RV Generator Maintenance - DIY or Leave It To The Pros?! Cummins/Onan Generator Service Specials
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- Опубліковано 27 лют 2021
- RV generator maintenance is one of those tanks we choose to take care of ourselves. But depending on your situation, you may prefer to leave that job to the pros. Cummins Coach Care handled our engine and chassis maintenance last year, and is offering special discounts on inspection and maintenance packages for RVgeeks viewers through 7/31/21.
We're excited to announce that Onan (which is owned by Cummins) is offering RV generator maintenance specials on both gas & diesel models from 3/1/2021-5/31/2021 at all North America Cummins Service locations.
Visit the special Cummins/Onan landing page for details about having your RV and/or generator serviced by the pros!
ONAN RV GENERATOR, ENGINE & CHASSIS MAINTENANCE SPECIALS:
now.cummins.com/rvgeeks
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Peter Knize & John Sullivan host The RVgeeks channel on UA-cam, and co-host and co-executive produce The RVers TV show on The Discovery Channel, PBS, iTunes and many other outlets. Full-Time RVers since April, 2003, they share DIY RV maintenance, repair, travel, upgrade and operational tips & tricks they've learned in nearly 2 decades on the road.
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We're handy RVers, not professional technicians. We're happy with the techniques and products we use, but be sure to confirm that all methods and materials you use are compatible with your equipment and abilities. Regardless of what we recommend, consult a professional if you're unsure about working on your RV. Any task you perform or product you purchase based on any information we provide is strictly at your own risk.
We sometimes receive products for evaluation at no cost, and The RVgeeks participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. But our opinions are our own, you won’t pay an extra penny, and we only link to products we personally use, love and can recommend to friends with complete confidence.
#ONAN #RVGENERATOR #CUMMINS #RVGEEKS #RVLIFE #RVDIY #RVLIVING #FULLTIMERV #RVREPAIR #RVMAINTENANCE #RVMODS #RVUPGRADES #RVTRAVEL #DIYRV - Авто та транспорт
ONAN RV GENERATOR MAINTENANCE SPECIALS on both GAS & DIESEL GENERATORS from 3/1/21-5/31/21 at all North America Cummins Service locations! Visit the special Cummins/Onan/RVgeeks landing page for details: now.cummins.com/rvgeeks and www.thervgeeks.com/onan-rv-generator-maintenance/ for the blog post.
Thank you for this! My new camper is equipped with an Onan 2500. I'll be the one servicing it...
It always cracks me up the way so many say Oh Nan, like it's two words. Kinda like po lice.
Another excellent video! I always enjoy your guys get it done DIY attitude
Thanks for sharing all this information with us! Great video! Stay safe and healthy! Safe travels!
As a pro myself I encourage people to learn how to do it themselves, as no one will care for their unit as much as they themselves will, however be careful where you get that info, staying away from online forums, and getting the info directly from the manufacturer, or professionals. I maintain a fleet trucks and dealers are generally willing to help you overcome an issue over the phone.
I followed the direction of your video and managed to completely service my generator myself thank you so much for your videos. Thomyt
That’s awesome, Thomas! Thanks so much for letting us know.
3 great Onan Cummins Generator videos. I have an 8k Onan and I use these videos as a guide to doing my service on the genny. Best RV generator service video on the Internet.
Thanks so much, Steve!
You guys have saved me so much money on do it myself......thanks and good travels
Glad to hear that, Terry! Thanks for letting us know.
Thanks guys! We made our appointment for April!!!
Excellent!
Always enjoy your down to earth videos
Thanks so much, Don!
Thanks for the video. I am scheduled to take advantage of your RVGeek Cummins service next month in Tampa. Thank you for putting this together for us.
That’s awesome!
Great Video ! Thank you !
You guys rock. Thank you.
Excellent. Thanks. Travel safe.
Thank you!
A couple quick points I’ve learned. Onan generators oil filter can cross reference to a long life Mobil 1 M104 filter than is much higher quality. The second point is using a air lift system to fill the generator coolant system. This system is a must for filling the RV’s coolant system and works in any coolant system eliminating air pockets.
