Onan Gen in 5th Wheel – Use while driving?

[CampFlyer]

We just had an Onan generator installed in our 5th wheel and I’m wondering if it would be okay to run it while we are driving so we can use the AC, or the outlets for whatever reason. Looking to those with knowledge/experience in this area to let us know either way.

[Grumpy]

Been there, done that, works fine.

[Jagiven]

it is done all the time in MHs, why not in a 5ver.

[Mopar_Earl]

Onan says it's fine in their manuals. I'd do it myself.


Earl

[CampFlyer]

Thanks for the replies. It seemed logical to me that it would be fine but wanted to check with the experts first.

[DAD]

I was at a nascar race and had my gen running ( it was hot ) I decided to move and leave it running. When I did a U turn I saw a huge cloud of smoke behind me. When I stopped ,the Gen was dead and no oil in crankcase. The oil must have sloshed around and got picked up by crankcase breather system (PCV) and was pulled into cylinders (smoke- oil burning) My guess would be motorhome gens must have a better baffle in oil pan or some type of dry sump oil system. Maybe slower carefull turns? have not tried since.

[Mopar_Earl]

Originally Posted by DAD

I was at a nascar race and had my gen running ( it was hot ) I decided to move and leave it running. When I did a U turn I saw a huge cloud of smoke behind me. When I stopped ,the Gen was dead and no oil in crankcase. The oil must have sloshed around and got picked up by crankcase breather system (PCV) and was pulled into cylinders (smoke- oil burning) My guess would be motorhome gens must have a better baffle in oil pan or some type of dry sump oil system. Maybe slower carefull turns? have not tried since.

Sounds like you had a pcv issue or dirty air filter. These engines will run fine while moving. No different than a mower engine. The same genset is used in trailers as motorhomes. They don't make different ones for motorhomes.


Earl