Install Onan in 5th Wheel Questions

RonWSl wrote:
I recently acquired an older 6.5NH3CR Onan at an extremely reasonable price which came out of a Class A. I want to install it in my 07 KZ Montego Bay 5th wheel. The 5th WHeel has Gen Prep, consisting of a sealed metal box in the front storage area and the transfer switch. I have an electrician buddy who will do the actual wiring of the unit to the RV. But, I have researched and read multiple articles on installing generators in 5th wheels but still have a few questions and issues to resolve before I tackle the job.

RonWSl wrote:

1. I have seen some of the generators mounted on slide drawers and like the idea of being able to slide the generator out to work on if needed; but, if the generator is mounted on a slide then how is the exhaust handled? How would the venting be done?

when I looked at the slides, they seem to have a box which extends the hole in the compartment floor used for venting (next topic)
I would love to use the slide, cause this gen is a beast (290lbs)
slide part catalog page 54.

RonWSl wrote:

2. The generator requires venting - will it be necessary to cut a hole in the bay door for a vent cover or can the vent be in the floor of the box - my CLass A had the same generator and there was no venting for it other then the floor.

my gen requires cutting holes in the compartment floor for air input to the motor and for cooling.. I have just made the template to cut the hole. the front door will be sealed against the enclosure.

RonWSl wrote:

3. Fuel. The specs say that this unit will burn 1.3 Gal's /hour "at rated load and speed" - if we only use it for mainly running the AC unit or units (I assume it will handle both roof a/c's) and maybe an occassional use of the microwave or coffee pot, what would the average gal/hr be?

I am converting my gen to tri fuel, to run from propane as primary,
gas as secondary. I don't want to carry gasoline.

RonWSl wrote:

4. That leads to fuel. What kind and what size gas tank would be best AND more importantly, where to put it in the 5th wheel - in the same compartment as the generator? In the basement with a gas line running into the generator compartment?

strongly recommended NOT to house the fuel in the front comparment while the gen is running.. move it outside.

RonWSl wrote:

5. Battery - will it need a seperate battery or can i just run the leads to the house battery/batteries?

yes, strongly recommended to have a separate battery

RonWSl wrote:

6. And last, will it be ok to remove the generator from the pan it is currently bolted to and not use the pan at all - with the pan, it would be a bear to try and manuver into the front box?

I don't know what your 'pan' looks like.. mine has a cover and a base. and the base contains the fan and pulleys for engine and stator.
and is the engine and gen mounting plate.