Good video guys always a wealth of RV knowledge I am capable of doing all my RV maintenance but at A&L RV sales in Murfreesboro Tennessee where I will be getting my magnitude 34 RB Super C with their warranty for Life program they have to do all the maintenance and I am just fine with that
I think we prefer to let the pros do it. Thanks for the discounts!
We hear you, Robert! There are some things we leave to the pros as well. What matters is that we're all caring optimally for the rig and its systems. You're very welcome for the discounts!
Take it to the shop.
Great to see you guys back on UA-cam... great tips. Now I have a question.... did you guys cleaned that generator before you started filming? That is some clean generator my friend....:-)
Hi Hector! That genny is always pretty clean. But it did get a wipe-down before filming. 😉
@@RVgeeks going to clean mine now....
As usual, good video. Have you changed the power steering hydraulic fluid on your coach before? How about the leveling system hydraulic fluid?
Thanks Yasso! The hydraulic levelling system is still completely original, and has worked great for 16 years without being touched, including the fluid. Maybe we should check the HWH manual to see if that supposed to be done! 😂 The hydraulic system fluid in the RV, which includes the steering, is changed on a schedule, which was included in last year‘s Cummins Coach Care video. The spin on hydraulic filter gets replaced once each year, and the internal filter and fluid itself gets replaced every two years.
Very interesting the central coast Cummins service center is called Cal Coast Commons and they’re not available to service generators until May !
RVing has really taken off this past year!
Have you guys changed the water pump belt on the generator yet? I did it last year on my 05 Winnebago on recommendation from my best friend and I'm really glad I did! It was cracked so bad, it probably would've snapped before too long!
That’s awesome that you caught it before it broke! We inspect ours every time we open the generator to do the thermostat, and each time it looks so brand new, we can’t get ourselves to replace it! Hope we don’t regret it.
I am sure the slide out genset makes it much easier to maintain and to keep so clean. Does anyone have any tips on cleaning for a genset that dies not slide out? Always looking for useful tips.
It definitely helps! As far as oil changes go, we can certainly see how they could be done without too much difficulty without a slideout. As far as removing the top of the generator to replace the thermostat during cooling system maintenance, we honestly don’t know how that can be done with the generator fixed in place.
Do you know if Cumins is going to be opening more Coach Care Centers in Canada? Currently the only one is in Kamloops, it would be nice to have one in Calgary
Hi Boyd! Our understanding is that they do indeed have plans to continue expanding into Canada. One in Calgary would be awesome!
I never have gotten anything out of my spark arrestor plug. I guess it's burning clean.
It’s great that you’re checking, and running clean!
We are keen to keep our RV maintenance checks up to date and use spreadsheets to track everything. But I'm re-thinking some annual items this one particular year.
For example: changing the gen oil every 1 year or 150 hours. Well, I'll bet that there are less than 5 hours on the gen since the last oil change. Reason is that the coach has been in storage since we had to rush home last March at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Oil does not go bad for one year's lack of use does it? And the air, fuel and oil filters are not getting any dirtier. So I am inclined to wait until the fall of 2021 or early 2022 to do the maintenance that I usually do every spring.
Your thoughts?
Hi John. Relying so much on solar, we have sometimes been in the same situation, even with routine generator exercise. When a year comes up, we often have very few hours on the generator. While not officially “by the book“ we have pushed those maintenances by a little bit, and aren’t too concerned about it. But don’t get too complacent about it, as the protective chemicals in oil break down over time even when not used.
@@RVgeeks Thanks for the follow-up.
Hello, I have another 2 unrelated questions if you don't mind. Do you guys shave in the bathroom sink? In other words are you concerned about hairs clogging anything up? If you're at a campground, do you shave in the bathroom that the campground provides?
I'm about to DE winterize and sanitize before leaving on my 1st big trip. Can I dewinterize by pressurizing the system with a hose to the water inlet, or do I have to use the holding tank with the on board water pump? I only ask this question because manuals say to use the holding tank with on board water pump. But I have a feeling I don't have to do it that way. Any help would be greatly appreciated on these 2 questions. thank you.
