Cruisers Forum
Main Forum => General Discussion => Topic started by: CDWall on February 22, 2024, 07:49:05 am
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As I have stated in other threads, I'm sick to death of the never ending problems with my Onan generator. I'm done with it. I found this alternative and that looks really good on paper. I'm wondering what you guys think of it. It's $3,700.
https://apelectric.com/content/PDF/RVMP/rvmp_4000i_spec_sheet.pdf
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This is very interesting.
For reference, here is the data straight from RVMP's website.
https://rvmp.co/products/flex-power-4000i-rv-generator (https://rvmp.co/products/flex-power-4000i-rv-generator)
My biggest complaint with our Onan is "operational noise." I was hoping RVMP emphasized "quiet operation". At the very bottom of their comparison chart, they state a 30% reduction in noise at half load compared to Onan which is an improvement, but not enough to justify a change. If they claimed it ran as quiet as a Honda, I would yank our Onan in a heart beat.
I could not find where the RVMP generator is manufactured. It would be disappointing if it was not made in the USA. Is RVMP itself a USA company?
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Interesting unit. I hadn't run across them, though they've been available for a couple years. Looks like their efficiency improvement, reduced fuel usage, and "quieter operation" comes primarily from a significant reduction in the engine size--about 30% smaller than the Onan 4000.
Because they incorporate an inverter unit, in addition to lower harmonic distortion they can run at variable RPM (2200-3600) for lighter loads as opposed to the constant 3600 of the Onan. That should help the noise environment as well. That also allows them to energize the main generator to start the engine rather than needing a separate starter motor.
This is overall an advanced design incorporating newer technology over the venerable Onan 4000 RV generator. Based on advertised price, they've done it at a cost lower than the Onan. I think about the only thing remaining to assess is long-term reliability, and that is just going to require time to see how well they hold up.
Mike
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Thanks for looking and the insight. I'm going to keep checking around to see how people are liking it. It's amazing to me that there haven't been any reasonable alternatives to those horrible Onan"microquiet" generators in the 20 years I've had motorhomes. This last one has been way more problematic than the one in my first MH but at the best they're loud and seem outdated.
I'm not sophisticated enough in the language to tell if this Flexpower can be wired into the coach so it can be started from the inside like my Onan? I assume it can.
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I'm not sophisticated enough in the language to tell if this Flexpower can be wired into the coach so it can be started from the inside like my Onan? I assume it can.
Yes, they have a remote start kit that is essentially just like the Onan remote start panel. According to their data, they have incorporated the "prime" function into their start process, so even though they have a "Prime" button, you normally don't need to use it when starting--just push the start and it will automatically prime then start. The rest of the panel is pretty much like Onan's--gives the hour meter reading, and reports error codes if required. It also evidently provides maintenance reminders for oil changes, air and fuel filter replacement, etc, at the required intervals.
Mike
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I'm not sophisticated enough in the language to tell if this Flexpower can be wired into the coach so it can be started from the inside like my Onan? I assume it can.
Yes, they have a remote start kit that is essentially just like the Onan remote start panel. According to their data, they have incorporated the "prime" function into their start process, so even though they have a "Prime" button, you normally don't need to use it when starting--just push the start and it will automatically prime then start. The rest of the panel is pretty much like Onan's--gives the hour meter reading, and reports error codes if required. It also evidently provides maintenance reminders for oil changes, air and fuel filter replacement, etc, at the required intervals.
Mike
Cool. Thanks so much!