There are two kinds of portable generator sets (gensets). The constant speed portables and the variable speed portables.
Constant speed units are usually the contractor level generators purchased at big box stores for home standby and light construction work. The engines are similar to lawn mower engines and require basically the same maintenance. Keeping the fuel clean and the air filter clean are the most critical items along with checking and maintaining the oil level. Periodic maintenance on these units consists of checking the tightness of nuts and bolts on a scheduled basis and checking the bearings and voltage control system in the generator.
The variable speed units are the inverter type generators. They are designed for relatively quiet operation and RVers don’t usually object to them running. The engines on the variable speed units require the same maintenance at the constant speed units. In addition, the mufflers on the variable speed gensets will require periodic cleaning either mechanically or chemically to allow the unit to develop maximum power and efficiency. The generator and inverter assemblies are usually sealed and only require cleaning with a cloth and a visual check for loose wires, nuts and bolts.
Periodic maintenance that is common to both types of generators is filter cleanliness, oil levels, and changing spark plugs on a regular basis. You really need to carry a spare spark plug and a replacement starting pull rope with you. It makes boondocking much more pleasant when the beer in the fridge is cold and the spouse has lights in HER camper at night. Been there, done that.
Generator Jim
Bindu
Interesting!Thank you for the information.
Craig & Jackie
My ’96 Mountain Aire has an Onan 6.5kW (gas) in it with just over 500 hours on it. Is there a rule of thumb about when a generator should be pulled out and rebuilt? It seems to run very well. I keep the synthetic oil and filter changed regularly and have swapped the plugs out a couple of times. On occasion it will misfire a little but I wonder if that’s maybe a fuel delivery problem since I’ve not changed the fuel filter, as yet.
Any suggestions welcome.
Jim Falls
We have a Onan 4500 in a Jayco 40′ fifthwheel and it does a wonderful job. It will operate everything in the unit. It is a gas engine,but if I had my druthers I would get a propane unit because of cost savings. I can do a conversion but as for now We are satisfied.
Jim & Jane
Ham Radio
Good common sense article. We run synthetic oil and have never had a failure under any operating conditions.