RV Generators: Everything You Need to Know

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🎥 IN THIS EPISODE → Let's talk RV generators. I don't mean how to change the generator's oil I mean all the other things. How to start your RV generator. How to stop your RV generator. The most common question we get about RV generators. And finally what just might void your RV generators warranty. You may even have it connected to your RV generator right now!
These RV Geni tips will keep your generator purring and keep you powered up as you travel on down the road.
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You, Me & the RV
You me and the RV

[@ricardomorais4356]

*Great solar **Generater.Systems** ! Was bought for camping and to use for a cpap machine! Worked perfectly!!*

[@mcar6592]

Your channel does a great job of not wasting time between scenes. I appreciate you staying on point. Plus, great information. Thanks.

[@addidasnwc]

We run the Genny while driving with dinner cooking. The crock pot is in the sink and roof air running. No issues. I have a small 5 watt night light in the electrical outlet up front, this lets me know at a glance the Genny is indeed running!

[@todayissomeday]

Thanks for the tip with the night light!

[@NationalRVTrainingAcademy]

You two are so good for the RV industry! A wealth of knowledge!

[@phuongloan1000]

*100% best **Generater.Systems** I have used. A test for hurricane prep here in Louisiana: three AC units, 5000, 5000 & 8000, 3 fridges, 2 device power setups, 4 flat screens....AND I had 40% of the power meter to spare.*

[@todayissomeday]

No idea. We do not own a Generac.

[@WILDEBILL308]

Great video on the generator. Here's a tip for when you are running it on grass or any potential flammable surface. Get a deep cake pan and put a inch or so of water in it and place it where the generator exhaust blows into the pan. This will trap any sparks/hot carbon coming out. I also use one on the Oasis exhaust .

[@todayissomeday]

Great tip! Thanks for sharing

[@donrimel7500]

This is a great overview of the generator. We use the generator all of the time while driving down the road when the temperature is hot or if we need to charge our batteries. You can also void your warranty by not running it enough to keep it exercised. If you use your generator occasionally, you need to be intentional with the at least monthly exercise. At an presentation by Onan about the need to exercise the generator, specifically diesel generators, they had a call for service on a generator over 36 old with around something like 20 hours of use. With how we use our generator we are averaging about 300 hours a year and now we are fulltime, without solar, we are using it more. A common occurrence we have heard is once people get solar, it is common to exercise your generator since you use it less.

[@dennycappetta2035]

Stacy, what a great presentation on RV generators. Terrific job!

[@dannhennells2681]

We live in the south east us we have to use the genny going down the road. On the genturi debate, we almost didn't wake up because our neighbors didn't have one and were fogging us and themselves out in a campground when the power went out during a storm. Will take my chances on a warranty over chances with our lives. Great job on the video too. Safe travels

[@lindadurst2290]

We use our generator for our AC while driving when ever AC is needed. We also run our refrigerator when using the generator on those hot days. Another plus to having a Motorhome.

[@santini1953]

We do the same with our 5th. wheel

[@tinagallo7968]

Absolutely do run our generator while we are driving! Sometimes you just need that extra bit of cool air in the back!

[@RVAmerica]

Great information. We try to run hours at least once a month. Like you said, keep it exercised. Lynn and Danny

[@jerrilynnbicek7996]

Great information! Thank you. Yes! We live in Texas - so we absolutely do run the generator while driving. To power AC and refrigerator.

[@jenfugit7801]

Thanks for the reminder, I need to run my generator more often (always a good time to sit in the camper while it's stored and think about places I'd RATHER be parked! Also, I didn't know you could run it while driving with the A/C on! The dog will thank you our next summer trip!

[@waynesmith8512]

Very informative, great job. Learned a whole lot. Thanks! You guys have very basic no frills videos that I really enjoy.

[@harterbob]

We also have a QD8000. Great generator, and we operate ours under load monthly, as well as have it serviced annually.

[@lenl2514]

Good to see that an expert presented this episode instead of old what’s-his-name! Well done!

[@todayissomeday]

😂

[@jhhayes4277]

I would like to offer 1 suggestion, have them do an oil analysis when you change your oil. It can be an early warning if your starting to have problems or abnormal wear. Early detection and correction can be a huge savings. Thanks for another GREAT video and always providing such great info.. Safe travels.

