Installing a 4kw Onan

Blktegra · 06-11-2017, 12:15 AM

My 275ulsbs came with a gene rack on the tongue but obviously no gene. I've been running a small Kipor inverter which I really like to power the hauler. My neighbor owes me a couple hundred bucks and has a running 4K onan unit from an old winnie which he wants to give me to even up the score. I know it runs and makes 120 single phase and he has the remote control panel. I am unsure how to hook it into my unit and even more concerned to the fact that I think it's loud. I currently run the power cord and chain my inverter to the rear wheel of my tv and never notice the gene running. I'm concerned the onan mounted on the tongue rack is going to be downright noisy and vibrate the hell out of my hauler, especially since the master bed is right there. On the plus side the heavy onan mounted up front will give me some more tongue weight which is an argument for another day. Fuel tank for the onan is not an issue. I'm sure I'm missing a transfer switch but i though I could just put a receptacle right on the unit and run my power cord to it and still have the remote control panel inside the hauler. Any thoughts or better ideas?

See you under the awning!

SeaDog · 06-11-2017, 08:48 AM

It sounds to me like you are trading something you are very unsure of for something that works. Weight is not your friend with RVs

Blktegra · 06-13-2017, 07:00 AM

In the case with this trailer that is always tongue light weight up front is my friend. With my 1000 lb rzr in the garage my tongue weight goes from 900 to 600 lbs with water on board trailer weighs almost 10,000. Do the math tongue weight is way off. WP claims garage is good for 1,500 lbs I don't see how. The sliding door only lets the machine go so far forward in the garage, leaving it a few feet behind the axles. The tag on trailer states tongue weight is 1,200 dry, an "engineer" at WP told me it's intended to have the onan gene on the gene rack to aid in tongue weight.

drittal · 06-16-2017, 05:26 PM

I have the factory installed 4K Onan, it is not nearly as quiet as my father's little Honda 1k or even his Honda 3k inverter.

I don't know your set up or layout. I have front bathroom and living area is behind it and kitchen is next. If your bedroom is up front and are looking to watch tv in bed it would be annoying IMO.

The tongue weight issue is a good point. My FBW has a ton of it and I can load whatever I want in the back, but I tow with a 3500 and don't worry much about excessive TW.

drittal · 06-16-2017, 08:35 PM

I will add that a small gen/inverter like the 1k won't run the AC and I don't think it will run the Microwave.

I should start packing the little 1k as all I use my Onan for most days is to brew a pot of coffee in the morning, letting the girls watch a movie in the evening now and then, or when momma is warming a pre-prepared meal in the microwave.

RVTHERE · 07-18-2017, 09:19 AM

I installed a 4k onan in our 25wab. We did have the Gen ready package. I insulated the inside with foam insulation from Home Depot. And I put a muffler on it. Once all enclosed. It's no so bad. If you need help with install call Cummins Northwest in Renton and I'll help you. I work for Cummins/ onan.

jaherbst · 07-18-2017, 04:59 PM

I have the 4K Onan in my 25WAB and like it. Have spent several nights in it with the Gen and AC running all night. Very little noise inside.

Mine came with Gen pre package and dealer installed new 4K Onan before delivery. Beats the heck out of a portable any day. I know, I used to have one.

Jack

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