Onan Generator Fuel Drain

florabama · 08-17-2016, 05:57 PM

If you have the off grid package with the Onan generator do you have a fuel shut-off valve and a easy way to drain the fuel tank. Since I don't anticipate using the generator very much I want to make sure I can drain the tank to keep fresh fuel available.
Also, is there a clock or timer to show how much the generator has been used?

Thanks.

R3Jones · 08-17-2016, 06:35 PM

Do you have the fuel station? If so, that may be your quickest option.

I haven't noticed a fuel drain valve.

-R.Jones
Nitro 31FQSL

the.wilsons · 08-17-2016, 08:55 PM

There should be a hour meter for the generator. I know ours doesn't have a fuel shut off that I have found. But I just try to run it around 1/2 hour a month to help with the fuel staying fresh. Also us a fuel stabilizer in non-ethanol fuel.

Sayitdog · 08-18-2016, 04:03 AM

I have the 29hfs with the fuel station and my generator hour meter is located on the side of the front bed on the passenger side next to the gen start/stop switch and the 12v on/off master switch.

florabama · 08-18-2016, 07:30 AM

I'm still shopping so I don't h yet have the TH. So, without the fueling station does anyone know what size fuel tank comes with the generator? Probably the same for all XLR models.

BTW, thanks for the other replies.

R3Jones · 08-18-2016, 07:38 AM

The fuel station and generator pull from the same tank. Typically it is a 30 gallon tank.

-R.Jones
Nitro 31FQSL

florabama · 08-18-2016, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R3Jones

The fuel station and generator pull from the same tank. Typically it is a 30 gallon tank.

-R.Jones
Nitro 31FQSL

Thanks, but I'm probably not getting the fuel station unless it is mandatory with the generator setup??

R3Jones · 08-18-2016, 07:52 AM

I thought the fuel station is standard on toy haulers. That might have changed though.

-R.Jones
Nitro 31FQSL

florabama · 08-18-2016, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R3Jones

I thought the fuel station is standard on toy haulers. That might have changed though.

-R.Jones
Nitro 31FQSL

Think you are correct Mr. Jones. Found in a sales brochure" "Off Grid Package (FW): 5.5 Onana Gas Generator, Mobile fuel station and 30 Gal. Tank." So I have to decide if I want all of this just to get a generator since I will have no need to fuel up toys. But then again, it might be nice to have some reserve fuel if a hurricane blows through my part of Florida which has been spared for many years now.

R3Jones · 08-18-2016, 10:08 AM

Yeah that option is a bit pricey. Depending on how you use your trailer it may/ may not be worth it. You could spend much less and get a portable unit with auxiliary tank and remote start.

I opted for the generator because it's fully integrated and it came with an energy management system as well. Figured since I was financing and writing off interest might as well include it.

-R.Jones
Nitro 31FQSL

rmoore0852 · 08-18-2016, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by florabama

Think you are correct Mr. Jones. Found in a sales brochure" "Off Grid Package (FW): 5.5 Onana Gas Generator, Mobile fuel station and 30 Gal. Tank." So I have to decide if I want all of this just to get a generator since I will have no need to fuel up toys. But then again, it might be nice to have some reserve fuel if a hurricane blows through my part of Florida which has been spared for many years now.

Just throwing in my .02. I think the built in generator is well worth the money. Yes, they are expensive. But, they will run the entire camper and still be quiet. Plus I don't have to lug it out of the camper to use it. Plus I don't have to worry about it getting stolen. Plus it has a 30 gallon tank, so I don't have to go outside at 3 am to refill the fuel. And the absolute best thing about it........We live in a very hot area, same as you in Florida. We love being able to start the generator about an hour before getting to the campground, so it's nice and cool when we park. Can't drive down the road with that big external generator running!! Our built-in Onan purrs along as we drive the last 60 miles, quietly cooling down the camper.

fishingokie · 08-18-2016, 04:27 PM

I have the XLR Thunderbolt 386x12HP with the Onan. To the best of my knowledge(have been under it from front to back) there's no way to drain it, and there is a hour meter on the inside panel. There are 2 separate tanks-18 gal for gen, and a 30 gal fuel station. When you gen tank go low, I just add from the station tank.
I got my gen off ebay at half the price. It was a dealer uninstall

Homebrew · 08-18-2016, 05:59 PM

My 300x12 has a hour meter on the inside panel and fuel gauge on the outside pump panel with two tanks.
I think it's a 18 and a 30 gallon. Having the on board generator has been a great option on long trips at rest stops,state parks and National parks.
Starting the generator a hour before you arrive works great!

Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

markb422 · 08-18-2016, 07:46 PM

has anyone installed a fuel shut off valve on their generator? Seems like a good idea to run the carb dry for long term storage even if you use stabilzer/ethanol treatment.

florabama · 08-18-2016, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markb422

has anyone installed a fuel shut off valve on their generator? Seems like a good idea to run the carb dry for long term storage even if you use stabilzer/ethanol treatment.

Yep, exactly the reason I asked about fuel shut off. Like you said I like to run out all of the gas before putting in storage. I guess one could be added.

dgkbear · 08-19-2016, 04:48 AM

Just purchased a 29ve Vista Winnebago with 4000 watt gen. Manufacturers recommends to run 2hr at half load every month. When you run the Gen run for no less then 2 hrs each time. They have videos on Utube about the gen.

florabama · 08-19-2016, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dgkbear

Just purchased a 29ve Vista Winnebago with 4000 watt gen. Manufacturers recommends to run 2hr at half load every month. When you run the Gen run for no less then 2 hrs each time. They have videos on Utube about the gen.

Seems excessive to me. My 11 yo Onan on the Motorhome only had 130 hours run time which averages out to about 11 hours per year. If it was in storage I would run it about 30 minutes every 45 days. But I digress.

WolfWhistle · 08-19-2016, 08:43 PM

The 4000 manual says to run 60 to 120 minutes once a month with as much load as possible, ideally 50 to 70%. Short run times will not get it hot enough. That way, fuel is staying fresh and oil life is prolonged. I would go by the manual that came with the unit. I like to fill the TH fuel tank with non-ethanol and use that in all my small engines. I also added Stabil last time.
WW

florabama · 08-19-2016, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by florabama

Seems excessive to me. My 11 yo Onan on the Motorhome only had 130 hours run time which averages out to about 11 hours per year. If it was in storage I would run it about 30 minutes every 45 days. But I digress.

Interesting; so you fill your mower, weedeater etc. and other tools around the house? Guess this is one way to keep the gas from getting too old sitting in the TH.

WolfWhistle · 08-20-2016, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by florabama

Interesting; so you fill your mower, weedeater etc. and other tools around the house? Guess this is one way to keep the gas from getting too old sitting in the TH.

Exactly... the fill hose is short, BTW.

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