Fuel for Thought

Generator Breakdown

If you read my previous blogs about my generator and the installation of it, then you are aware of the time, effort and money invested in it. Trying new products, or using products in a new way, can produce great outcomes or disastrous results. Whenever attempting a project that is considered outside the norm, results matter more than if you had just done what everyone does. Throughout history, people have built on the ideas of the previous generations to improve on the product, service or idea. Even a small improvement over previous versions can spark ideas in others which, in turn, can lead to much greater results. This led me to incorporate an installed gas generator, normally found on an RV, into my needs for clean, dependable power on my truck. Following those who use or used portable gas generators on their trucks, I went one step further and mounted an installed generator, similar to the diesel version of Onan generators so many big sleeper trucks use today, only mine is gasoline.

So the new RVMP 4000i installed gasoline generator has been installed and running for weeks now. The unit has been serviced per the owner’s manual recommended intervals. Fresh oil when required. New spark plug as needed. Fuel filter replaced at the appropriate time. Cleaning of the air filter regularly. All maintenance done as scheduled to help ensure long life from the unit. There really isn’t that much maintenance compared to a Carrier APU. 

Even if you follow the manufacturers intervals for wear items, things can still go wrong. There are a lot of parts, man made parts, that can fail with or without warning, just as any mechanical product is prone to doing. 

Well, I can report, no such issues have occurred with my generator. It has run smoothly since the first time I pushed the button to start it.

Here is the current breakdown:

405 hours

67.495 gallons of gasoline

0.166 gallons of gas used per hour (that is 0.166, much less fuel used when compared to the Carrier APU)

4 oil changes (initial break in and 3 routine)

2 spark plug changes (PM schedule is 250 hrs, but I replaced it at each 200 hr mark)

1 fuel filter change

4 air filter cleanings (at each PM service)

4 cleaning of the unit (at each PM service)

If I am going to have a generator breakdown, this is the only kind I want to have… a breakdown of the cost to use it and the maintenance performed to keep it running trouble free for a long time. Regular, routine maintenance of any equipment can help ensure that you get the maximum useful life from your investment. 

So far, this unit has been reliable, quiet, and fuel efficient. I expect to get many hours of use from it in the future. This unit has been well worth the investment.

Success is the sum of small efforts - repeated day in and day out. 

- Robert Collier

See you down the road,

Greg