[@todayissomeday]

Great tip!

[@1950bobk]

Good tip. So many do not exercise on a regular basis. Easy to do. We run the genny and AC while driving often.

[@waynetibbs6060]

We use our fridge all the time when traveling, and our AC when needed or excising the gen. Thank you for the tips Stacy!

[@Cozfx]

Great info! Thanks! We have an older Class C RV (95) and the generator had always had issues starting according to the previous owner who spent hundreds on the issue. We found the Aux Battery cables were loose or disconnected behind the battery in the wall (most likely from factory 25 year ago!). Ground was off and hot was loose. In an area only accessible by taking off the brake light assembly. Another ground had been added to the battery compartment in a previous attempt, but the loose hot cable caused intermittent starting issues. “When you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.” -Spock

[@wsettles3]

Dash air on the Bus is disabled because of a propensity for the AC compressor to freeze/fail. The generator does an excellent job of keeping us cool while driving... Good vid; covered important points...!

[@sherishields3811]

We do exercise our generator by running the AC while in travel. We have it serviced and use it whenever we boondock. We love our Onan QD8000!

[@stv111play]

thanks little lady. first newbie to it, read manual. had questions. wasn't sure if you can start it while plugged in at house. suprised you can run it while traveling.

[@lynneallan8637]

Thank you Stacey. What a great video(missed Phil a little). As a woman this was a great tutorial and learned a lot. Thank you so much.

[@nancyscott7792]

You are amazing!! Inspiring!! This was soooo helpful as I am still learning about my Thor motor coach van!!THANK YOU!!!!

[@todayissomeday]

Welcome

[@Debbie_T_FL]

Yes, we run our generator, fridge and ac’s as we’re driving down the road 😊.

[@christianslater8825]

Yes! We always run ours down the road in our 07 mountain Aire!

[@MrIzzy4real]

Thanks! I learned a lot here!!

[@jordanw1649]

Stacy, thank you for the video! It is so refreshing to hear someone with knowledge that can explain things quickly and consisely. I do have one question: What is meant by running the generator at a 50% load for 2 hours, and 75% load for 2 hours

[@todayissomeday]

The load means how much power is used by the devices that the generator is powering. So 50% load means the generator is working at 50% of its capability. Just turning on the generator without turning on items that draw power does not help the generator. You will need to make the generator is working at 50-75% of its ability. So use large draws such as air conditioners to accomplish this.

[@jordanw1649]

@@todayissomeday is % load a reading on the generator? Thanks 🙏 🙏

[@todayissomeday]

No. Having 2 AC's or heat pumps (rooftop heater) running at the same time would put a big draw on the generator.

[@jordanw1649]

@@todayissomeday I was reading your RV Blog- It was so helpful! It said for new generators to run it at 50% load for two hours and 75% load for two hours. It was hard for me to quantify how much 50/75% is EXACTLY

[@mikenowak2360]

We dont have a generator but really appreciate all the videos you guys put out.. thanks for sharing

[@juliebaxter145]

We just purchased a motorhome last month. Thank you for the great tips!!

[@roydavis2242]

There has been many post on RV forums about starting your generator under load. The biggest argument is whither you need to shutdown ACs and such when going from shore power to generator power. Many say that the RV manufacturers put a generator start switch in the power bay so you can start it then disconnect shore power. The argument is that there is no start up load for appliances. I do that and most RVers I know do as well.

[@pamschwindt]

Wonderful tips. Always helpful reminders! Thank you

[@damienmikkelsen6056]

Phil is the best! Way to go Phil!

[@smmyers7417]

Yes we drive with the generator on especially when hot to run the AC, or the fireplace when cold to keep the puppies comfy too.

[@MrPauldoes]

I use my gen set alot while driving

[@tommcmahon191]

We use our generator while driving all the time! Runs the AC to keep the coach cool.

[@nathanpetersen4063]

Great video! We use our generator and AC while traveling as well.

[@stewartmhyre1528]

Great tips and tricks. We use the genny going down the road to run the AC on really hot days

[@joelshattlesjr1733]

I often drive with my generator running, especially in hot weather so I can run my air conditioner. Appreciate this video!??thanks

[@todayissomeday]

You bet!

