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tred0956's avatar
tred0956
Explorer
Sep 14, 2013

How often do you use your built in generator?

I have been looking for a smaller class C and I have found 2 that fit the bill and are within budget.

1. 2008 Georgie Boy Maverick 213Qb (pretty much the same as Coachmen Freelander 21/2130QB)with 23,000 miles, comes with an Onan 4000. I like the bigger fresh water tank and gen, but build quality and materials make this one seem a bit more used than I would like.

2. 2011 Winnebago Access 24V, 8,000 miles and NO generator. I like the fibreglass roof and build quality, but it is $8,000 more.

So how often do you use the generator? Where we live, their use is frowned upon in most campsites, and none of my previous RV's had one and we got by just fine. About the only time I think it would be really useful is to run the A/C on very hot days.

Is it reasonable to put some money into a couple of fantastic fans for hot days and LED lights, and maybe solar, to help out the batteries?

Anybody have any comments about either of these units? Just my wife and I, to be used for everything from fishing trips at local lakes to spring and fall trips to Utah, Colorado, Alaska, etc.

Thanks
Class C

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  • path1's avatar
    path1
    Explorer
    Sep 14, 2013
    If you camp where you don't need one they are dead weight.
  • Supercharged's avatar
    Supercharged
    Explorer
    Sep 14, 2013
    tred0956 wrote:
    I have been looking for a smaller class C and I have found 2 that fit the bill and are within budget.

    1. 2008 Georgie Boy Maverick 213Qb (pretty much the same as Coachmen Freelander 21/2130QB)with 23,000 miles, comes with an Onan 4000. I like the bigger fresh water tank and gen, but build quality and materials make this one seem a bit more used than I would like.

    2. 2011 Winnebago Access 24V, 8,000 miles and NO generator. I like the fibreglass roof and build quality, but it is $8,000 more.

    So how often do you use the generator? Where we live, their use is frowned upon in most campsites, and none of my previous RV's had one and we got by just fine. About the only time I think it would be really useful is to run the A/C on very hot days.

    Is it reasonable to put some money into a couple of fantastic fans for hot days and LED lights, and maybe solar, to help out the batteries?

    Anybody have any comments about either of these units? Just my wife and I, to be used for everything from fishing trips at local lakes to spring and fall trips to Utah, Colorado, Alaska, etc.

    Thanks

    I use it for my TV dinner twice a day, and hot coco each night. I didn't know it worked for other things to.
  • summerhouse's avatar
    summerhouse
    Explorer
    Sep 14, 2013
    We have a 2009 Fleetwood Jamboree 32 ft with a generator. We use it very frequently. When we stop enroute to our destinations, when we tailgate and numerous other functions. Would never be without one. I wouldn't spend the money to have a coach, and then not have a generator.
  • HeeHawHoney's avatar
    HeeHawHoney
    Explorer
    Sep 14, 2013
    We have used our generator to run the A/C while enroute to our destination. The dash A/C just isn't enough when you have more than the driver and one passenger. Also, although we haven't encountered this situation yet, we plan to use it during power outages in our area. Tornadoes are a serious threat in our area, and we have gone days without power at our home due to bad weather.
  • Coalminer_UG's avatar
    Coalminer_UG
    Explorer
    Sep 14, 2013
    I use my generator everytime I take unit out. The other good thing is that when we have power outage at home, its our back up. Works for me.
  • Bobbo's avatar
    Bobbo
    Explorer III
    Sep 14, 2013
    We do a lot of National Park Service and National Forest Service campgrounds that do not have hookups, aka boondocking. We go 2 to 3 weeks at a time without hookups. We frequently use our generator. It would be too limiting to only be able to go to a CG that provided power.
  • houtrz's avatar
    houtrz
    Explorer
    Sep 14, 2013
    I don't own a Class-C but am looking to buy however I have owned five other RV's through the years and my last one was a big fifth wheel and I ordered with a genny. From that day forward I promised myself no matter what type of TV I owned, trailer or motorhome, I would always have a genny.

    In my fifth wheel it was so easy to stop on a long trip and fire it up and make lunch, watch TV or take a nap. I used it many times while I over nighted at rest stops, truck stocks and one funeral home. We were invited to a wedding that was in a pasture and was so nice to have power and AC.

    As far as running it at a campsite, I assume you mean a primitive site that doesn't already have power, they do make noise but I had a 5500 Onan and it was very quiet, a campsite or two over and your couldn't hear it. Now some people take their $300 china gennies and set them on the ground and they are so loud.

    Keep in mind I'm in the south and having AC is important to me but might not be to you. Good luck
  • rivercity22's avatar
    rivercity22
    Explorer
    Sep 14, 2013
    I would never buy a motor home without a generator but that's just my personal preference.

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