The vibration problem that was my original concern, has become reality. As stated in earlier posts, the engine and generator are on a rubber mount inside the housing. After early signs of vibration from road, I did as gregg suggested and put some donut rings on the mounts that hold it on truck frame. I am now reporting that after 37,000 truck miles and 560 hours of generator running, this thing is all shook up. Still runs great and does what a generator is supposed to. I have averaged a fuel consumption of around .40 gallons per hour. I believe the heat and engine block heater pulls more than the AC.
Lately, I have noticed a different sound coming from unit. Couldn't really pin point it, but started seeing smoke (exhaust fumes) coming from area of muffler cover. I really couldn't see enough to determine cause, so I took unit off truck and removed outside housing. The problem was pretty easy to find. It was the muffler. The pipe coming out of muffler had broke loose all the way around the muffler. This is the inlet pipe coming from exhaust manifold. My plans are to replace muffler with an external one. The exaust pipe even has a flexible joint for vibration. The muffler is even shock mounted also. My fuel pump bracket is cracked, there were 2 heat sheilds that had stress cracks at the bolt holes. Another sheild and some covers all have cracks, broke off ears or signs of stress. This thing is being vibrated to shambles.
My thinking is this. Unit was not designed for this type of use. While the unit continues to produce electricity economically for my comfort, it is not going to last. There are some components that are made out of hefty materials, but mounted to paper thin bracing or supports. My initial concerns were of the performance stand point. Like, would unit be able to make extended run periods with no problems. It has passed the test with flying colors. I know it has run for at least 38 hours with no stopping. Very easy on fuel, still uses no oil between 100 hour changes. Only failure to date is the low oil pressure cutoff sensor went bad. If it gets to where it is falling apart and won't run because of it, I am not sure I will go back with another like it. At this point, I am still glad I went this road, but 37000 miles isn't alot of miles on the truck, but it is taking it's toll on this China made generator. Putting a shock mount here and there is one thing. But I can't shock mount everything on it. My belief is that the materials used to construct it are not heavy enough for what I want to use it for. I thought maybe another brand would be different. But after looking, if it is made in China, they all come from same company. Ha! This is no joke! Every brand has the very exact same replacement parts. Crazy.
Just thought I would update this post so if somebody goes looking for a post of this type, they will have my results with using a non APU type generator in the name of saving big bucks.
Also, I have seen where this same type generator is now available as an APU. Only one company in USA has it that I know of and it is $1800. All it does is produce electricty. You furnish heat and AC. I would love to see how it is built if any different from mine.
