Still looking for a toy hauler. Hopefully going to look at one on Saturday. We will be having to buy a generator unless we get one with a built in one. So, my question is kind of dumb. Is it safe running the generator when it is built in. I am assuming since it is built that way they make the area around it good and sealed so the fumes don't get in the camper? We have never ran a generator we have always had hookups. But, some places we want to go we will need a generator. Is it better to have the built in generator are to have the generator separate, so we can get a little bit away from the camper for the noise? I'm a little worried about it being separate and someone still it. I guess we could chain it to a tree or something.Thanks for the help!

Can't imagine it wouldn't be safe. My experience is with my former TC and current TT. The TC had a built in Onan, and I currently use a separate Honda. The built in was convenient for starting and stopping from a panel in the TC but the Honda is quieter and sips fuel when it's only being used for charging the battery and occasionally running the microwave. If you're in your scivvies in a public CG it's a pain to turn on or off though.

The built in generators have a built in exhaust system that points away from the RV. Normally on the drivers side, and a couple of feet back from the generator. Normally below the bathroom, or another place without a window. I think that RIVA has you covered, and will not allow a openable window within so many feet of the generator exhaust, but that might not be true. ..Check to see if the generator gets fuel from the on board fueling system and runs on gasoline. You do not want a LP gas generator, as they can suck a 4.2 gallon propane tank dry in a few hours, then how to refill it? The on board 18 gallon gasoline tank should last a couple of long weekends, even when running the generator overnight to keep cool. Personally, I would be looking at toyhaulers with a fueling station for my toys. Check with the slides closed that you can get into the refrigerator, and if at a rest area that you and the kids can get to a bed and sleep for the night without the slides open. Look for a large water tank. I like the 100 gallon tank found on the Cyclone fifth wheels, sure it is heavy when full, 800 pounds of water, but I can dry camp for a week without refilling it too! Your truck might be limited in weight capacity, and as I always tell my friends, I can always fill it 1/2 way when not going for a long dry camping trip. Or fill it at the campground.You probably have a huge list of 'must haves' and should haves. You might not get everything. I am only 'hoping' for a lazy boy recliner, but will settle for a location to put one of my choice. I might even get one of those massage chairs, like by buddy has in his motorhome. . .Have fun shopping! And don't get the truck until you at least know the 'loaded' pin weight on the proposed fifth wheel. Many buy a 3/4 ton truck to only find out that the fifth wheel they wanted to tow is 1,000 pounds more pin weight than the truck can carry. I would be looking at a dually F-350 to tow a 40' Cyclone. It has a rear ramp that converts to a patio, and nice set up for rear couch and beds in the garage area, once the toys are out. Pin weight is well over 3,000 pounds loaded, thus the need for the larger truck. Fred.

If you click on 'toyhauler' category on this website, you can look at the top post, it is a list of all current toyhauler brands, and their website links.

We already have the truck. It is 3/4 ton. Its paid for not getting a new one! LOLWe have had a travel trailer in the past and pulled with the same truck. So, we know about the weight. We want a used TH so, yes it difficult finding one with in our range. My must haves are a shower and toilet and A/C. Thanks for your help!

Check to see if the generator gets fuel from the on board fueling system and runs on gasoline. You do not want a LP gas generator, as they can suck a 4.2 gallon propane tank dry in a few hours, then how to refill it? The on board 18 gallon gasoline tank should last a couple of long weekends, even when running the generator overnight to keep cool. I'm glad I did ask after all!! I did not realize it could fun off a fueling system.

built in generators | Good Sam Community

22 Replies

justALnow
Explorer
Sep 19, 2014
Love the Onan 5500 in my Rage'n. I use the Genturi religiously and only ONE time had a problem with CO detector going off. That was the ONE time I was too anxious and removed the Genturi the night before we were leaving. It was a dead calm night and fumes drifted in somewhere, even though the trailer was closed up tight. Thankfully the CO detector woke us up about 2am and saved our lives. ALWAYS be sure that detector is working.
trail-explorer
Explorer
Sep 14, 2014
TraciK wrote:
? I'm a little worried about it being separate and someone still it.

Do you mean "steal" it?
mrxlh
Explorer
Sep 14, 2014
X14 on the Genturi, too many issues with cheap CO detectors.

Onan 5500 built in is the only way to go IMHO. I know there are a ton of posts on this board about Onan carb issues. For piece of mind, I suggest using the Blue Marine Stabil at the recommended dose as well as a splash of your favorite fuel injection system cleaner. A ton of people swear by sea foam, but I like Chevron Techron and have fixed quite a few dirty carb issues with it. Use a good 15W40 diesel oil and change it and the filter every 100 hours and you will have little trouble out of the unit. When I traded my old TH in the genset had 800 hours on it and all I ever did was change oil and filters. I have over 400 hours on our current Onan 5500 and other than the fuel pump that failed shortly after delivery of the unit, zero problems since. I always use super unleaded as that is what I run in all my small engines.
thebudman
Explorer
Aug 22, 2014
RickSo wrote:
I have a couple of Honda 2000's that were great but the built in is so much more convenient.

I recall Robin Williams used to be a celebrity spokesman for Honda at one time
RickSo
Explorer
Aug 22, 2014
I agree on the Genturi ..... I use it on our Onan 7500 watt Quiet Diesel genset. I would never go back to portables. I have a couple of Honda 2000's that were great but the built in is so much more convenient.
Eyetattoo
Explorer
Aug 21, 2014
Our 26 foot TH came with a built in and used to be towed with a 1/2 ton Chevy 6.0, now its towed by my 3/4 Duramax, much better mpg now!

Is you TT gas or diesel?
Ric_Flair
Explorer
Aug 21, 2014
I believe most toy haulers (100% of the ones I looked at when shopping) came with on-board generators

But with a 3/4 ton truck, you'll probably be looking at smaller toy haulers that may not be similarly equipped.
steiny93
Explorer
Aug 21, 2014
i have both a pair of Honda 2000's and a built in onan 5500

side by side comparison the Honda's are absolutely quieter
but they are a pain to deal with in comparison with a built in

after having a built in; there is no way I'd order an rv without one
Lantley
Nomad
Aug 21, 2014
I have a built in Onan 5500. Work great. However if you plan to sleep with it running a Genturi for the exhaust is a good idea.
BigBlockTank
Explorer
Aug 21, 2014
I used to stop about an hour out from our destination, and crank up the genset and the 2 A/C's so it would be cool inside when we arrived. I do it now in my motorhome, instead of running the dash A/C. It saves fuel too, for me