[@Mr22Twain]

Great tips, my tip is for gasoline generators that just will not start. Resist the temptation to use starter fluid in carburetor as the risk of engine backfire and flames is high and the cramped location makes it difficult to smother flames coming from carb effectively. A few tense moments I'll never forget.

[@todayissomeday]

Thanks for the tip!

[@kathyharger1502]

Great information Stacy! Really informative and helpful! Our generator right now won’t staying running or idling. Have it scheduled to go to an rv place to look into it, but if we can do a few of these things,maybe we can troubleshoot and get it running! Thanks again!

[@ericlee8231]

Run the generator and acs in our 5th wheel so its cool when get in after set up

[@danofiremano]

FF Pro Tip: If you put a cinderblock on the ground under the exhaust, it will soak up the heat & disperse it as well as blocking the hot air from hitting the dry grass.

[@todayissomeday]

Love it!! Thanks

[@janosvarga962]

Nice. 150 hours is a looong and optimistic value in ideal circumstances. Better to go with 100 hours or yearly. There is a fuel filter which preferd to replace at each oil change. You"d been surprised if you do an analysis ont that 150 hours oil. Thanks for educating the masses.

[@ladonnasullivan6653]

Have you ever experienced summers in Louisiana lol? Definitely run our roof air using the genny.

[@wjdowns91]

Great information, nice to not have Phil fumbling over his words. Plus, we all know you do all the maintenance. LOL

[@rayh7105]

We have an older diesel pusher. Our dash ac is not the best...so we run the genset while driving and use the house ac all the time.

[@ChasingtheDreamRV]

All Excellent tips!👍Oh and we use ours also driving in hot weather

[@theresacorral4508]

Well we were sitting at a Harvest Host brewery and saw this

[@roadtriplover.]

I do drive while my gen is running, but usually only on super hot days or for the last hour or so before I arrive at my destination. This ensures my RV (a Class C) is cool by the time I’m done setting up, and it ensures my pets stay cool.

[@todayissomeday]

Great tip!

[@clarkehowardjr2432]

Good job Stacey !

[@NoGasWelcomeAboard]

LABEL TAPES - Forget about those fancy spread sheets and trackers that get stuck in a drawer or forgotten! Instead I put date/time/item & next due date/time on 1 or more label tapes and a fix them to the generator or engine in a convenient place. That way when I check the oil or coolant, it’s easy to look at the “tapes” and see what’s coming up or due. Filters, belts, hoses & plugs (as appropriate) are also part of the “tapes” program. When an item is replaced, a new label tape with updated info goes in its place. PS - at the end of each tape I also add the part # in parentheses. This makes it easy to order a replacement when you use your onboard spare.

[@MililaniJag]

Eye protection? Plz consider using Eye Protection working under your RV. Cheers!

[@jeffmill6683]

Clean fuel is a must. Yes you can get cheap fuel but what you are buying is deep fryer grease. Not refined diesel. I can't tell you the problems you will have with cheap diesel but a few is plugged filters damaged fuel pump and injectors. And if you have a regen system it will screw it up quickly.

[@rockybridges4820]

Wow, great job as usual. Is Phil, ok? Didn't hear him, see him. LOL. stay safe

[@scottomas2440]

21,000 rv's models 21 22, from multiple manufacturers have faulty lpg gas connections, an the rv companies are not notifying owners till July. Please spread the word

[@redc8783]

Yes it beats the dash air I found that I lose about 0.1 mpg when traveling

[@braddenton4729]

Well done, learned something new today!

[@todayissomeday]

Thanks!

[@timmyers3428]

Yes, when needed on hot days, I have no issue using the genset on travel days. Question for you guys, did you do the 1000 hr Mx yourself or did you have the pros take care of it? If you used the pros who did you take it too?

[@johnnylightning1491]

Is the maintenance spreadsheet updated from a couple of years ago, I have that one. I guess I'm a little late getting my genny exercised this month, I was supposed to do it on the 1st. Keep the good stuff coming guys.

[@todayissomeday]

It's the same basic sheet and you tweak it to your rig's needs.

