generators

my FW did not come with genset, nor gen prepped.. but I wanted one anyhow.

here is my story about the install
genset install

just returned from vacation, used the genset twice, and it performed as expected

TGPILOT wrote:

MPI_Mallard wrote:
I carry a Honda 3000 on a rack on the rear of my fiver, why I like having a separate genny is being able to use it for other purposes also maintenece and repairs are easily done and a comparable genny like an onan would cost a lot more and chew up the space in the forward storage bay. Also as they are usually mounted in the front storage bay migrating exhaust fumes would concern me opposed to mine that easily vents out into open air on the rear racksomething to consider!

Red Green;
Remember, If it moves and it shouldn't, duck-tape,
if doesn't move and it should,WD40!!

That looks like a single receiver input and not a double. How does it hold up and what did it cost to have the thing installed? I tried a new EU3000IS, only ran it about fifteen minutes only to find that it kept going into overload.

I kept reducing the load, didn't help, so I bought a 5000IS and right now it's in the back of my truck between the tool box and the hitch. So far, I've only had a chance to run it one night and it ran everything in a Pilot parking lot and ran about 12 hours on one tank.

Yes it's a single receiver but it's way over built with additional steel collar around the receiver, the whole thing was built by honourable son #1 who is a master welder and a heck of a fabricator so everything is stainless and so-on, I also carry a full size grill and two mountain bikes

which has worked perfectly for years!

Red Green:
So remember,If women don't find you handsome,
they can sure find you handy.

Most inboard generators in 5th wheels run on propane. Very impractical and a pain to keep up on filling your propane bottles constantly. I believe only toy haulers come with gasoline operated gens. Like others I just carry two 2000 Super quiet Hondas. One must be a "companion" 2000 Honda. If your not needing much power just run one. If you need to run an air conditioner or use the microwave run both by using a simple parallel wire connector kit and you have a 4000 watt output.

ford-willy wrote:
Most inboard generators in 5th wheels run on propane. Very impractical and a pain to keep up on filling your propane bottles constantly. I believe only toy haulers come with gasoline operated gens. Like others I just carry two 2000 Super quiet Hondas. One must be a "companion" 2000 Honda. If your not needing much power just run one. If you need to run an air conditioner or use the microwave run both by using a simple parallel wire connector kit and you have a 4000 watt output.

I hear yah. I converted my Onan to Propane, as I didn't want to carry gas. We pulled into Little Rock, two weeks ago at 96degrees (feels like 102), after towing all day with outside temps over 105. I started the gen and the A/C as we waited to register, pull to our site and setup. turned it off after I connected shore power, and the ATS switched back.

Also started it at a rest stop to heat some stuff in the microwave for lunch.

can't do that very easily with a portable.

sdetweil wrote:
I converted my Onan to Propane, as I didn't want to carry gas. We pulled into Little Rock, two weeks ago at 96degrees (feels like 102), after towing all day with outside temps over 105. I started the gen and the A/C as we waited to register, pull to our site and setup. turned it off after I connected shore power, and the ATS switched back.

Also started it at a rest stop to heat some stuff in the microwave for lunch.

can't do that very easily with a portable.

Actually, our 5th wheel has a generator prep with a 50 amp twist-lock Marinco receptacle on the front of the 5th wheel. We carry 2 Yamaha EF2000iS generators (paralleled) in the back of the truck that are connected to the 5th wheel via a 30 amp cord. We can run the Yamahas going down the road to pre-cool the 5th wheel, run the microwave, etc.

Rusty

Hey Rusty did DRV put that outlet on your trailer or did you do it yourself? Just curious, we have the same trailer as you, with the gen prep.

Sorry for hi jacking this thread, sorry. :(

Dan

RustyJC wrote:

sdetweil wrote:
I converted my Onan to Propane, as I didn't want to carry gas. We pulled into Little Rock, two weeks ago at 96degrees (feels like 102), after towing all day with outside temps over 105. I started the gen and the A/C as we waited to register, pull to our site and setup. turned it off after I connected shore power, and the ATS switched back.

Also started it at a rest stop to heat some stuff in the microwave for lunch.

can't do that very easily with a portable.

Actually, our 5th wheel has a generator prep with a 50 amp twist-lock Marinco receptacle on the front of the 5th wheel. We carry 2 Yamaha EF2000iS generators (paralleled) in the back of the truck that are connected to the 5th wheel via a 30 amp cord. We can run the Yamahas going down the road to pre-cool the 5th wheel, run the microwave, etc.

Rusty

Nice!.. haven't seen any others like that..

dapperdan wrote:
Hey Rusty did DRV put that outlet on your trailer or did you do it yourself? Just curious, we have the same trailer as you, with the gen prep.

Sorry for hi jacking this thread, sorry. :(

Dan

Yes, RVs for Less ordered it with the "semi" generator prep package. It has the receptacle, generator control panel, transfer switch, etc., but not the generator box in the front compartment.

Here's the receptacle (excuse the water spots on the camera lens.) You can see it to the left of the front compartment door on the front photo.





Rusty

laknox wrote:
Another thing to consider, is that the Onans are all straight generators, meaning that they run at idle with no load, or they run wide open with even the smallest load.

Lyle

Did Onan change something? Mine runs at a fixed throttle whether under load or not.

mgpassport wrote:
Thanks for the reply's, I was just curious.
I just thought that FW that cost around $50.000 should come with one like a MH.
Sometimes I think to much....LOL

With that, I wouldn't look at a 5th wheel without the generator prep package at least. It's a pain in the keester to install a generator without the prep if you decide later. The prep should come with a heat shield, transfer switch, and a remote switch to start from inside.