Hi Bubba! We usually shave in the shower, using a mirror mounted on the wall. When we shave at the sink, it’s generally when we’re fully hooked up and can run a lot of water down the drain, not when we’re Boondocking. That way, we don’t have to worry about a high concentration of hair without enough water to wash it down. We also use an electric shaver quite often as well.
When you de-winterize, you can use the water connection at the campground if you’d like, but if you do that, also be sure to run some water from the freshwater tank through the pump to ensure that those lines are also cleared of antifreeze.
@@RVgeeks Thank you so much. So helpful as usual. Have a wonderful day.
Good one guys! I'm surprised you didn't mention the extra hassle it is to change belts and hoses on a non slide gen set.
Challenging indeed without a slide. Thermostat too! 😳
Have you attempted changing the belt yourself?
@@yassokarim2228 We have inspected the belt each time we’ve had the generator open for other service, and it is in like new condition to this day, so we have never replaced it.
@@yassokarim2228 Yes, had a small coolant leak which required a hose replacement. To replace the house required removing the gen set from the coach for access. Decided to be pro active and replace all rubber while in there.
@@RVgeeks I know the KSDP's used two gen set versions. Mine is the Generac maybe the Onan is easier!?
The prices are way out of line....on the 10Kw Gen and the oil and lube on 400 ISL can be done for well under $600 by most shops.
Hi J. Not sure what “most shops” charge, but we’ve never had our 400 ISL and chassis serviced for low enough that adding in genset service would come in anywhere near that.
My dolphins RV 1997 generator won't start I did fuse and my 3 batteries what can I do now?
Oh it's gas to
Hi Keri. Sorry to hear you’re having trouble with your generator, but we aren’t able to diagnose it remotely. There are just too many things that could be wrong. You’re going to need to have someone get their hands on it.
Hello, I hope you don't mind a couple of completely unrelated questions. You have helped me so much in the past. I really appreciate and value your advice. Do you use a TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system)? I tried the 'tire minder' and it was letting air out of my tires so they sent me new gaskets and caps. I refilled all my tires and waited a few days. No leaks. Then I put them back on to give it another try and less than 24 hrs and just sitting in my driveway, they it let the air completely out of my 2 inner rear tires and a little air out of some of the other tires... I'm NOT a happy camper... I'm sending it back for a full refund. I don't believe I will ever use any type of TPMS again? I'm wondering what do you think of TPMS's? Do you use them? Think they are a must have? And can you please recommend a 'good' Portable air compressor kit for RV? Thank you. Eddy
Hi Eddy! We use the EEZ Tire TPMS system, are very happy with it, and would never be without one. But before you go replacing when you have, check to see if it might be an issue with your valve stems. If it is, you might switch systems and still have the problem.
@@RVgeeks I was also thinking it could be the valve stems. But waking up with 2 flat tires today, it really turned me off and I might not ever use a TPMS again. That's how I feel today.. it might change.
@@yobabybubba you’ve definitely got something else going on. Just like regular valve stem caps, TPMS sensors won’t allow air to escape unless they’re not screwed on properly. The most likely problem is the wheel interfering with the sensor being fully screwed on due to short valve stems. That’s the first thing we’d check.
@@RVgeeks I have extensions on every valve stem. But maybe the threads are damaged.
@@yobabybubba Curious if the extensions were added to accommodate the sensors, of if they were already there? If added for the sensors, that could be the source of the leak. If so, try putting regular valve stem caps on to see if the extensions are leaking.
Your generator is cleaner than ours was the day we picked up our Ventana at the factory in Nappanee. How do you keep it so clean with all the boondocking you do? Can that compartment be sprayed off with a hose? Also, how are your holding tank sensors working since you had the tank cleaned?
Thanks for that! Boondocking only gets things dusty, and we power wash that whole compartment periodically, just being careful not to aim upward into all the wiring. Our tank sensors are working like new! Sorry we forgot to mention that in the video.
Never let a technician touch anything. Only use mechanics
be very careful about getting under any structural part of an RV with an air suspension.. You MUST understand how this works or it can be very dangerous.
We put the hydraulic jacks down, and don’t depend on the air suspension. That said, it’s very important to make sure that the key is left out of the ignition so that the jacks cannot accidentally be retracted.
If you want a piece of junk get a onan.