My 2019 Montana High Country 5er came without a generator. There is space in the front storage for one of those Cummins Onan RV Generators, which right now, works as a great space to haul fire wood. I'm seriously considering getting a generator, in preparation for On-the-road full timing in the next 21 months. Right now, I'm preparing EVERYTHING to make that happen. I believe in being prepared, and the idea of finding ourselves in a boondocking situation is a real possibility. Face it, my wife likes electricity. So, a generator is on the horizon. So, I'm tossing a few questions out there, and of course, in the end, the decision will be mine. But maybe your experiences will give me things to think about.So...for starters?1. Does anyone have one of the Cummins generators. If so, was it worth the $4000 price tag.2. What's your preference? Gas, diesel, or propane run? I like the idea of the propane run version, and not having to deal with gas cans and such. Thoughts here please?3. If you have a generator and not the on-board Cummins version, (more like the Honda version), what should you look for when making a choice. My 5er is 50 amp, has 2 air conditioners and a residential refrigerator. I have run on 30 amp hook-ups with no issues, just have to revert back to the former 30 amp days and monitor power management. 4. Do these generators support a 50 amp RV? Or are they 30 amp?5. I don't understand using Honda style generators in "parallel", using more than one at a time. Why do you do this? 6. If you currently have a generator, and use it consistently, why did you pick the brand, size, style you did?7. At this point in time, price is not an issue. It might be when it comes down to the actual purchase, but not right now.8. Anything else I need to consider when purchasing a generator, other than "theft" for the portable units?Any input, greatly appreciated.Thanks.

I have an Onan 4k genset. Onans are pretty good units. It is in MH. It is a gas rig with only one AC units on 30 amp system.However, for a trailer I would think about a portable genset in the TV.

Using two Hondas is easier on the back than one big unit.Tell us what you want to run with the generator. Multiple ACs? Is your refrigerator able to run on propane?

I read lots of posts that running the air conditioner will use a lot of propane. Think about petrol if you plan to run the air much. Make sure you are pricing the right Onan size if you expect to run 2x A/C + microwave, fridge etc.I primarily use solar. If I want air I am looking for utility power. I carry a small portable propane generator if I get in a pinch with no sun. Too small to run the air. Residential fridge would need a large solar array or supplement with small generator.Running a pair of Hondas is just a matter of connecting the parallel cables and pulling the rope. With Honda you can also get an extended run fuel tank.

We just use a portable gen set5. I don't understand using Honda style generators in "parallel", using more than one at a time. Why do you do this?It is done to increase the power output of the generators. Chaining two 2 KW gens together will give something around 3.5 KW +/-. This is done using a parallel kit which is just some wiring and plugs. Not only Honda/Yamaha gens can do this other companies also make gens that can do it. Champion for one. The usual reason it is done is to run the a/c for which 2 KW is marginal.6. If you currently have a generator, and use it consistently, why did you pick the brand, size, style you did?We have a Champion 3500/4000 inverter gen. We bought it since it is: quiet as a Honda, costs about 1/4 of what a Honda does, has run flawlessly for a year for us. Starts on the first pull most of the time.7. At this point in time, price is not an issue. It might be when it comes down to the actual purchase, but not right now.8. Anything else I need to consider when purchasing a generator, other than "theft" for the portable units?Number one get an inverter generator (they make pure sine wave power), non inverter gens can sometimes damage electronics, some electronics refuse to operate on that power. I have a battery backup that refuses to use that kind of power for example. And they don't conserve gas the way an inverter gen does.as for security: Well we have one of those wire rack platforms hanging off the rear hitch receiver. I got a substantial chain (probably 1/4 or 5/16 inch links) and chain the generator and the 5 gallon gas can to the trailer. If someone wants to swipe it it will take much more than a small set of bolt cutters. If you use a cable then that small bolt cutter will cut that cable. That being said we have never had anything stolen in 25 years of camping. But we do not camp near major cities, period.A prime consideration IMO is getting good batteries, we bought a set of 2 Trojan 6V golf cart batteries, wired in parallel to give 12V, that gives you more amp hours of power than a 12V battery does. And they really are deep cycle, the 12V 'deep cycle' batteries are not, running them too low will damage those batteries. Trojans are expensive.So we do boondock some, and we never actually ran the battery bank out of power. I only ran the gen once in ND because it was hot and we wanted to run the a/c for 4 or 5 hours. Until the sun set.Let me also warn you that most campground have quiet hours that start at 7 or 8 PM and run until morning. You will not be able to run that generator during quiet hours.As for gas vs propane, it's a lot easier to find a place to buy gas than it is to find a propane refill station. Not to say that they are rare but they are no where as common as gas stations. Many campgrounds refill propane. But if you run that generator a lot off propane you will be getting refills frequently.

My refrigerator is an all electric residential refrigerator. When traveling, it runs off an inverter, off the battery. So far, it's done great ... although I am hitched to the truck. It did keep ice cream frozen almost 10 hours when we hit a motel once last winter and I forgot to turn the inverter on. We had no shore power in the camper that night.

Another generator thread? yea, want your ideas, please?

camperdave
Explorer
Aug 26, 2019
I had zero issues using portables before with our old travel trailer. But onboard with pushbutton starting in the motorhome sure is nice! :B

Truck based would be a non-starter for me, as we needed to be able to leave the A/C on (either for wife, dog, or kids) while I was away with the truck.

