Operating a Honda Gen from Gen compartment

[Ramblin Roadrunners]

When operating a non factory generator while located in generator compartment; does it need to be vented? Did some of you build an exhaust to vent it outside of compartment? If so, any suggestions of how to vent. Does generator make too much noise or more noise when operating from compartment or is it louder outside compartment. I know you can get the factory installed Olin is operated from the generator compartment. Your comments would be appriciated.
Ramblin Roadrunners; aka Jay D

 

[DQDick]

I can't think of a way I would be comfortable trying to vent a Honda safely from under there. In addition, there's not a good way I can think of to deal with the heat. Just not something I would try.

 

[bncinwv]

I agree with Dick, under no circumstances should a portable generator be operated in the generator compartment. The Onan's that are factory installed are typically propane generators which are more efficient than gasoline generators. Even then, the factory installed generator is equipped with an exhaust pipe that runs out from underneath the rig, and the compartment is sealed with insulated foam. Even with all that, there are certain conditions where the exhaust can be smelled inside the rig depending on weather and wind conditions. CO is not something to mess with. When I used a portable generator, it was always located in the bed of the truck with the exhaust pointed away from the rig and preferably in a down-wind location. It may be fine to transport the generator in the compartment, but please reconsider the desire to operate it there. Just my opinion, which on this matter, happens to be a very strong one!
Bingo

 

[WaltBennett]

We use a Yamaha 2400is, but although we carry it in the big bay next to the door, I take it out and put it on the ground to run it. I'd use it in the truck bed, but don't have a short adapter to use with an extension cord (yet!). Never wanted to even try putting it in the generator bay for just the reasons given above.

 

[Ramblin Roadrunners]

Bingo, that is what I was thinking. Years ago I ran a Honda out of pu truck with a shell over it.I ran exhaust through bed of truck and out about 15 feet away. I was sitting on tailgate operating a mobile emissions business all day. I had built a insulated box around gen to make it quiet. Never a problem. I was not sleeping. Its hard to play with your life. I'm not sure how much I trust running a factory installed Onan and sleeping above it without adding an extension to the exhaust.
Thanks for you guys input.
ramblin roadrunners; aka Jay D.

 

[Trailer Trash2]

I looked into that a while back and the instalation of a snorkle or adding to the length might cause back pressure on the Hondas and might do more harm than good. I cable lock them to my front legs of the Monty and run them under the over hang, which was a little more noisey than I expected, even though they are the quite 2000's. as for theft the cable will keep them from walking away easy a deturant but if they want to steel them they can and will come back with cable or bolt cutters. then its the insurance companies job.

 

[hunts800]

Like others, I carry my Yamaha 2400 in the generator compartment, but move to the outside rear of the trailer where I bought a separate pigtail to connect it. Under no circumstances would I run it in the front compartment. We rarely dry camp, and keep the generator for emergencies or rare occasions where we don't have hookups. If I planned on doing a lot of dry camping I would invest in an Onan.

 

[Jay Bird]

We carry and operate our Hondas in the bed of our truck which are rack mounted. Since I do not have a front port for my power cord so I use an extension cable to get the power cord to the truck.

 

[CORattler]

NEVER, I repeat NEVER run a portable generator in the front generator compartment. It is designed solely for permanently mounted generators ( usually propane powered) and installed by a certified tech. Do otherwise and you endanger the occupants of the RV.

 

[USNSS]

I store a 6500 Honda in the generator "box" on it's own custom cradle. When I want to use it I install two removable track bars which allow the generator to roll out and lower on it's own winch. Noise and exhaust are not a problem and the 6500 runs everything in the camper, including the air, all at once if I would ever want to. Still running ideas for how to keep it fueled but I used it for 6 weeks of boondocking elk hunting with no problems. I will get some pics on the forum if anybody is interested as soon as I find the download cable for my camera.
Greg
2012 3100RL

 

[brooksider]

Ditto CORattler

 

[FL-Joe]

Count me in the "safety warning" group of answers. I would also add that even if you are running the genny in the bed of you truck or on the ground outside, add at least one additional detector inside your 5er. Generators have killed a lot of folks in RV's and on boats over the years.

 

[Johnsonw]

As a Fireman, Mechanical Engineer and a Honda Generator owner, do not, do not, do not, try to use your Honda Generator within your 5th wheel.