If you have a Cummins Onan RV Generator, you are one lucky camper. These generators are some of the best on the market, and having a good generator makes camping comfortable and fun no matter where you may roam.
That said, as is the case with any other appliance, Cummins RV generators can develop issues over time. Luckily, most Onan RV generator issues can be resolved, and some of these problems are simple enough that the average handyman can fix them.
Below are some tips and tricks for diagnosing and repairing your Cummins RV generator. Why not dive right in and get that nifty gadget up and running once again?
Onan RV Generator Troubleshooting
The first step in fixing Onan RV generators is troubleshooting. Here are some of the things you can check on your own. Make sure to try these things before paying a professional, as this could save you quite a bit of money.
Begin by checking the fuel level. These generators pull fuel from the motorhome tank through a tube. Often, this tube is not quite long enough to pull fuel through once the tank is below ¼ tank.
If filling your tank doesn’t help, be sure to check your generator’s oil level. Onan generators for RVs have a “low oil” shutoff that could be causing problems.
Other things to try include replacing the spark plugs and filters, running carb cleaner through the system, replacing the voltage regulator slip rings, and checking the circuit breaker on the back of the unit. Checking inside the housing for rodents and bugs is always a good idea, and you may also want to check that the ground wire is still firmly connected on both ends.
Finally, many newer models of Onan diesel RV generators also have fault codes that appear on the display of the unit. If this is the case with your model, you can find the meaning of the code your display is showing by heading to this website or checking your Onan RV generator manual.
Onan RV Generator Repair
If none of the above solutions work and you aren’t great at DIY projects, it might be time to seek out a repair person. Luckily, most small engine repair shops can work on these units. Therefore, while many people prefer to visit Cummins-specific repair shops, others claim to have more budget-friendly repairs made at such places as lawn mower repair shops. If you’re tight on cash, it’s definitely worth it to check out all of your options.
Prefer to do the work yourself? YouTube is an excellent resource for learning how to make more complex repairs. Try this video to get started, and see where your search takes you.
Onan RV Generator Parts
Of course, if you’re going to fix the Onan generator in your RV on you own, you’ll need to find the right parts to do so. We’ve found that PPL Motorhomes is a great place to go for these. That said, purchasing used Onan RV generator parts from eBay is a great way to save some money, making it the ideal solution for those on a budget.
Onan RV Generator for Sale
Sometimes a generator simply cannot be repaired, or can’t be fixed for a reasonable price anyway. In these cases, purchasing a replacement generator is the best course of action. Unfortunately, replacement generators are super expensive. Therefore, we recommend that those needing a more affordable solution look for used Onan RV generators for sale.
Like the parts mentioned above, used Onan RV generators can be found on eBay. They can also be picked up from junkyards where RVs have been discarded. Other places to look include Craigslist and your local Facebook Marketplace, both of which occasionally have Onan RV generators for sale.
With a bit of digging, you should be able to find a decent deal, so you can fully enjoy camping once again.
