their same year of mfg. Honda counterparts? The older ones seem a bit loud and I hate to become that rig I loathe that drowns out the camp area. Does Honda even make an LP version for on-board installation? I came up empty on my quick search. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al F Posted December 27, 2015 Report Share Posted December 27, 2015 I have never see (heard) a running built in generator nearly as quiet as a Honda (or probably Yamaha). I do run my built in gas Onan generator to charge my batteries or run the microwave. I always try to run it a little as possible and at a time to minimize the irritation of any nearby boondockers. I must add I really dislike hearing a running generator (even my own) in what should be a quiet camping spot. Solar panels and a Lithium LiFePO4 battery are planned for this winter, so usage of my generator will be close to never. Al & Sharon 2006 Winnebago Journey 36G 2020 Chevy Colorado Toad San Antonio, TX http://downtheroadaroundthebend.blogspot.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobsallyh Posted December 27, 2015 Report Share Posted December 27, 2015 Are you talking about a Honda being installed as onboard like Onans are? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coachmac9 Posted December 27, 2015 Report Share Posted December 27, 2015 Are you talking about a Honda being installed as onboard like Onans are? I was wondering if that was possible too. The original generator is to loud...just wondering if a quiet Honda could be put in the same space as the original. That way all the wiring going away from the power plant could remain the same and no extra room would be taken up by the new one. Just thinking on a rainy day!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted December 27, 2015 Report Share Posted December 27, 2015 I was wondering if that was possible too. The original generator is to loud...just wondering if a quiet Honda could be put in the same space as the original. You can't do that with one of the portables as they are designed to be outside surrounded by air. The builtin generator sets have an attached blower to provide cooling air through the generator box. There is more equipment required in order to enclose the generator set than to just put it outside on the ground. That is one of the reasons they make more noise since they have to do some things that portable units don't need. I can't say that it is all of the difference, but it is a significant part of it. Good travelin !...............KirkFull-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Selah Posted December 27, 2015 Report Share Posted December 27, 2015 I would imagine that for equivalent kW output and fuel source that the noise level would be about the same. But let's face it, a 7kw generator of either brand is not going to be as quiet as a 2kw Honda portable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freestoneangler Posted December 27, 2015 Author Report Share Posted December 27, 2015 Interesting points... particularly Kirk's about the ancillary cooling of the Onan to allow them to be installed enclosed. I just found it odd that a company like Honda, who seems to have the best quiet technology, has not entered into the RV market. Perhaps designed for like install as the Onan, they would not be so quiet. I see many 5ver's using the 2-3 kW, Honda units... why is it that the class A units demand so much more power? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted December 28, 2015 Report Share Posted December 28, 2015 There are only two manufacturers that I know of in use as installed sets for RVs, the Cummins/Onan and the Generac. The built in generator sets are sized to be able to supply all 120V loads and also keep the coach batteries up, or charge them all at the same time. That means one or two air conditioners, a microwave, and all of the assorted other appliances. The little portable units are seldom more than 2Kw or at most 3Kw in size while the typical unit found in a motorhome of fifth wheel will be anywhere from 4.5Kw to as much as 7Kw is not uncommon. Good travelin !...............KirkFull-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaydrvr Posted December 28, 2015 Report Share Posted December 28, 2015 Honda was in the RV market until about 8 or 9 (?) years ago. The EV4010 and EV6010 were and are stellar performers, but even with the factory muffler systems, not as quiet as the EU models. They were exceptionally smooth running and vibration free. They were apparently unwilling to make the investment into a market dominated by one player to meet new regulations. There are many still in everyday service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WILDEBILL308 Posted December 28, 2015 Report Share Posted December 28, 2015 I will put my 7.5 KW Quiet diesel agenst a Honda. Bill 2008 Newmar Mountain Aire model 4521 450 hp Cummins ISM Allison 4000MH tran. Towing a 2014 Honda CRV with a blue Ox tow bar Home base Fort Worth Texas A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way. -Mark Twain- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobsallyh Posted December 28, 2015 Report Share Posted December 28, 2015 In reference to Jaydrvr's post. When we got our new fiver in October of 2003 (2004 model) I wanted to put a Honda EV6010 in the generator cabinet in the worst way, as Onan and I don't have a good working relationship with one another. But the generator compartment was only large enough to put a Onan Marquis Gold 7500 in it as the Honda was just a little larger. After looking at many compartments in many RVs the size seems to only accommodate Onan. Not saying that the RV industry would be in collusion with Onan but to this day, if Honda came out with a size match that would allow it to fit in my space, the Onan would become a boat anchor! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maggie blair Posted December 31, 2015 Report Share Posted December 31, 2015 You can't do that with one of the portables as they are designed to be outside surrounded by air. The builtin generator sets have an attached blower to provide cooling air through the generator box. There is more equipment required in order to enclose the generator set than to just put it outside on the ground. That is one of the reasons they make more noise since they have to do some things that portable units don't need. I can't say that it is all of the difference, but it is a significant part of it. I just bought my RV. 2007 Fiesta Fleetwood, 8500 miles. The generator has 51 miles on it and the RV has been taken care of. I tried to start the generator and it starts but stops after a few minutes. Could you give me a suggestion on what I might be able to do? Thanks, Maggie Maggie Blair Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KRum Posted December 31, 2015 Report Share Posted December 31, 2015 Here is a guy that makes exhaust systems for Honda portable generators.... http://www.generator-line.com/services.html I've always been a tinkerer and a fixer... So what better way to stay active in my retirement than to buy an RV... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted December 31, 2015 Report Share Posted December 31, 2015 I just bought my RV. 2007 Fiesta Fleetwood, 8500 miles. The generator has 51 miles on it and the RV has been taken care of. Do you mean 51 hours? I responded to your question in the thread that you started so won't do so here. Good travelin !...............KirkFull-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maggie blair Posted December 31, 2015 Report Share Posted December 31, 2015 Do you mean 51 hours? I responded to your question in the thread that you started so won't do so here. Yes 51 hours. thanks for catching that one. Maggie Blair Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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