Forum Discussion
78 Replies
- LantleyNomad
Lexx wrote:
Since most toy haulers and fivers seem to have the Onan 5000 in the front compartment, can the Onan be had in diesel? Since toy haulers have 40-60 gal of diesel on board for the toys, it would seem to be the ideal set up as compared to the propane sucking version of the Onan.
I think you have the right idea. THe toyhaulers generally come with gas tanks and gas gensets vs. diesel - LexxExplorerSince most toy haulers and fivers seem to have the Onan 5000 in the front compartment, can the Onan be had in diesel? Since toy haulers have 40-60 gal of diesel on board for the toys, it would seem to be the ideal set up as compared to the propane sucking version of the Onan.
- LantleyNomadCollie Hauler wrote:
"This is exactly why I purchased a on-board Onan generator. I currently have two Collies, I can start the generator and leave the Collies in the camper when I go into the store or restaurant. If I want to stop for a nap or lunch I can fire up the Onan and be comfortable and warm up leftovers in the microwave. I actually exercise the generator more then I use it. When I do need it it's there. For me a built-in generator is best bang for buck although not the cheapest route."
I agree Collie Hauler. I am a convenience user. I sometimes boondock for the weekend but not regularly. I often stop while traveling and leave the dog in the RV. I wally Dock when necessary.
I am truly a convenience user. I seldom run the genset for longer than 2 hours. Make lunch in the RV or go inside a restaurant for lunch.
Being totally self contained leaves lot of options.
My last RV had a portable on a rear platform that worked well, but not quite as convenient as my current push button setup.
Portables are great, more cost effective and ultimately get the job done just as well. However the loading /unloading cables, gas cans, locks etc. ultimately make them less desirable for a convenience user like myself.
I am also of the mindset that the genset needs to be mounted on the RV vs. the truck. There are just too many scenarios where The TV and RV are separated.
A quick trip to town or a week long break down can leave the RV with no genset.
My goal is to keep the RV self contained at all times. A built genny goes a long way to achieving that goal. - Mortimer_BrewstExplorer II
Old-Biscuit wrote:
Mortimer Brewster wrote:
Old-Biscuit wrote:
I have a gen for boondocking BUT it is NOT installed in 5th wheel
My 4kw gen is in forward area of my long bed truck in its own enclosed gen box that has its own fuel tank and is insulated. Plus air intake and exhaust are designed to provide sufficient cooling air, air for combustion and quiet exhaust
Old-Biscuit, do you have some pics of the generator setup in your truck bed? I’m curious to see what it looks like.
LINK
Interesting setup. Thanks! - Old-BiscuitExplorer III
kerrlakeRoo wrote:
Blanco1 wrote:
kerrlakeRoo wrote:
Had not intended to install an onboard genny my plan was to leave a champ 3100 with remote start in the truck bed, and these comments about installing a second cable and transfer switch are sounding even better since with the champ we would be back to pushbutton convenience.
But what happens when you need to run into town & the wife & dog stay behind on a hot day, You just took their A/C power!
Thats why I have the scoot.
Out boondocking....we ALL go to town - Old-BiscuitExplorer III
dtappy3353 wrote:
Another Avast pop up indicated the site was mountainmaster.net...has an infected url.
Just opened that link I provided and none of my virus software indicated an infected url.
Active scan shows nothing......spyware nothing............malware nothing....bitdefender nothing....mcafee security nothing :H
Just goggle mountain masters and then go to their website - dtappy3353ExplorerAnother Avast pop up indicated the site was mountainmaster.net...has an infected url.
- dtappy3353ExplorerI attempted to use the Link provided by someone. My Avast indicates it has a virus attached to it. hmmmmmm.
- kerrlakeRooExplorer
Blanco1 wrote:
kerrlakeRoo wrote:
Had not intended to install an onboard genny my plan was to leave a champ 3100 with remote start in the truck bed, and these comments about installing a second cable and transfer switch are sounding even better since with the champ we would be back to pushbutton convenience.
But what happens when you need to run into town & the wife & dog stay behind on a hot day, You just took their A/C power!
Thats why I have the scoot. - colliehaulerExplorer III
Blanco1 wrote:
This is exactly why I purchased a on-board Onan generator. I currently have two Collies, I can start the generator and leave the Collies in the camper when I go into the store or restaurant. If I want to stop for a nap or lunch I can fire up the Onan and be comfortable and warm up leftovers in the microwave. I actually exercise the generator more then I use it. When I do need it it's there. For me a built-in generator is best bang for buck although not the cheapest route.Lantley wrote:
greende wrote:
I use a portable because I can use it when I lose power at the house or need power away from my electric service etc. For me it is about versatility for the money spent.....
Interesting . I do not have a portable because I want push button convenience. Just push a button and I have all the power I need.
No setup,no cables,no gas cans, no lifting, no carrying, no locks.
Just push button convenience.
For home use, or I can run a few cords from the RV to the house. Or I can simply retreat to the RV depending on how long the outage is going to be.
A genset is not mandatory for a 5th wheel trailer. You can certainly do without it.
However a genset gives you lots of options and opportunities that do not exist without a genset.
Want to Walmart overnight when it 90ºF outside hot and humid?
Just push a button and you can have A/C.
Want to make lunch in the RV while traveling? Just push the button microwave and A/C are available.
Want to stop and leave the pets inside the RV during the summer?
Again push the button and you have A/C.
Want to boondock,stay at a friends house or stay anywhere other than an RV park. A genset give you lots of options.
A built in can give you lots of versatility as well, but it is also has the advantage of push button convenience.
You see!
Thank you for this reply!
Because you make a alot of sense.
Lets say for what ever reason I need to go in the store or for lunch & we do have a 100 lb dog.
I cant leave him in the truck.
People get weird about that.
But simply turn on the Geni & walk away & he would stay cool.
Not having to break out a portable & lock it & take up additional space in the parking lots to run the A/C.
& I will be keeping mind behind our home as I currently do with my Truck Camper & yes if we have a power outage ( Usually in the summer due to everyone running their A/C to stay cool ) I can simply go in & hit the switch & be very comfy with out all the set up involved.
& Sometimes you just want it on for a short while.
I can see it becoming annoying to break out the portable just for a short usage.
I think its worth the money.
About Fifth Wheel Group
19,032 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 04, 2026