Tap's 1981 280 Motorhome (Purchased January 2016)

[The Colonel]

I'm not the expert here, but I would say replace with same amperage as what you currently have. That's what I did. In doubt, call PD and talk with them.

[bkahler]

The main thing to be concerned with when up sizing your charging system is wire size. Going from 45 amps to 60 amps could very possibly require a larger wire from the charger to the battery and from the charger to ground.

Brad

[Vycan]

Consider an inverter charger, if you plan to boondocking some day.

[Tap]

Thanks for the helpful info guys.

Vycan what inverter equipment would you recommend? I definitely want to do boondocking.

And do I add an inverter in addition to the converter? Or does the inverter go in place of the converter?

[Isuzusweet]

Originally Posted by Tap

Thanks for the helpful info guys.

Vycan what inverter equipment would you recommend? I definitely want to do boondocking.

And do I add an inverter in addition to the converter? Or does the inverter go in place of the converter?

Two different animals mon ami; a converter converts 120v into 12v when you plug into shore power or turn on a generator; an inverter transforms 12v into 120v. Now understand that it takes a huge amount of battery storage to power 120v items for any length of time, so using a microwave will drain the batteries in pretty short order.

Also consider what type of inverter you wish to buy as not all are created equal and the rule "you get what you pay for" generally applies. A true or pure sine wave inverter is the best, but pricey; modified sine wave inverters are okay for most non electronic items and cheaper; the cheapest square wave inverters are a no go for anything electronic.

Yes, you can purchase hybrid converter/ inverter units, but I'd personally stay away from these as they are crazy expensive and if one side or the other goes cablooey, you've lost the whole kit and caboodle.

I went with a Progressive Dynamic converter with the charge wizard.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-PROGRESS...item25d1084078

I have the generator for 120v

as opposed to

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Magnum-Hybrid...item3d28154aa5

Cheers
Tony

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by bkahler

The main thing to be concerned with when up sizing your charging system is wire size. Going from 45 amps to 60 amps could very possibly require a larger wire from the charger to the battery and from the charger to ground.

Brad

You are right Brad, always better safe than sorry.
All the old converters I have pulled out of the Motorhomes were either 50 or 55 amps. When I looked into replacing those, I was told not to go smaller, but its ok to go a little bigger. That is why I have used 60 amp converters and never had an issue.

[Vycan]

Inverter charger is one box that does both.

Magnum is what I have: http://www.magnum-dimensions.com/pro...ger-msh-series

Victron is another option, with a better and more detailed user interface: https://www.victronenergy.com/inverters-chargers

I can show you what I did at the meet up if you're not in a rush.

I also have my old charger if interested.

[Boom Sounds]

If you install an inverter, make sure you understand about current and wire sizes, plus how long it takes to flatten your batteries.


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[kyote]

Pulled out the 70amp converter (damn that thing was heavy!), and replaced with 70amp PD with charge wizard.

[Tap]

Thanks guys.

Next question....

My generator is an "Onan 4.0 RV Genset" (418fa-4r-160040)

It needs a Carb Rebuild Kit.

Anyone know where I can get one for that specific generator?

Any of you guys have that same exact generator?

Any chance it could be found locally or on Amazon so that I can get it replaced ASAP?

[mayco]

Ive gotten a few parts for my Onan off of Amazon. Set of points and filters, give it a try.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Tap

Thanks guys.

Next question....

My generator is an "Onan 4.0 RV Genset" (418fa-4r-160040)

It needs a Carb Rebuild Kit.

Anyone know where I can get one for that specific generator?

Any of you guys have that same exact generator?

Any chance it could be found locally or on Amazon so that I can get it replaced ASAP?

Take a closer look at the model and serial number on your generator. Here's a link to a 4.0 BFA series 16004 genset.

If it doesn't match your generator here's another link to other Onan manuals.


Brad

[Vycan]

Onan was purchased by cummins. Any cummins dealer should have parts for it. Cummins power clubs have the most knowledgeable techs for Onan generators. You get what you pay for though, they are expensive. If you feel like tackling it yourself, just use parts department.

Is it propane or gasoline?

[Gregsch]

Tap, Not sure if you have the exact same genset that I have. Mine is a BFA 4000. I had a terrible time finding parts for mine. There were two different carbs used on these gensets. I was never able to find a carb rebuild kit for the one I have. I found a carb kit for the other model (I still have it If it would fit yours). I finally stumbled into a new carb on ebay for $300. (made in japan just a couple years ago) I put it on and without even adjusting it, it ran perfectly. These old flatheads are pretty noisey by todays standards but, if you have good compression it may be worth it to fix it. They are known to last a long time.

[Tap]

Guys, when I had a new windshield put in a year ago, they used some black sealant in a caulk tube to seal around the edges.

Well it leaks at the top still. What would you say that black stuff is so that I can buy more, or what would you recommend that does the best job?

[mayco]

Tap, I would call the installer and ask what they use. I think there are several of us that would like to know.

Mike

[bkahler]

I would also suggest calling the installers and tell them you're having leaks and ask if they shouldn't cover that under warranty.

However before you do that you might want to verify the leaks aren't coming from the marker lights up top.

Brad

[Tap]

They said that there is no warranty since I didn't buy the glass through them. I only had them install it.

Well I didn't buy it through them because I needed the very specific Airstream Classic Motorhome windshield and they don't carry those.

[Tap]

Well I called them and they said that they use this, "3M Windoweld 08609" so I went to an auto parts store and bought it:

[Vycan]

Tap,

Any luck with the carb?

Did you want my old charger?