Excella 500 Genset

[uwe]

I am looking for information on the gensets used in some Excella 500 models.
Does anyone have any information on these? They were apparently factory installed, with a timer control inside to turn on the genset for a preset amount of time.
Were these units fully capable of running the trailer electrics including A/C, or just for boondocking, to keep the battery charged?
Any information is much appreciated.

[thenewkid64]

Uwe,

My understanding is that they were a single cylinder propane powered 12 VDC Generator. They were used to run your 12 volt lights, etc and recharge your batteries while boondocking.

I have seen a couple of Airstream trailers that have had full blown gensets installed. They were sweet! You would HAVE TO have 40 LB tanks, but AC anywhere is a nice feature. No lugging gas, or lifting gensets in and out....

[Cedars]

Tell me about where those full size gensets were mounted, please!

Elizabeth in Iowa

[thenewkid64]

One was mounted under one of the twin beds just aft of the wheels on a 24 foot Argosy.

The other was mounted under the roadside front lounge windows on a 32 foot Airstream. It was boxed in and had an aluminum louvered door. Looked like a factory install because it was. Jackson Center did it in the service department. The interior cabinets had to be moved in a few inches but the owner is a woodworker and he did the interior work, they would not do the cabinetry. No idea on the cost.......

The thing to be aware of is that the added weight of the genset will need to be deducted from your CCC.

In the 70's the gensets for AC power were offered as an option. I don't think many were installed. I think it was Airstream's attempt to compete with the Motorhome market that was just beginning to expand. They had the Argosy line, but no Airstream Motorhome. I know it was listed in my 74 and 77 owners manuals as a possible option.

[davidz71]

PM Johnhd because a buddy of his has one in his trailer. He also posted some pictures on the forum so do a search.

[john hd]

looks something like this... http://www.airforums.com/forum...ead.php?t=4017

john

[Ga Pockets]

My 73 Excella had one, it was controled with a timer knob similar to the one on a attic fan in your home. It worked perfect and did a good job keeping batteries up. My 71 did not have one but did have an option for using your car exhaust system to burn waste from your holding tank. Part of it was still in the unit when I bought it , however complete operating instructions were in OM.

[wannabefulltime'n]

I have one from a '74 in pretty good shape with controls that I removed (I plan on using a 110V generator to run AC. If you are looking for one let me know.

[wasagachris]

do you still have the gen set for sale. I would like to restore mine but it is in bad shape.

[RickDavis]

These were propane powered 12 volt generators powered by a tecumseh engine and made by ONAN. I think they were only offered for a few years. I bought one in 73 and installed it in my 69 trailer. They had a lot of trouble with the gas regulator, making for hard starting and also valves sticking open so they wouldn't start. Apparently because of the lack of lubricant in the propane.

I would take the carb off mine and I then could see the intake valve stem. I would give it a shot of WD 40 and the valve would snap closed and then it would start.

They would supply about 20 amps DC for battery charging.

I should still have the manual. PM me and I will scan it and send a copy. May be a few days before I can find it as that trailer is not at this location

[wannabefulltime'n]

Yes, I still have the genset. Please PM me if you are interested.