[@jbat66]

Great information. Here are some additional tips 1. Do don't have to prime a diesel generator on each start. You only need to prime, if you ran your coach out of fuel or it is having a hard time starting. It is best to try to start it normally, if it doesn't start then prime. otherwise you are wasting fuel. 2. In addition to turning off your high power appliances, if it is cold outside it takes longer for the generator to come up to temperature, so it is a good idea to turn off the breaker on the generator OR your main breaker on your breaker panel in your RV and let the generator warm up before putting a small load on it. If it is cold out, a lot of times the generator will start, then the transfer switch will switch power to the generator and the generator will die, because it was not warm enough.

[@todayissomeday]

Thanks for sharing these tips!

[@richardcoyle2635]

Great info. I need to check mine out

[@susankenyon6885]

Loved your video about the generator but the one thing I wanted to find out, can I be plugged in and still run the generator while it's in storage it says it should run for at least a half hour to an half hour when in storage.

[@todayissomeday]

For our set up, our transfer switch will handle where the power comes from when plugged in and the generator is started. As a rule, I do not run the generator while plugged in. As for storage, not sure what type of storage you are referring too, open air, enclosed, climate controlled? I would not run it in an enclosed space for the fumes. Always make sure you are properly vented when running the generator. Refer to your manufacturers manual for best options.

[@drguyor]

Generator use on the road? Always. For some strange reason the chassis AC only works when I'm not at highway speeds. We turn that on while we're warming up during breaking camp to cool the cockpit, then the generator comes on and the front AC is set to keep the coach cool. Then it's "Shift Colors, underway" as we move from full hookup campsite to full hookup campsite. We are not boondockers by any stretch of the imagination, Glampers all the way so Cracker Barrel is not one of our stops. Maybe someday when the FLA set expires and I replace them with LiFePO4. Fair winds and following seas. Oohrah!

[@davetelling]

We have run the generator while driving to run a blow dryer, so far haven't needed to run the A/C (Bigfoot 29SL class-C)

[@Lifes-solutions]

I run AGS

[@bradl1954]

This was great advice as always but PLEASE put on some eye protection when you're under that RV! :

[@mrzif0013]

great video's. I ran my onan 4ky and an oder of burnt rubber came from generator after a few minutes of running. I shut it down , any suggestions?

[@JarheadAndGingersJourney]

Great information!

[@waynecornwell2321]

Thanks for the advice!

[@todayissomeday]

You bet!

[@bigguy1403]

So we're buying a class A 30' gas engine RV. Forest River george town. It has an Onan 4,000 watt generator. We have 2 1800 but AC units. The dealer is saying it can run both the AC units. Is that possible? I think for sure one but not 2. Any thoughts.

[@WhiteFox011]

Well done.

[@gallom325]

Hi Stacy. I meant to say hope you guys are blessed. 😂

[@gallom325]

Hi. You never answered my question? LOL. Why would the Gen Turi void the warranty since is only a temporary fixture?

[@beaurevard9339]

Want to buy some apparel and was wondering about how they fit, I'm about as big as Phil and what size you think??

[@shannonkeith6771]

Is it bad / dangerous to run the generator that runs on propane while driving?

[@travelingmertonandsue]

Thanks for the great tips!>Sue

[@benhancock1408]

I use my generator for AC while traveling, because the chassis AC just doesn't cut the mustard. My RV is 20 years old so warranty is way past being an issue.

[@branmichaluk445]

With normal usage and routine maintenance how many hours can I expect my Onan 4000 generator to last before rebuild or replacement?

[@todayissomeday]

That is a tough one to answer. I would call Onan and ask the experts.

[@akush55]

some year back 2015 my cousin acquired National RV From farmer It was like uses as Back up Power Source as the Breaker show sign overload more then once inspection the contacts heat rainbow coloring yet it did start & run⚡ since then he has upgrade Monaco Large RV 35ft Slider Then in 2022 he downgrade twice one power lift Pop-up camper motor broken (some might Know brand model)🤑🤑

[@dskoi7358]

Awesome video!!!!

[@todayissomeday]

Thanks!!

[@lanksterprice]

Rule 1) Regardless of how much you use your Gen change your oil every year if you don't use it much or at all. Service is the key to a long life and problem free. You should start and run your gen every few months for 20+ mins. You can always do more if you feel the need.

