On board 5th wheel generator

donn0128 wrote:

Stormyjij wrote:
Hi Can someone fill me in on how you would use 2 2KW generators for a Cedar Creek 36' fifth wheel? I've asked a couple of people and they seriously don't have a clue how 2 would be tied in?
Love the idea of the 1 big dedicated generator, but simply do not have the cash for that and like the idea of the versatile use of the smaller ones.
Thanks!
-Michelle

Yes, you buy the two Honda 2KW generators and a parallel kit. This kit plugs into the two generators and effectively makes then a single 3500 watt generator. If you really want to get serious, also get an extended run kit for them. Go online for Wise sales and check out their stuff. You will be amazed how simple life can be with a good portable generator.

Don't forget that Honda makes the Companion models that have the parallel kit built in to the generator at the factory. They're also available in the 3000 series to give nearly 6kw.

Lyle

Franbak13 wrote:
I have recently purchased a Forest River Cardinal 5th wheel and I am considering getting an on board generator. It is hooked up for generator use, but no generator.

What kind should I get? I was thinking about a 6500W but dont know that much about them.

Just need some information before I buy.

If you do a lot of boondocking where you need A/C, then go for the big generator, as you'll need it. If you don't, then consider something smaller. The 3,000/3,500w inverter generators will run a 13.5k A/C and a few lights, but not A/C and microwave at the same time, or pretty well power everything =except= the A/C. There are a couple larger inverters, but you're getting =really= pricey with them. After researching these for a while, I like the Yamahas better than the Hondas because of their "burst" capability. They will pull power from the starter battery (on the electric start models) for an extra kick for up to 10 seconds, to help start A/C units. The mid-size inverters run for a long time, have electric start, with most also having a remote start option. The 4,000w Yamaha isn't an inverter, but is very thrifty for a straight generator in that it runs about 1,000 rpm slower than most others; high-torque, low rpm engine. Personally, I would prefer gas for more power, especially at altitude, where I usually camp and greater fuel economy. Propane provides less HP from the get-go and much less as you start to climb. Diesels are great, but way expensive. Had I a hitch on my FW, I've always joked about taking my dad's MultiQuip 25kw Isuzu-powered genny to our annual family campout...just for grins. :-)

Lyle

Thanks! Very helpful...while I don't totally understand it, I know my husband will get it!
Thanks again!
-Michelle

Stormyjij wrote:
Hi Can someone fill me in on how you would use 2 2KW generators for a Cedar Creek 36' fifth wheel? I've asked a couple of people and they seriously don't have a clue how 2 would be tied in?
Love the idea of the 1 big dedicated generator, but simply do not have the cash for that and like the idea of the versatile use of the smaller ones.
Thanks!
-Michelle

Michelle... Assuming you're using two 2000i Champion, Yamaha, or Honda generators, you would purchase a parallel kit to tie them together for a total output in the area of 3,600 to 4,000 Watts. The parallel kit has a 30amp RV receptical and you would plug into it using your normal shore power cord.

Stormyjij wrote:
Hi Can someone fill me in on how you would use 2 2KW generators for a Cedar Creek 36' fifth wheel? I've asked a couple of people and they seriously don't have a clue how 2 would be tied in?
Love the idea of the 1 big dedicated generator, but simply do not have the cash for that and like the idea of the versatile use of the smaller ones.
Thanks!
-Michelle

Yes, you buy the two Honda 2KW generators and a parallel kit. This kit plugs into the two generators and effectively makes then a single 3500 watt generator. If you really want to get serious, also get an extended run kit for them. Go online for Wise sales and check out their stuff. You will be amazed how simple life can be with a good portable generator.

We had the Onan Cummins propane 5500 installed by our manufacturer after market with no previous generator prep. It works great and is very quiet. We would never run it though while we are sleeping. We have 2 Honda 2000k and the problem was the ever present worry that they would be stolen during use and that we carry no gasoline since we have a diesel truck and during an emergency, it is difficult to find fuel. The last time we were at Cherry Hill near DC, a brief but power storm passed through. It was near 100 degrees and the power was off all night. It took us several hours to find a fuel station with power and then the waiting in line was very long. We always have propane on board. Search on the Internet because you can find a really good deal from a company in AZ that acts a middle man and gets the generators from the Onan dealer. We had it drop shipped to our manufacturer and saved significant money over what our manufacturer could offer. We love ours.

Convenient, quiet, and who said vibration? I have to go outside to make sure the Onan 5500 even started sometimes. I can barely hear it and certainly can't feel it.

Each have their place. If I boondocked a lot, I would probably go with the Honda twins. But I don't so the convenience of instant power and same fuel as camper makes it worth it to me. Our Onan is now 10 years old.

Hi Can someone fill me in on how you would use 2 2KW generators for a Cedar Creek 36' fifth wheel? I've asked a couple of people and they seriously don't have a clue how 2 would be tied in?
Love the idea of the 1 big dedicated generator, but simply do not have the cash for that and like the idea of the versatile use of the smaller ones.
Thanks!
-Michelle

aruba5er wrote:
yeh, I got 2 hondas work great if you are 1, parked, 2, have an extended run tank for both. 3, willing to go out in bad weather or dark or early morning to start them or it 4, not worried about someone stealing it (them) If I could have had a permenant genny, I'd do it in a heartbeat but alas no height to get one in the basement and to get one in the center front door i'd have to get a bigger door and maybe the cross shaft on the landing gear would be in the way. Go for the on board.

X2 and when upgrading RV's just move generators to next RV. And use about 1/2 the gas. When my Onan 4000 micro- light goes out, Honda here I come. More than enough for my needs.

The Onan 5500 seems to be the most common found with plenty of power to run just about everything onboard.