Onan/Cummins QG 2800i Generator

Product page: https://www.cummins.com/generators/onan-qg-2800i 

This is the standard generator that comes with the Solis 59PX. It can provide a maximum of 2800Watts of power. When running the generator provides 120v power to the Solis and is essentially like plugging the Solis into shore power.

Use and tips #

Starting #

On the control panel above the rear jump seats there is an on/off switch for the generator. It is suggested to start the generator, hold the button off for 5 seconds, which primes the generator and then push to the on position until the generator has started.

Once started, there is an approx 3-5min delay/warm up period before the generator actually starts to supply 120v to the Solis.

Stopping #

Simply hold down the rocker switch in the off position until the generator stops.

Miscelanious tips/info #

• The generator is a gas generator and utilizes the main chassis 24gallon fuel tank. It is designed to stop runnning or not start when the main fual tank drops below 1/3 of a tank.
• The generator and AC can run while the chassis engine is running, they are independant.
• There are numerous mentions of the generator being so quiet it can be run even when camping areas have quite times. This is not the case, just a sales ploy.
• The generator is under the vehicle, it is design to get wet. It is NOT designed to be submerged, especially when running.
• The generator has error codes! If for some reason the generator has any issues, if you look at the generator from behind the van you will see a blinking light. The two digit pattern repeats, a quick online search will show the error codes and what they mean. If you can’t find your code, you may have to reverse the pattern. e.g. If the light blinks * * * _ _ * * * * * * * the code should be 3-7, but might be 7-3

Maintenance #

Monthly 1 hourRun #

The generator is supposed to be run monthly for a minimum of 1 hr under light load and then at least 30min of heavy load. Light load is fairly automatic as charging the 12v battery bank automatically happens when the generator is running. The heavy load can be the AC unit, an electric heater or anything that users 1400 Watts or more.

20hr Oil change #

After approx 20hrs of use, the generator needs its first oil change. Changing the oil is fairly simple and can be done in as little as 30min. The oil shouldn’t have to be changed again until approx 160hrs of use.

Issues and Complaints #

• AC unit runs off generator for 5min and stops
  • The AC unit is drawing too much power when the compressor kicks in. Typically an AC hard or soft start unit will need to be installed.
• Generator isn’t supplying power
  • After the generator starts, it takes a few minutes to supply power, be patient.
• Generator stops when the AC is running and I run the microwave, blow drier or air fryer.
  • The generator provides 2800W at peak. AC uses approx 2000-2300w at any given time. Running a 700w microwave is too much for the generator.
• Generator is leaking gas everywhere when we start it.
  • The fuel hose clamps are known to dislodge. The simple fix is to replace the clamps with screw tight hose clamps instead of the stock pressure fitting ones.