[@santini1953]

We go by run time. I don't waste good oil and filters.

[@paularandall2798]

What kind of instant pot do you use? I want a small one!

[@bobabooie6389]

You're handy

[@randymorse8409]

You might want to rethink your air filter maintenance. Taking it out and tapping on it dislodges any trapped dust particles. When you put it back in and start the gen it sucks the dust into your motor. Don't remove or disturb the air filter until you are ready to replace it.

[@todayissomeday]

Thank you for the tip!

[@rosetice206]

Our generator is older with no cover and runs on propane. Wish I could run while driving.

[@curiousgeorge2193]

Stacy- I love the information you share, but may I make a comment? Shame on you for not wearing eye protection when under the coach. Our eyes are extremely delicate and can be damaged easily. Always take care of them. Be safe Dr. Mike

[@sgsummer1515]

Do you use USAA Insurance?

[@todayissomeday]

Not for the RV only the car. They dont cover RVs

[@davidw_52]

Running air conditioners on generator saves alot on gas mileage.

[@arthurcutting9227]

What is your service call rate?

[@todayissomeday]

😂😂

[@timmyers3428]

If you gotta ask, you don't want to know!!

[@grumpyshorts1056]

whoop whoop, first in! :-)

[@todayissomeday]

You rock!!

[@texasex1981]

Hmm - the inverter draws 3000?

[@todayissomeday]

If you have a 3000 watt inverter yes

[@larrydouglas3951]

@@todayissomeday No, the only load an inverter - by itself - requires is a small current to power its internal circuits. The wattage or amperage needed is from the output load plus the conversion efficiency.

[@spencerduncan]

Please remember when doing these how to's, that there are many different models of generators and many different RV's with them. Some of you descriptions state or show things that smaller ,lesser units don't have. All in all it was good, but please remember we don't all have class a motorhomes or motorhomes at all. But please keep up the info, just remember us (Not Class A owners)that follow your channel. Thank you.

[@todayissomeday]

At the beginning it was stated to always read your owners manual as there are many different brands and what is shown may not be correct for your specific generator. Thanks for watching and for your support!

[@garyag45]

👍😎🇺🇸🦅

[@nordberg7631]

Also remember that if you break wind and don't want to be blamed for it, you can blame the generator for the stench. Make sure to read your owner's manual for tips!

[@FairyChild_For_Freedom-Justice]

Norberg must be a man🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@nordberg7631]

My wife and I just took a 2 week vacation with our rv. My wife is under the impression that our generator emits a foul odor randomly. Stacy and Phil please tell me how long I can use this falsehood. I love my wife but I also enjoy my sauerkraut and sushi if you get my drift.

[@FairyChild_For_Freedom-Justice]

@@nordberg7631 sir if she watches these videos like most of us do and look at comments I think your day has come because when she reads this she's going to smack you across the head and send you outside after you eat sauerkraut and sushi 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@nordberg7631]

@@FairyChild_For_Freedom-Justice thank you for your input. Actually you are totally spot on. I didn't think ahead. It is possible that she would lock me out of the rv and the house, while threatening me before roughing me up. 😉

[@FairyChild_For_Freedom-Justice]

@@nordberg7631 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 you're hysterical with that type of personality she's got to love ya

[@randyshay7280]

Phil in the dog house?

[@todayissomeday]

Nope.

[@dennisdeal9394]

Phil's always in the dog house I think he likes it.

[@crusin73]

Wow, Stacy, you nailed it. that doesn't come easily from me. I am an Army trained generator mechanic, and a retired certified master truck mechanic. So many refuses to listen to the proper way of operating small equipment then when it breaks, they typically blame the equipment when actually all they had to do is take care of it just how you explained it. very well done. hope you and Phil are good. Safe travels

[@todayissomeday]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@frankd8874]

Yes. We run our generator as needed to run the 3 A/C's as well as the residential refrigerator. We also use the gen to prepare dinner while we are traveling to our destination. I do my own maintenance on everything in the Motorhome including the electrical system. It's part of the enjoyment of owning a Motorhome.

[@peggyr.346]

I love that you did this video! You make it so easy to understand! Great job!