Section 2 – Installation

Recreational Vehicle Generator

Figure 2.13 – Air Inlet in Vehicle Skirt

 

 

 

 

 

VEHICLE FLOOR

 

VEHICLE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SKIRT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AIR

INLET

MINIMUM

CLEARANCE

1-1/2"

‹2.3.3 COMPENSATING FOR RESTRICTIONS

Such materials as screening, louvers or expanded metal can restrict the free flow of air. Compensate for this restriction by making the actual air opening proportionately larger.

Some materials may offer only a 60 percent “free air inlet area.” Other more efficient materials may provide up to a 90 percent free air inlet area. The percentage of free air inlet opening is usually available from the material supplier or manufacturer.

To determine the actual air inlet opening size required, divide 100 square inches by the percentage of free air inlet area for the material being used.

For example: If planning to use screening with an 80 percent free air inlet area, divide 100 by 0.8, which results in 125 square inches. Minimum actual size of air inlet opening in this case is 125 square inches.

‹2.3.4 TESTING THE INSTALLATION

The manufacturer recommends testing the installation to be sure adequate cooling airflow is available to the unit before placing the unit into service. If the unit shows signs of overheating, enlarge the air openings. Never place a unit into service until absolutely certain that cooling and ventilation is adequate.

NOTE:

The installation must be tested, especially if air is brought in from below the generator set.

2.4GASOLINE FUEL SYSTEM

The installation of a gasoline fuel system (Figure 2.14) for a recreational vehicle generator set must comply with applicable codes, standards and regulations. The entire fuel system must be completely free of leaks. There must be no possibility of gasoline vapors entering the vehicle interior.

Figure 2.14 – Generator Fuel System

FUEL LINE

FUEL PUMP

FUEL FILTER

DANGER

Gasoline is highly flammable, and its vapors are explosive. Comply with all codes, standards and regulations pertaining to gasoline fuel systems used in recreational vehicle generators. Properly install and maintain the fuel system and keep it entirely free of leaks. Gasoline vapors must not enter the vehicle interior.

Factory installed generator fuel system components include (a) fuel filter, (b) 12-volt DC electric pump, (c) engine carburetor, and

(d)interconnecting lines and fittings. Connect a fuel supply line to the fuel filter inlet. Use a flexible length of approved fuel hose between the fuel filter inlet connection and rigid fuel lines.

‹2.4.1 FUEL TANK

Either the generator must share the vehicle engine's fuel tank, or a separate fuel tank must be installed for the generator set. All fuel tanks installed on the vehicle must be constructed, installed and restrained so they comply with applicable codes, standards and regulations. The generator has an evaporative emissions port to evacuate accumulated gasoline vapors when necessary.

If the generator is to share the vehicle engine's tank, separate fuel pickup tubes are required for the engine and the generator. The manufacturer recommends that the fuel pickup tube be two to three inches (51 to 76 mm) shorter than the vehicle engine's pickup tube. This prevents the generator from depleting the entire fuel supply during prolonged generator operating periods.

Do NOT tie the generator fuel supply line into the vehicle engine fuel supply line. If this is done, the generator will be starved of fuel when both engines are operating at the same time. Also, while the vehicle engine is not run- ning, generator operation may drain the vehicle engine supply line, making it difficult to start the vehicle engine.

Gasoline generators are equipped with an evaporative emissions vacuum port that may be used in conjunction with a certified fuel system where required by law.

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