Forum Discussion
78 Replies
- Blanco1Explorer
colliehauler wrote:
fj12ryder wrote:
While you might not need it if you do decide to sell your TH it will make it a lot easier to sell.
We had no real desire for a generator in the toy hauler when we bought it because we intended to stay in full hook up campgrounds. However the dealer offered to take a couple hundred dollars off if we wanted it removed. We decided to keep the generator rather than be screwed by the dealer.
You really think so?
Being so many people buy them with no Geni I wonder if there is any truth to that statement?
Yet when I got my Truck Camper a few friends got excited when I told the about the Geni.
They acted as if they wished they had a Geni. - colliehaulerExplorer III
fj12ryder wrote:
While you might not need it if you do decide to sell your TH it will make it a lot easier to sell.
We had no real desire for a generator in the toy hauler when we bought it because we intended to stay in full hook up campgrounds. However the dealer offered to take a couple hundred dollars off if we wanted it removed. We decided to keep the generator rather than be screwed by the dealer. - Blanco1ExplorerI like Lantleys way of thinking.
I think its worth the extra money being I plan to keep the rig for a very long time & use it a lot! - fj12ryderExplorer IIIWe had no real desire for a generator in the toy hauler when we bought it because we intended to stay in full hook up campgrounds. However the dealer offered to take a couple hundred dollars off if we wanted it removed. We decided to keep the generator rather than be screwed by the dealer.
- LantleyNomad
laknox wrote:
Blanco1 wrote:
I really think I prefer the Geni for boon docking & such?
How many of you have found you don't need a Geni & please explain why its not needed?
Because at this I'm thinking its a factory option must?
I've tossed this around in my head for a long time. Given that I'm stuck with my current truck, which is payload-limited, and even though we do the majority of our camping off-grid, I'd much rather have an outboard genny than a built-in. You lose the 300+ lbs' payload capacity and why schlep it around if you're going to a full-hookup CG, if you don't need to? I'd rather either have a rear-mount cargo rack or carry it in my truck bed, with the cargo rack being my preference. It's not like you can't get a nice genny with wireless remote start, so there's not a huge benefit for an on-board genny, IMO. Also, the Onan-style gensets are not inverter-style so use =much= more fuel than does an inverter-gen.
Lyle
Weight is not the factor. I maintain its all about convenience.
The dry weight of an Onan 5500=288# vs. a Honda 3000 which is 144#.
With the Honda you need to add the weight of gas can and gasoline, locks cables and any other accessories.
The net difference is 100# which is negligible.
There is no schlepping around a built in genset. You never touch it.
You don't schlep it around anymore than you schlep around the sofa, fridge or dresser.
With the portable you have to load and unload. You may not use it in a rest area for lunch because you have to get it out and set it up. Or worse you may not have even brought it because you are heading to a FHU CG.
With a built in there is push button convenience. You can use it anywhere at anytime. You don't have to plan to use it.
You can use it for just a few minutes if necessary.
Yes the built in cost considerably more which I understand can be a deal breaker. Nevertheless it's all about push button convenience when it come to built in gensets. - laknoxNomad
Blanco1 wrote:
I really think I prefer the Geni for boon docking & such?
How many of you have found you don't need a Geni & please explain why its not needed?
Because at this I'm thinking its a factory option must?
I've tossed this around in my head for a long time. Given that I'm stuck with my current truck, which is payload-limited, and even though we do the majority of our camping off-grid, I'd much rather have an outboard genny than a built-in. You lose the 300+ lbs' payload capacity and why schlep it around if you're going to a full-hookup CG, if you don't need to? I'd rather either have a rear-mount cargo rack or carry it in my truck bed, with the cargo rack being my preference. It's not like you can't get a nice genny with wireless remote start, so there's not a huge benefit for an on-board genny, IMO. Also, the Onan-style gensets are not inverter-style so use =much= more fuel than does an inverter-gen.
Lyle - Blanco1Explorer
- LantleyNomad
tinner12002 wrote:
I like my built in 5500, wouldn't have it any other way. I do think its a shame that they don't offer a gas powered gen in a 5th wheel like they do in a toy hauler instead of an LP powered gen. Granted an LP runs cleaner but they are also LP gas hogs.
LP is fine if you're not running genny extensively for long periods.
I agree if you want to run genset 24/7 for longer than a weekend on a regular basis LP usage maybe too much. But for convenience use, or and occasional Wal Mart overnight or a rare weekend off the grid LP is fine.
Because LP is very clean you do not have carb issue that tend to occur regularly with the gas models.
About Fifth Wheel Group
19,016 PostsLatest Activity: Jun 11, 2025