Generator installation

[Wildman304steven]

I want to install a 7.5dkd gen in an in closed compartment. And I was wondering if anyone has any ideas where to place the vents for cooling and how to keep the road spray and dirt out and also what size should the cutouts be

[bushpilot]

our Onan QD10 (kw) is pretty much exposed to the elements, its behind a close (basement) door but the bottom of the generator (radiator) is pretty much exposed (except for some cross braces and the factory (generator) enclosure....in over 150k miles we've not had an issue w/ road spray or dirt (dust).

[Wildman304steven]

Thanks a lot and I don't know how much difference but these dkd doesn't have an enclosure

[bushpilot]

Ive seen installations where they ADDED some expanded metal UNDER the unit, I've been thinking of welding up some myself, just to add some additional protection from rocks or road debris.

our Gen is on the drivers side just behind the wheels/tires....i bet if a tire ever blew i would end up w/ damage to the generator too.

[Wildman304steven]

I'm going to try my luck at building me a truck if I live long enough. Some of these guys talking about years. I was hoping to get it finished through the winter. Anyway I've been buying parts to put it together and now I'm to gather information from others that have already been there and done that. I'm going to try and get it in the shop and put air ride on it . Before I start though I'm trying to up the horse power on a dt466e from 210 to around 300. By the time I get finished I could have got a new Pete.

[kulas44]

JMO, put the time and money into a HDT. You're not gonna like that MDT after using it awhile. The DT466 is a good engine, if you dont mind leaking cylinder o'rings and injectors. It will run forever at 210 hp, 300 would be ok, however, the transmission is probably not rated for it. The chassis will be loaded closer to max than an HDT, meaning not as much breaking power and the lack of a "real" jake break becomes a big deal. Lots of folks have built on a MDT chassis and been dissapointed. I've not heard of anyone building an HDT that thought they needed more power, breaking, or load carrying ability. YMMV

[Bob86ZZ4]

I second what Kulus said.

[hot rod]

Thirds on that. I wish I'd built on an HDT in the first place instead of my Topkick. Now I'm trying to decide if I can get motivated to start over.