Planning Ahead: What the Cummins Revolution Generator Transition Means for You
At Frazer, we know that reliable mobile power is the heartbeat of your emergency response vehicles. You depend on your onboard generator to run critical medical equipment, climate control, and essential lighting. With that in mind, we want to share a crucial update regarding vehicles equipped with the Cummins Onan 5.5kW generator, and help you navigate what this means for your fleet.
Recently, Cummins announced the discontinuation of the legacy Onan 5.5kW generator. Moving forward, the new Onan 7.0kW Revolution generator will be the replacement for all future applications.
If It’s Running Well, Stay the Course
The good news? If your current 5.5kW generator is operating properly, no immediate action is required. We encourage customers to continue using their existing generators. Routine maintenance, replacement parts, and dedicated service support should remain available, depending on supplier inventory and vehicle needs.
The Importance of Proactive Planning
Why share this update now? In fleet management, planning ahead can help prepare for potential costs and downtime.
Cummins Onan has informed Frazer that new 5.5kW replacement units are no longer available. While used units occasionally surface, the secondary market is unpredictable and not a dependable long-term solution. If a major, irreparable failure occurs, the primary path forward may involve upgrading to the 7.0kW Revolution generator.
What to Expect from a 7.0kW Retrofit
It is vital to understand that the 7.0kW Revolution is not a direct, drop-in replacement for the 5.5kW platform. Vehicles originally built around the 5.5kW footprint will require specific modifications before the new system can be installed. This retrofit process may include updates to:
- Compartment Dimensions: Ensuring the physical space accommodates the new unit.
- Airflow Management: Updating ventilation for the 7.0kW system’s cooling demands.
- Exhaust Routing: Safely redirecting emissions based on the new design.
- Electrical Systems: Adapting wiring to integrate smoothly.
- Mounting Hardware: Securing the generator’s updated structural footprint.
Furthermore, based on the specifications provided, the generators are not cross-compatible. Reverting after modification may require additional structural changes.
Building Your Transition Strategy
We encourage you to factor in several key elements when planning for a future replacement:
- Costs: Budgeting for the new 7.0kW unit and retrofit materials.
- Shipping: Factoring in logistics and delivery times for heavy equipment.
- Labor: Accounting for specialized technician hours for structural and electrical modifications.
- Downtime: Planning for the operational impact of having a unit out of service.
We Are Here to Help
Our objective is not to create a false sense of urgency, but to empower you to make informed decisions and avoid costly surprises. While this transition is driven by a supplier change, Frazer’s commitment to supporting you throughout the life of your vehicles remains unwavering.
If you want to discuss your specific vehicle configurations or build a practical, long-term plan, our Service Team is here to assist.
Contact the Frazer Service Team today at [email protected] or 888-372-9371. We are dedicated to helping you keep your fleet ready for whatever comes next.
