I am not a fultimer. I do have an onboard Onan 5500 lp genset. Onboard genset is all about push button convenience. If I want electric I simply push a button and Wa-lah it's there.
There is never any setup, nothing to carry, no gas cans,nothing to worry about or fuss with.
Because the genset provides push button electric you can use it for small things.
Stop for lunch you can use A/C and microwave.
Want stop at Cracker Barrel for breakfast and leave dog in RV with A/C on ...push the button. Walmart overnight in 90ยบ weather..push the button. Stop over at a friends house and just want to park in their driveway or yard. Push the button.
Arrive at the CG too soon and want to wait it out until check in time. Push the button.
Onboard is all about convenience #1, Flexibility #2, Options #3.
Portables may accomplish reasons 2 and 3. But they will never be as convenient.
With an onboard genset you are always 100% self contained.
Pull off the road into any makeshift area and you can have a fully functioning RV. Fully functioning means both A/C units, microwave, whatever you need.
Did I mention, Have a flat or need to make a repair and need power tools...push that button.
Having instant power means no planning, no lugging, no lifting, no preparation.
Just push the button.
Yes the onboard option is the most expensive way to go, I had an elaborate semi permanent set up using a portable mounted genset on a rear platform, that worked well and was almost as convenient. But I still had to deal with gas cans and cords.
Push button convenience allows me to maximise my genset usage and gives me lots of options. Now all I do is push the button.
