Thought most all rigs had an on board genny, our new to us rig just has an inverter and I can put my portable 3500 on the front basket.Our previous rig was a 2000 AC pickup camper and it had a spot for one but the PO had put in an inverter on that as well.So just curious at this point as to how many of you have them built in?Happy trailsBill

Our 5er in sig was preped for one but previous owner never had one installed and for the seven years we've fulltimed in it we had purchased a couple yamahas for use when we went to Alaska two years ago. We did use one of them up there and again this past winter while boondocking in Arizona just to charge the batteries and making toast and coffee in the morning.We had friends with a factory installed in their 5th wheel, an Onan, but found it used too much propane. And another with a TC that only ran theirs once a month to maintain function.

We had a 6.5 propane genny in a previous 5'r, but as previously stated it used a bunch of fuel(and takes up a lot of room in basement), mostly to charge batteries. If we ran ac's a bunch, maybe a built in would/could be justified. We carry a 2000 Honda (have a twin, in case we need for ac)for battery charging if needed. The little Honda mostly gets used in winter(while hunting)when the solar panels can't keep up (short days & long cold nights)!

I'll venture a guess based on talking with many fifth wheel owners over the years that less than 10 percent of fifth wheels have built in generators. Those would be the people that like to boondock. Most of us stay in campgrounds with electricity and have no need for generators on a regular basis. If we occasionally need one, we bring a portable. I think a higher percentage of toy hauler owners have built in generators because more boondock to use the outdoor toys.

Just had the power go out for 12 hours in 90 weather the other day. Fired off the gen, yes used a bunch of propane but stayed cool. Just like 4wd very nice to have when you need it!!!

Have the Onan LPG generator and would not be without it. We had two of the Honda EU2000's and did not like taking them out and putting back. Also worried about them getting legs!! Built in genny is so nice just push a button and you are golden. On the road we use the air in the summer and the microwave in the winter for a lunch stop. Cool in summer and a hot lunch in the winter!! We have 450 watts of solar and a 3000 watt inverter but still need the genney for a/c and other high watt users. Also used the genny when the power went out at home.Housted

Does your 5er have an onboard Generator? | Good Sam Community

jnharley
Explorer
Jun 18, 2017
We also have a built in Onan 5500 LP. We had 2 portable Hondas but we were afraid they would be stolen. As others have stated, we just push a button and have power. We are full timers so it is handy for us.
Poppy_s_5th_Whe
Explorer
Jun 17, 2017
Yes. We did the dual Hondas for years but when I got the new trailer I decided I wanted an on-board unit. We absolutely love the convenience. Supplemented with 300 watts of solar, we can dry camp only limited by our holding tanks. Nothing better than stopping on the road and pushing a button to run the A/C or microwave :) Our trailer didn't offer generator prep from the factory so I did it all myself with the help of a mobile RV tech. It's not as cheap as the portable gas units for sure but for us money wasn't the key factor, it was all about convenience and remaining "self-contained".
colliehauler
Explorer III
Jun 17, 2017
One major advantage for me is if I pull over for lunch or shopping I can fire up the Onan generator and keep the Collies cool.
Wild_Card
Explorer
Jun 17, 2017
Yes. And I wouldnt have one without for my style of use. I also have fuel stations and would not have a propane genny. I can always go get gas...not so much with lP
hawkhill
Explorer
Jun 17, 2017
We have a built in Onan propane in ours as well. It came in handy when during hurricane season, our house had no power for 7 days. Since then, we have installed a back up generator for the house. The generator has still been handy as we do occasionally boondock and have had about 4 occasions where we have lost power in a park that it has been handy. We would probably order a built in generator in our next fifth wheel as well.
roman_traveler
Explorer
Jun 16, 2017
Mine has a built in Onan on propane. Has been used very little, but the couple of times I needed it made it worth the added cost.

RT
colliehauler
Explorer III
Jun 16, 2017
Yes my 5th wheel and TT both have built in Onan gasoline powered generators. Don't use them very much but glad to have them when needed.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Jun 16, 2017
Unless ordered with one few 5th wheels come with a gen.

One can be installed by dealer, rv shop or by owner.

My 4KW gen is in truck bed/enclosed--insulated box/its own fuel tank and power cord long enough to plug into front 50A Receptacle I installed.
While traveling I can run gen, plugged in and have 5vr A/C going so rig is nice and cool when we stop. :B

Truck can be parked away from 5vr...gen running and no issues of CO/noise/vibration from gen running in compartment directly under bedroom.
(Typical gen install....front compartment of roadside basement compartment)
And I didn't loose any 'needed' space :B
Housted
Explorer III
Jun 16, 2017
Have the Onan LPG generator and would not be without it. We had two of the Honda EU2000's and did not like taking them out and putting back. Also worried about them getting legs!! Built in genny is so nice just push a button and you are golden. On the road we use the air in the summer and the microwave in the winter for a lunch stop. Cool in summer and a hot lunch in the winter!! We have 450 watts of solar and a 3000 watt inverter but still need the genney for a/c and other high watt users. Also used the genny when the power went out at home.

Housted
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jun 16, 2017
Just had the power go out for 12 hours in 90 weather the other day. Fired off the gen, yes used a bunch of propane but stayed cool.

Just like 4wd very nice to have when you need it!!!