Generator or no Generator

Had a generator in last 5th wheel. When I sold it gen had 22 hrs on it. Those were all from "exercising" it per the manual. Totally depends on how you plan on using your rv. In my case very expensive mistake. You really dont get much if any value for it at trade in time.

The only reason to have an onboard generator, is if you camp where there are no hook ups. Generators take up your storage space. I have been rving for about 11 years, dry camped 4 times and used my cheap Champion. If I dry camped more, I would by a couple of Honda generators. Good luck,KB
2011 Cameo 37RESLS
2012 Ford F350 PSD DRW

stickdog wrote:
We've been fulltime four years and could have used a gen on three different occasions, going to AK next year and will have a small Honda or Yamaha.

That's it. If you had it you would use it more often. You would not have to plan to use it. When you stop you could have electric for any silly reason. Coffee,hair Dryer microwave,nap with A/C, leave the dog in the RV with A/C on while you go to Cracker Barrel for breakfast.
Stop in a rest area and let a thunderstorm pass while you watch a movie,
You would find lots of unimportant reasons to have electric if it were as easy as pushing a button.
Not a cheap option. Not necessary, but just a nice convenience/feature to have

We've been fulltime four years and could have used a gen on three different occasions, going to AK next year and will have a small Honda or Yamaha.

If you have the money get the propane generator. You don't "need" it if you don't boondock, which we don't. But, it sure is nice to have when on the road at the rest area and feel like heating up something in the microwave, or the electric coffee pot or Keurig. We've used ours a few times traveling and turned into the rest area for a snack, a nap and turn on the A/C...... Convenience is what it's all about. Push a button inside and 'zap' - electric power.... nice.

To the OP: After re reading the post. I'm not clear if you are looking to buy a built in genset with your new 5'er. Or are you considering getting a portable unit?
While both types will produce adequate electric. Portables and built-ins are very different when it comes to price and what is required to use/set them up.

Depends on how you camp.

We have been camping over 20 years & never needed on nor had one.

Our friends have one but have never used it & now it will not start..... There is maintenance required.

As far as to value if you trade early may add some, when the trailer is older won't may much difference but if it does not work it could be a liability.

They are nice to have if you need it.

We have 4 6v batteries, and a yamaha 3500 esib, which stays at home. The batteries will last more than eight days without a recharge.

TXiceman wrote:
You will not get a lot more for the trade or sale with a generator.

Ken

I agree while it will/may add value to your RV you will not recoup what the genset cost.

A gen is sure handy when you're at a full hookup site and the power goes off for three days. That happened three times while we were camping at different parks.
Plus sure nice when you stop at rest stop and it's 105 degrees. My gen goes with us while camping