generator radiator protection?

[petrel]

Ok, another confession here. I have an intimate knowledge of everything between the front drive axle and the oil pan on my Renegade. However, yesterday was the first time I managed to slither under the rear end of the rig. I was just exploring, trying to learn the location of some stuff, and inspecting some axle work that was done for me.

While under there, I noticed that my generator radiator faces straight down. Furthermore, it is completely unprotected and located directly behind the drivers side mud flap. Granted, it is recessed a few inches, but it looks sort of vulnerable there.

Is some sort of rock guard necessary? I have read that I can expect some rough roads on my upcoming AK trip, so I am a bit concerned. I called Renegade about it, and the representative on the phone had no recollection of ever having fabricated any sort of guard. Maybe I'm just paranoid?

[jasong]

One can never be too careful.
I would use a piece of expanded metal attached to a flat stock frame.

[bushpilot]

while i don't travel many gravel roads, I've thought about the issue myself & considered adding some expanded metal.

Our coach doesnt even have mudflats.

With over 130k miles on our coach it hasn't been an issue.

[petrel]

An expanded metal grate does seem to be in order. If it weren't for the threat of of occasional gravel roads on my trip, I would not give it a second thought.

The fact that there isn't any aftermarket product or option from Onan or Renegade, that I can find, may indicate that I am overthinking it.

[samcrimm]

Mine is aft facing and sits straight up, if a rock did get up there it would hit the squirrel cage fan first.

Sam

[Gordy]

I just built a screen for mine the other week. I figure since I have screens on the engine radiator (for the small gravel) why not on the gen too. Built a frame and installed a piece of 3/4 square and 1/2 inch screen between the two frames and screwed it to the underside framework. Sorry no pics, too close to the ground lol.

[petrel]

If I don't run out of time, I think a screen is in order...Thanks

[petrel]

Well, I never got the screen fabricated. Fortunately, rocks haven't caused a problem yet.

Unfortunately, I did manage to "drown" the generator in a tremendous thunderstorm between Saskatoon, SK and Edmonton, AB. A new stator, air filter, fuel pump and fuel filter later, we were back on the road. I can't say enough good things about the excellent staff at Cummins of Western Canada in Edmonton.

The inverter and roof fans are really getting a workout now. We are being very careful not to run the generator in the rain or on dusty roads anymore.

[bushpilot]

Did the generator get submerged?

I've run ours in the rain plenty of times...while driving or stationary.
if the stator windings get wet (and the coating comes off) youre gonna be screwed even if the generator ISN'T running.

[petrel]

It appears that the stator winding coating had failed.

We were in an epic thunderstorm when we hit road construction. Water accumulated in the old road, held there by the newly paved lane next to it.

Although the truck handled the deep water fine, the water shorted out the genset, the coach step, one side light, and flooded two storage bays!

[bushpilot]

BUMMER! sorry to hear that.

Where on your coach is the generator located?
I know our ours its close to 14 inches off the ground.

[jasong]

Wow, that was some rain storm.
Hopefully your insurance covered it.

[bushpilot]

Originally Posted by bushpilot

BUMMER! sorry to hear that.

Where on your coach is the generator located?
I know our ours its close to 14 inches off the ground.

i should add, ours is behind the rear wheels, radiator & stator closest to the wheels.

[petrel]

The generator is directly behind the the rear tandems on the drivers side.
I have submitted the claim to my insurance. I haven't heard the verdict yet.

[petrel]

Originally Posted by jasong

Wow, that was some rain storm.
Hopefully your insurance covered it.

It caught us on the prairie. Must have driven in it for over two hours. I don't think I've ever seen a thunderstorm that big.

[petrel]

if I were headed somewhere remote/rough again, I'd really want to relocate the generator air intake too.