Anyone running Onan RV generators for Off-Grid backup

[northern sun]

Hi, I'm looking for a 5-6kw propane generator with 2 wire remote start. It's as if I'm looking for a unicorn. I've found a few Onan RV generators that seem to fit the bill although at a high cost. This is for a off grid house so mobility is not a factor, I'd probably build a little shack around it to keep it quiet and in place. Has anyone run a system like that and if so how has your experience been so far?

Thanks in advance.

 

[seneysolar]

https://www.centralmainediesel.com/order/Honda-10kw-Propane-Generator.asp?page=H04590

Yes it seems to get a "ready to go" 2 wire start propane, you end up spending $5k in the end.

You can modify some portable gens but youll have some work ahead of you.

 

[DIYrich]

I have read good things about Onan. It can outlive the Honda.

 

[ElectricIslander]

I have read good things about Onan. It can outlive the Honda.

Lots of Onans are natively propane and also have pressure oil lubrication and large oil filters. The earlier ones designed for stationary use like the JB series are heavy 1800 rpm long lasting generators.

Smokestak forum is a great resource for info on these generators.

 

[ElectricIslander]

Hi, I'm looking for a 5-6kw propane generator with 2 wire remote start. It's as if I'm looking for a unicorn. I've found a few Onan RV generators that seem to fit the bill although at a high cost. This is for a off grid house so mobility is not a factor, I'd probably build a little shack around it to keep it quiet and in place. Has anyone run a system like that and if so how has your experience been so far?

Thanks in advance.

The older Onan generators (such as the one I have which is a JB series, two cylinder 7.5 kW propane remote start) are three wire start (momentary start line grounded to start, all open to run, stop line grounded to stop). You can get an Atkinson module to convert 3 wire start units to 2 wire start if that is what you want ( i.e. two wires connected to run, open to stop).

 

[dopeassjackson]

Do you alreaty have a large propane tank on site? Can you buy home heating oil?

 

[northern sun]

Do you alreaty have a large propane tank on site? Can you buy home heating oil?

We're in the process of installing one as we need it for cooking and hot water. Honestly the gennie we have right now doesn't run very often which is why I'm trying to avoid gas as it'll just go stale. Heating oil is not in the equation.

 

[ampsarus]

I used to have an early 80's Onan 6.5Kw that was pulled from an RV. Wisconson Robin H-2, 1800RPM. It was a good set. I sold it in 2002 for not enough money.

 

[ampsarus]

Hoover Dam runs at 180 RPM to produce 60Hz
The Onan is 10x that speed. My Honda is fuel injected and inverter output, but it can still go 3600 RPM (20x the speed)
It doesn't have an oil pump or an oil filter like the Onan which is a negative.

 

[bolhuijo]

Hoover Dam runs at 180 RPM to produce 60Hz
The Onan is 10x that speed. My Honda is fuel injected and inverter output, but it can still go 3600 RPM (20x the speed)
It doesn't have an oil pump or an oil filter like the Onan which is a negative.

Instructions unclear... I rewired my Predator generator with 40 poles but it won't run smoothly at 180RPM.

 

[DPC]

Hi, I'm looking for a 5-6kw propane generator with 2 wire remote start. It's as if I'm looking for a unicorn. I've found a few Onan RV generators that seem to fit the bill although at a high cost. This is for a off grid house so mobility is not a factor, I'd probably build a little shack around it to keep it quiet and in place. Has anyone run a system like that and if so how has your experience been so far?

Thanks in advance.

You want a CCK5 or NH maybe a BF ( 4000 watt )
Adding a radiator to a MCCK6 might be an option for you if you found one in a boat.

Later generators like the BGE and the NHE had some electronics that are old now and were problematic when new
A good working unit however is a very nice thing.

Earlier units for the firt three mention may have the 905 control board that was problematic.
You can find schematics online to wire a relay based replacement for it.
This BFA has the 905 board under that start stop station

This older BFA is all relay.

 

[Brett V]

You want a CCK5 or NH maybe a BF ( 4000 watt )
Adding a radiator to a MCCK6 might be an option for you if you found one in a boat.

Later generators like the BGE and the NHE had some electronics that are old now and were problematic when new
A good working unit however is a very nice thing.

Earlier units for the firt three mention may have the 905 control board that was problematic.
You can find schematics online to wire a relay based replacement for it.
This BFA has the 905 board under that start stop station

This older BFA is all relay.

I used to service the radio systems for the PA state police. The barracks all had Onan CCK 4 pole generators and they were tanks! Absolutely bulletproof.

 

[DPC]

I used to service the radio systems for the PA state police. The barracks all had Onan CCK 4 pole generators and they were tanks! Absolutely bulletproof.

A CCK was a pretty beefy over designed machine.
They made them in 3 4 5 and the marine was a 6.
All basically the same, when well cared for a CCK is a 10,000 hour machine.

There was another one a CCKB-10
It was a 3600 RPM unit.
It was very loud and and thristy based on the CCKB tractor engine
CCK wwas a 50 cubic inch motor.

The B motors are a little bit smaller but aluminum so they weigh about 125 pounds less.

The NH series ( and there as another even bigger not worth mentioning because of its rarity ) is similar to the B range but 60 cubic inches.
Get an early one with the Saturated pole head and they are very simply easy machines with lots of power to spare.

Newer units others..
The LK is one half of a CCK and one half the power..
A range are smaller still and come in high and low speed versions ( also used in RVs )

Then we get in to the more modern era and the KY singles with the belt drive heads and complex electronics.
When well cared for they are great units but parts are getting old, electronics are expensive....

Cummins sells Chinese Honda clones as rebadged Onan products.
They are exactly what they are...

There are ore rare and earlier units out there.
All are good but parts are a real problem.

 

[ULR]

Edit: (Deleted. Responded to wrong post.)