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Figure 2.13 – Air Inlet in Vehicle Skirt
MINIMUM
CLEARANCE
1-1/2"
VEHICLE FLOOR
VEHICLE
SKIRT
AIR
INLET
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 mak-
ing 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.
2.4 GASOLINE 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 FILTERFUEL PUMP
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.
Section 2 – Installation
Recreational Vehicle Generator