Generator question

We have 5500 built in on our toy hauler and runs on gas. I don't think I'd like using propane since we often run overnight or for entire weekends. Will run both a/c's.

Previous camper we used a 3000 Yamaha. Great generator and good fuel economy. Minor inconvenience to plug it in. Ran one 15,000 btu a/c fine.

If you don't have generator prep on your rig, I'd go with portable.

in either case.. you will be carrying a generator, might as well carry one that will do the job, we carry a ONAN 7.5k with a 50 amp chord that can be plugged into the 5th wheel of any place you need. want 50 amp power from a post, simply plug the 5th wheel into the post. no post? use the gen/set into the 5th wheel.
remember,,,, to vent the Generator properly.

Have you done the research? Have you checked how much a built in is vs a portable? Have you considered the storage space loss. Have you considered the venting & the cost of the venting that will have to be installed? Without a proper sound shield have you considered how much noise a built in creates?

There are reasons that the majority of 5er owners have portable inverter gennys.

Honda 3000i and you will have one of the best generators, a little heavy but will power pretty well everything including air.

On board gensets may need modification to your rig. Depending on fuel, may need to increase LP tanks or add fuel tank.
A portable genset mounted in TV is easier but may require different type of fuel. Extension cord and adapter to match rig to genset,
Advantage of portable is it can be used at home for power outages and some projects.
I would look at the Harbor Freight Predator series. Compute out what size you need based on what functions and travel habits.
My overall choice would be portable.

A portable vs built in will allow you to use it elsewhere.

Campinfan wrote:
I want to primarily use it for traveling to distant locations (the trip there) and not for when I get there.

For what purpose? This is unusual.

In MY Opinion..

The onboards are designed basically for that purpose.. Get to a stop, press a button and start the generator. the next morning all you have to do is bring in slides, turn everything off, including he generator and hook up and go.

They do get Thirsty though, depending on the load, and bottle size you will need a fill up. and EXPENSIVE.. I paid I believe $5k 5 or 6 years ago for my 6.5 Onan.

The portables are good to use for longer stops, by the time you get there, get all set up and pull the generator out, hook up the anaconda.

I used 2 Honda's for years until I got my onboard.

It will come down to if you can justify the expense of the onboard.