A generator that won’t start on a service truck or an RV is a very expensive silence. Ames Hydraulics does truck generator repair and camper generator repair for Onan, Kohler, Cummins, and other engine-driven generators across central Iowa. We work on the engine side, the generator side, and the mounts and enclosures that hold the unit to the truck or the RV. Free pickup within 60 miles of Ames.
Why “Truck Generator Repair” Fits This Shop
A generator is a small engine turning an electrical generator — and both are things this shop works on constantly. The reason our truck generator repair is fast is that we’re already set up for it: small-engine diagnostics for the engine side, electrical testing for the generator side, and a welding shop that can fix the mounts and skids and enclosures when they crack. Most generator issues are engine issues (fuel, spark, carburetor, fuel-injection), and we chase those first.
Common Failures
- Won’t start — fuel, spark, carburetor, or fuel-injection issues; often a stale-fuel problem after a season of sitting
- Starts but shuts down — low oil, overheat, or fuel-supply problems
- Starts but won’t make power — generator-side issue: brushes, AVR, connections
- Overheating or blowing oil — engine rings, valves, or cooling
- Fuel and exhaust leaks — both safety issues on a mounted unit
- Cracked mounts, brackets, and skids — welded and reinforced
Onan, Kohler, Cummins, Generac, and More
The brand on the sticker doesn’t change the diagnosis much. Onan and Kohler generators dominate RVs and service trucks, Cummins Onan units are common on work trucks and larger RVs, and Generac shows up on shop-installed units. We work on all of them. Bring us the unit and the model tag and we’ll tell you what your options are. Camper generator repair on Onan MicroLite, MicroQuiet, and RV QG units is one of the most common jobs of the season, especially after spring startup.
Spring Startup — the Season for Generator Repair
Most of the truck generator repair we do on RV and camper generators is in April and May, when owners pull the rig out of storage and find the generator won’t run. Old fuel, gummed carburetors, and stale batteries do most of the damage. Bring it in before your trip — we can service the fuel system, check the carburetor, replace filters, and hand you a running unit before you leave. Trying to fix it at a campsite is not the plan.
Welding and Fabrication on Mounts
Truck-mounted generators live rough — potholes, road vibration, and years of use crack the skid, the bracket, or the enclosure. We weld and reinforce those in the same visit as the engine work so you leave with a unit that’s ready to run and ready to stay mounted.
Free Pickup Within 60 Miles
If the generator is bolted to a truck or RV that’s a pain to move, we’ll come get it — free within 60 miles of Ames. Text a photo and the model tag to 515-292-2599 and we’ll tell you the same day what your truck generator repair needs and roughly what it will cost.
Get the Generator Making Power
See our full hydraulic repair, welding & fabrication, and trailer repair services. Call or text 515-292-2599 or bring it to 210 Freel Dr in Ames. Open Monday through Friday, 7AM to 5PM.
Service-Truck and Utility Fleets
A large share of our truck generator repair customers run service trucks, utility trucks, and mechanic trucks with mounted Onan or Miller welder-generators, plus lube trucks and bucket trucks with dedicated generator sets. The generator is a small percentage of the vehicle’s value but a hundred percent of its ability to earn on a job. When one is down, we prioritize the visit and turn it fast. Fleet managers can schedule PMs with us in batches on a rotation and we’ll roll them through in order.
Free Pickup Within 60 Miles
If the truck can be driven or trailered, bring it. If it can’t, we’ll come get it — free within 60 miles of Ames. On camper generators, most owners drop the RV to us, but if you want us to come pull the unit at your storage, we can quote that too. Text a photo of the unit and its tag to 515-292-2599 and we’ll tell you the same day what your truck generator repair needs and roughly what it will cost.
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Written by Josiah Ragsdale
Owner, Ames Hydraulics — Ames, Iowa
Josiah owns and operates Ames Hydraulics. He has worked on hydraulic and heavy equipment since he was 18, and every hydraulic cylinder his shop rebuilds is pressure tested before it ships back to the customer. More about Josiah →
Got something broken? Call or text 515-292-2599