DTE
Well-known member
I looked at a Onan generator from a motor home, supposed to run , electric start. I do not know the output. Was wondering if they have a following and any value.
Onan generator from a camper-any value ?
- Thread starter DTE
- Start date
Iroc-Z
Well-known member
I had a motor home generator we used for racing years ago. Sat in our shop for years and I told the owner we should just get rid of it. I got it running and put it on craigslist for 400 bucks and a guy gave us 350 for it. It was a gas powered onan
Iroc-Z
Well-known member
So yes I would say it has value
Streetbu
Well-known member
Depending on the engine, they could have quite a bit of q value. The 2 cylinder opposed engines were also used in John Deere garden tractors and are at that age where they are worn out. Replacment engines are VERY expensive, like $3000 range! People love there tractors but won't usually spend that much on a replacement engine. Around here the generator engines usually have very low hours and sell for about $1-1500, then they scrap the generator for the copper....
Marctrees
Well-known member
Historically most typical is an Onan Emerald 4.0
They made slight variations of the basic model for manyy years.
There may be an hour meter in the RV.
If it runs ok, and has I dunno, ?lowish hours? it definately could be worth I dunno like up to $ 800. Less or more, depend on age/ condition.
They were made somewhat compact for RV use, but definately can be used freestanding on some rubber footing. Add a 12v batterry, fuel tank, and could be great for cabin or whatever.
Over $3k new. Call a large Cummins Onan service dept w questions. Marc
They made slight variations of the basic model for manyy years.
There may be an hour meter in the RV.
If it runs ok, and has I dunno, ?lowish hours? it definately could be worth I dunno like up to $ 800. Less or more, depend on age/ condition.
They were made somewhat compact for RV use, but definately can be used freestanding on some rubber footing. Add a 12v batterry, fuel tank, and could be great for cabin or whatever.
Over $3k new. Call a large Cummins Onan service dept w questions. Marc
rslaback
Well-known member
They generally do have some resale value but it is less than a genset designed to be portable. They are going to lack the compact design, wheels, shrouds and integrated fuel tank that most people are looking for. That said, they are a heckuva genset and fairly quiet. Just don't expect everyone to look past the appearance. Fuel type will matter as well obviously. There are RV gensets in LP, Gas and Diesel.
Rookie2
Well-known member
Sure ! just look at craigslist in any town in your state ! They go from $350.00 up depending on hours and condition / Wattage .
http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/search/sss?srchType=T&query=onan+generator
redmondjp
Well-known member
I've had one recently (a 6.5kW Emerald) and helped a friend to buy the same for his food trailer.
The problem is that parts are becoming unobtanium for the older flathead motors. And you'll pay out the wazoo for the parts that are still available. Example: around $250 just for the rectifier/regulator for charging the 12V starting battery (I found a NOS one on Ebay for $55).
Nice thing is that they are four-pole generators so they chug away at 1800rpm.
Now, one thing to watch out for (and this is not easy to tell w/o getting into the wiring a bit) is what wiring configuration the generator is - there was 120V only, 240V only, and 120/240V (two legs of 120V which are supposed to be evenly balanced, or you can reconnect the wires for 120V or 240V only). Some of the RV units were 120V only.
If the unit is not running and can't demonstrate that it makes power, I wouldn't pay over $50 for one however.
The problem is that parts are becoming unobtanium for the older flathead motors. And you'll pay out the wazoo for the parts that are still available. Example: around $250 just for the rectifier/regulator for charging the 12V starting battery (I found a NOS one on Ebay for $55).
Nice thing is that they are four-pole generators so they chug away at 1800rpm.
Now, one thing to watch out for (and this is not easy to tell w/o getting into the wiring a bit) is what wiring configuration the generator is - there was 120V only, 240V only, and 120/240V (two legs of 120V which are supposed to be evenly balanced, or you can reconnect the wires for 120V or 240V only). Some of the RV units were 120V only.
If the unit is not running and can't demonstrate that it makes power, I wouldn't pay over $50 for one however.
LS6 Tommy
Well-known member
It has no value. I feel the need to help you out so I will take it off your hands providing you pay for the shipping... 
