New Class B owner with a few questions

CodyClassB wrote:
thanks mlts22 and path1 . I was told that the generator did not come with the van and I do not know if the dealer yanks out the generator (is there a way to check) ? is it better to get a Honda portable generator (for $1000) instead of the built-in Onan for $1500 ?

-Don't know if their is really a way to find out I gen came out of rv other than asking old owner. I suppose you could tell somewhat if wires match up exactly or other "tells" But that would be after the fact of getting it installed.

-Your question...better to go with Honda or built in owan?

I also second Islandman. If the installation is done to Onan and factory specs, it will help things immensely, especially being able to run the A/C while on the road in warm climates.

Plus, since the genset runs off the gas tank, you can have some decent run times.

Finally, the inboard genset is highly unlikely (though not saying it is 100% impossible) to disappear, while portable generators have a tendency to dissapear, even with a steel cable on them.

Were it me, I'd pay the extra cash, assuming everything is on the up and up, have the generator put in.

I'd stick with the Onan 2800 model if the price includes installation per factory specs, all the bells and whistles, etc. They are built for RV installation and will fit in the space provided by the unit manufacturer. Is the RV prepped for a generator (wired) from the factory or not? The suggestions about having the RV checked througly for mechanical issues, tire condition, handling on the road, etc is very important. Hope you were able to get the RV checked out real good before purchasing, I'm like others in trying to figure out why the generator was taken out though.

thanks mlts22 and path1 . I was told that the generator did not come with the van and I do not know if the dealer yanks out the generator (is there a way to check) ? is it better to get a Honda portable generator (for $1000) instead of the built-in Onan for $1500 ?

path1 stated something that gets me suspicious -- did the dealer yank the generator out and is wanting to sell it back?

$1500 is almost too good to be true unless it is a serviceable used model. Also, does that factor the time and labor to install it? Onans have to be precisely installed to have decent sound and vibration dampening. Things like exhaust resonators, shock mounts, acoustic linings (Dynamats) and even vibration resistant exhaust hangers can easily be "forgotten" during an install to save cash by an unscrupulous dealer. Of course, the resulting loud generator gets blamed on Onan.

Safety questions.....co alarm ,even if it tests OK and/or if no paper work when you bought, unscrew alarm mounting screws and remove unit and look on back for manufacture date. They should be replaced if over 5 yrs old. Other alarms change the batteries or replace. Check dates on tires for age. I don't go over 5 yrs. Some people say OK to go 7 years. Most RV's put tires to max performance so I don't want to go over 5 yrs old.
Fire extinguisher?
One of the biggest safety concerns IMO is driving your RV. They don't stop on a dime, you must allow a lot more stopping distance. People drive RV's like they normally drive their cars because that is what they are used to. There is a big difference in your 4,000 pound car and a 10,000 pound rv when you have to stop quick.

The generator...I don't see how the dealer could sell you for that price. Have you looked up the price of them? Google up what they cost. I see $2,500 plus. My first thought being a sceptic is the dealer took it out and is now going to sell it back again. I would make sure it is new. Maybe just me? If that is the case, it wouldn't kill the deal, but I would conceder getting a portable Honda 2000. Should be big enough 2 power what you have (using it smartly)and lot better on gas.
I use ours for back up at home for frig and heater and a few lights when needed.


No... on second thought if the dealer was trying to sell me the generator back that came out of it, I would trash the deal. That would be an indicator of what type of dealer he is. IMO

My 2 cents

Islandman, thanks for the suggestion . I notice that the space to install the generator is located at the bottom of the van . I am not familiar with the installation but I would guess that since it is a build-in generator, they would need to tab the gas tank . should I be concerned about this ? Sorry for being very concerned but I have 3 young kids so I am very worry.

Geting an Onan 2800 for $1,500 installed is a good deal, I'm assuming that it is a new one. Kind of odd that the previous owner pulled the generator out.

Read the FAQ sticky at the top of the Class B home page. Has answers to some of your questions.