Post by: Glennman

I have a 12 kW Kubota generator (Wrico) installed in my 1974 MCI. I plan to get rid of the bus, so I'm thinking of putting the generator in my 2002 MCI. Currently, I do not have a generator in this bus.  I only have solar. My thinking is that I really don't need 12 kW, since I would only need to charge my system on cloudy days, etc. That being said, is a 12 kW generator too much power, since it would be charging through a mere 3000W Victron Multi-Plus? Would I only be wasting fuel?

Post by: Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM

I had the 12kW Wrico in my Eagle bus too, and it is a great generator. It is overkill for what you need unless you are running 2-3 A/C units.  It will drink about 5/8 of a gallon of fuel while running, but they are great generators. If you already have one, why not use it?

The downside is that a small 1,000W Honda generator is all you really need to charge your batteries on a rainy day, and it is much easier to move around.  But they run on gas, not diesel, and if left outside, are prone to theft in some areas.

Remember, too, if you install a diesel generator in your bus, it will need a diesel fuel supply and return line, which is a bit more work.  But that way, you are only dealing with one source of fuel in your bus, unless you also have propane appliances.

Post by: Glennman

Thanks, Gary. I watched a video of a guy who found a used 4 kW diesel generator and got it running. I would trade mine for the smaller gas generator in a minute. I hate the idea of installing that beast for what little I would need it. I prefer not to use gasoline either. I'll wait it out for a while and see what comes up in the used market.

Post by: luvrbus

You should be able to buy a used light tower from a rental yard with a good Kubota water-cooled engine in the 4,000W to 6,000W range.  You definitely don't want a noisy, air-cooled China-made 4,000W diesel generator. What does a 12,000W Wrico generator sell for?  I know the 12,500W Onan QD costs almost $20,000 now, including shipping and taxes.

Post by: belfert

You might be a good candidate for a gasoline inverter generator.  I know they won't last as long, and exhaust is an issue, but they work well for smaller loads.

Post by: luvrbus