If retrofitting, it would be hard to beat an EU3000i mounted on the rear of the 5er with remote start.
Lantley
Nomad
Aug 26, 2019
Barney I'm glad to read you enjoyed my post...:)
I am certainly a convenience user. I may occasionally boondock at a marina or in a backyard. But in general I don't hunker down remote areas for extended periods.
I can see where a single 2000 watt inverter may be nice to charge batteries and provide basic power if you are staying off the grid for a few days or weeks.
I will add lp gensets are less efficient than gas models can burn a lot of propane vs. gas or diesel models. However propane burns clean. As a result lp gensets are very reliable and do not suffer from carb. and stale fuel issue that plague gasoline powered gensets.
I also prefer the genset to stay with the RV vs. being in the truck.
If the truck leaves the power leaves. If my truck needs repair I can stay comfortably in the RV almost wherever I am, for as long as I need to because the RV has its own power onboard vs. being in the truck.
This also allows me to leave the dog in the RV with air conditioning, If the truck needs to leave.
As we all know there are lots of genset options. I am solidly in the on board convenience camp simply because I don't want to haul/handle anything. I have enough camping chores and duties that I don't want to add portable gensets chores to my task.
I have BTDT with portables. I enjoyed the portable power. I did not enjoy the work required to have that power.
Now with my onboard I can enjoy the power without any additional work.
memtb
Explorer
Aug 26, 2019
We’ve used both.....a 6500 Onan and now using 2, 2000 Honda’s for parallel service. A plus for the 6500 Onan, great for running 2 AC’s.....but was a tremendous “propane hog”! At minimum load.....merely charging batteries, it would empty a 40 pound propane bottle in about 11 hours. Then....it’s time to get the tank refilled. Not practical unless you’re camping next to a propane facility!

The little 200’0’s are great, as they are fuel misers’, and can be easily refilled with extra fuel cans brought with you. If you only need to charge batteries, one is plenty.....very quiet and fuel efficient. This also gives you a back-up generator if one fails (not likely). The primary draw-back.....2 generators only gets you one AC. The other inconvenience is, (though not major) getting both out from storage, connecting the “paralleling wiring” for the AC, and securing from theft. For us the ideal set-up would be, a single 2000 if the AC will not be used, and a 3000 Honda placed/cabled (theft) in the back of the truck. This is a very easy convenient way to provide a generator without handling the generators at each change of location. Though, to make it practical, you need to install a 50 amp reception in the front of your 5er. This can often be handy when campground utilities are not “friendly” to a rear receptacle. We had a 3000, and regret selling it. The 2000 would be great for cool weather camping (battery charging) and the 3000 for summer camping! memtb
ependydad
Explorer
Aug 26, 2019
First, see if this article helps:
https://www.learntorv.com/generators

Lantley is spot on. I've had portable generators and now have a built-in, the push-button convenience of starting the built-in is awesome.

I would have liked a diesel generator so that it matches fuel for my truck. I've always been iffy on propane generators. I have a nasty habit of running out of propane as-is. Your trailer will define your options, if it has a fuel tank- then you can go with gas (or, maybe, diesel); if it doesn't, you'll end up with propane.

I also think the type of noise coming out of my Onan is much easier on the ears than my Hondas. I had 2 Honda EU2000i generators. They were almost always running full bore with converter + air conditioner use. And while people claim they're whisper quiet, I didn't think they were. It was like listening to a lawn mower run.

BUT, you can definitely use much less fuel with a pair of generators. Only run 1 when you only need a little bit of power or run 2 when you need more. Over 2 weeks at the Balloon Fiesta, I went through 1/3 of the fuel than my neighbors did with their bigger built-in Onan generators. But with smaller fuel tanks, I was refueling more often.

For security for portables, the LowPro LockDown is the most secure solution I found.

And generators are all about power management like you're on 30amps. A Honda EU2000i has 1800 running watts (aka about 15amps). A pair of them is about 3400 running watts (aka about 28amps). The Onans come in different sizes; mine is 5500W or about 45amps.
Michelle_S
Explorer III
Aug 26, 2019
The few times we've stayed overnite at Wal-Mart, it cost us more shopping in Wal-Mart than a Campground would have cost.
But back on subject: We have the on-board Onan 5500 which will run just about everything. Don't use it alot, but really nice when you do, just push the button and you have power.
Veebyes
Explorer II
Aug 26, 2019
Lantley, can't argue against push button convenience. The only time when we have thought "It would be nice to have an onboard genny" has been at the occasional Walmart stop in hot weather. In almost every case we have sprung for a nearby, much more pleasant, $30 or so CG.

The difference between the small portable genny & the built in capable of powering everything equals about 300 CG nights. Hmmm. Such is the price of convenience. We all have our price & conditions.
gtnsmlr
Explorer
Aug 25, 2019
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/29774607/gotomsg/29777486.cfm#29777486
BarneyS
Explorer III
Aug 25, 2019
Lantley,
You just gave me a great big grin! Enjoyed your post. :B
Barney
Lantley
Nomad
Aug 25, 2019
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 90º 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.
94-D2
Explorer
Aug 25, 2019
I am not a full timer. My rig is 42’ and that puts me at RV parks most Places I go. As such, those parks have mostly full hook ups. In my past camping, I mostly dry camped in a large pop up mostly in state and federal parks. So, I used a combination of solar and generator. For those years, I had a Honda eu2000i. When I added my 5’er to my camping arsenal, I also added an additional Honda. Together they produce 4200 watts. Enough to run one a/c and everything else electric in my rig.

My rig also has prewire and cut outs for an onboard generator. If I were to go full time and boondocks, I would absolutely go onboard generator and wire direct to eliminate all the logistical BS of a portable and the hassles that go with it. I would also go diesel since there is less to maintain and the fuel is less volatile. A modern diesel generator is very quiet these days. A friend of mine has an Onan in his Dynamax RV and it is really quiet and hardly noticeable.