Tommy
Tommy
rburke65
Well-known member
All I know about them is my neighbor has owned one for years in his RV but not too many hours....and it is quite!
Vegaman_Dan
Well-known member
The RV units are very nice. Smooth, quiet, effecient. I picked up a 6.5K Onan that I cleaned up and fixed to be a very useful unit. I plan to put it on a garden trailer/cart with some angle iron framework to enclose it and a fuel tank for a larger semi-portable generator for event use and my own home when the power is out.
It's a huge step up from the clattery contractor open framework gensets.
It's a huge step up from the clattery contractor open framework gensets.
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
What type of Onan?
We had a 5kw(or 6kw cant remember) diesel Onan that ran @ 1800rpms. Was a great little machine.
The 1800rpms will fetch u more money than the 3600RPM units...
We had a 5kw(or 6kw cant remember) diesel Onan that ran @ 1800rpms. Was a great little machine.
The 1800rpms will fetch u more money than the 3600RPM units...
carcruse
Well-known member
Post the model number, that will help determine if it's worth any thing.
TheEquineFencer
Well-known member
Best idea yet.
If it runs and makes power, it's worth something.
If it's a cast iron block generator....IT"S OLD!
The newer 1 cylinder Onans are 3600RPM the older opposed piston are 1800 RPM and are good on fuel.
Smell the engine oil, then try putting a match to the oil on the dipstick and see if it lights right up. If it does, it has a lot of blow-by and gas in the oil. I've seen them "make oil" if you know what I mean?
agcowvet
New member
Go to smokstak.com and visit the Onan Generators subsection. http://www.smokstak.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=1
More info there than you can shake a stick at.
Yes, they certainly have value, but if mainly suited as a backup unit (vs new enough an RV'r would be interested) it won't be more than $400 or so (around here, based on craigslist ads.) Note that some of the older units actually use the gen end to crank the motor--there may not be a separate starter--these require a GOOD battery but on the plus side, they can crank for a LOOOOONG time without overheating it.
I don't know if they are a direct drop-in to Deere garden tractors (think 318 et al). May have a tapered crank vs ??? in tractor, but likely some (most?) parts would cross over. 1800 rpm vs 3600 rpm way quieter, longer lived, heavier for same power output.
Regards
Jacob
More info there than you can shake a stick at.
Yes, they certainly have value, but if mainly suited as a backup unit (vs new enough an RV'r would be interested) it won't be more than $400 or so (around here, based on craigslist ads.) Note that some of the older units actually use the gen end to crank the motor--there may not be a separate starter--these require a GOOD battery but on the plus side, they can crank for a LOOOOONG time without overheating it.
I don't know if they are a direct drop-in to Deere garden tractors (think 318 et al). May have a tapered crank vs ??? in tractor, but likely some (most?) parts would cross over. 1800 rpm vs 3600 rpm way quieter, longer lived, heavier for same power output.
Regards
Jacob
TheEquineFencer
Well-known member
The crank is tapered. SmokStak.com is a great site for generator info. Good idea.
LS6 Tommy
Well-known member
It has no value. I feel the need to help you out so I will take it off your hands providing you pay for the shipping...
Tommy
A haven't received any tracking info yet...
Tommy
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
OP- u have any updates or more info on the generator?
The 7.5 diesel Onans are very good. Had one on my last truck, they use a 3 cylinder Kuboto engine. The 2 cylinder ones are to be avoided at all cost. Cummins owns Onan now so service and parts on the newer stuff isn't a problem however they don't stock much, gotta order most things. With decent maintenance that Kuboto will run forever.
TheEquineFencer
Well-known member
I have an older 6500W 120V only I bought and got running. I think all it needs now is a gasket for the float bowl and replace some missing screws. I've had it running at the right Hz and making the right voltage, but it was leaking gas around the float bowl. I've kind of lost interest in finishing it as some other projects have taken it's place. I have a bunch of spare parts that came with it. I replaced the endbell bearing and that fixed most of the problems it had. I'll take $210 for it, that's what I have it in it moneywise if you're interested. It looks like you're in NC like I am.