Question: Generator For An Old RV

I posted this for the lady with the generator question but here it is for you.

http://tucson.craigslist.org/rvs/4822528856.html

http://yuma.craigslist.org/rvs/4823806204.html portable

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/search/sss?query=rv%20generator&sort=rel

http://palmsprings.craigslist.org/search/sss?query=generator&sort=rel

As suggested I would carefully measure the generator compartment and compare it with dimensions of compartments of other newer rigs that use the common Onan 4000watt "micro quiet" generators. Find out if Fleetwood built-in wiring and breaker/fuse box, remote start and other provisions for mounting and using an RV generator. Modern rigs have a transfer switch built in to switch from shore power to generator power, others simply plug the shore power plug into a receptacle on the side of the generator to get generator power into the rig.
Fleetwood may be of some help supplying a wiring diagram and advice. Contact local RV services to find one that is experienced in installing genertors in old rigs. As menttioned, use of RV genertors and utility generators in RV parks and following rules and etiquette are a sensitive subject. Use of RV generators are handy to run your microwave for lunch and your TV for weather reports or underway to run the roof AC in summer heat.

If you ever need something to read, go to the tech side of this website and read about portable generators and the attempts to quiet them down but just ignore the yamaha and honda lovers bashing the

champion buyers. We boon docked mostly when I had my gooseneck . I ran 100ft. of good quality power cord and out in the desert couldn't hear it,much. Mounting on the rear during driving would be ok

but campgrounds would not allow it even during generator times. I have two champions and the smaller inverter one isn't bad but the big one,oh dear. The lower cost Portables are difficult to muffle the

noise. Many have tried. Personally I would look for a used Onan, but that's just me.

aznmatthewpride wrote:
Hi guys, I am new to the RV world, just bought a 1984 Ford Econoline Jamboree. Here's my questions regarding of getting a generator, is there any size differences (actual dimensions) for a RV? I have seen one online with 4000 watts from duromax only $290. Does it fit? Thank you

OK Matthew (nice name),

The First thing that you have to know is that the chassis name plate (Ford or Duramax in this case) has very little to do with the house on the back (here after referred to as the coach). What you have is a Jamboree on a Ford E-(something) cut-away. (A Class C by convention.) Jamboree is a Fleetwood nameplate, so go there to look for people with hands on experience.

What you need first are real measurements. Most RV units are short vertical, but there are other restrictions as well. Those made for RV service are on good mounts and made to be serviced from outside without too much difficulty. That makes all the difference in the world.

I suggest that you measure the generator space you have, go measure the subject unit and see if it has a chance. If it does, then go to all the Fleetwood sites you can find, (there is a group at irv2.com/fleetwood) and there are probably others. Those people should be able to give you real answers.

Matt

If you want an rv generator go to craigslist and look 1st. Lot of them generealy posted there. You will need to have someone knowledgeable check the thing out however as these can be temperamental and have issues that can be $$.

I mounted a champion generator on the back of our TT was actually pretty easy if ya can weld or know someone who can. Its primarily for non camping use (AC while travel in hot regions, roadside stops etc) could be used in areas without prepared campsites (again roadside forest settings). It has a 63 db noise level at 25 ft so not bad and it is an rv develeoped gen. But for you I think CL is best bet

Not really enough information in your question. First thing we need to know is What do You Want to do With It? If you don't need to run air conditioning, you don't need nearly the power that you do for A/C. If you want to run it a lot, not have your neighbors mad at you, maybe even mad at yourself, most of the "jobsite genny's" are too loud. Some genny's in the class you noted have TWO 120VAC windings. Going across both lets you get full rated watts BUT at 240VAC, not what you want. Either of the 120VAC windings will give you only half the rated wattage. A true RV GenSet is big, heavy, and expensive. When we had a 1984 Class C, I bought a used ONAN 4000W for $800 and was glad to get it for that price. It weighed 250# and was pretty tall. But it was a "whole house" genny. It could power everything I could run from a 30A shore tie pedestal. That was because it had ONE 120VAC winding, so the full 4000W was available to start an A/C.
Many of us here look to a portable Honda "inverter" generator, 2000W. VERY quiet and will start a 13800BTU A/C. Might be available used on places like Craigslist. Some models can be "paralled" for 4000W.
Some have mounted "portable" genny's in their RV's but it's a complex job to get it safe and cooled and quiet and fueled.
Coach like yours probably had ONAN or Kohler or Generac 4KW. Big and heavy. Later models like ONAN MicroQuiet (the "KY" Series) have about the same footprint but aren't as "tall" so they'd fit your genny bay.

If you are planning on using your generator at the various campgrounds you might want to check a few places out where you will be going to and see what the rules are for using generators.

Most public places around here only allow like maybe 8AM to 10AM in the morning and then again 4PM to 8PM in the evening. That is not alot of time to cool down a trailer with air conditioners etc... No where do you find public campground that will allow generators after 8PM at night in the public camp grounds.

In our Western USA spread out camp grounds you can get more generator run times in the dispersed camping areas.

IN private areas and along the roadways I guess you can run them anytime you want.

Check all of this out for yourself before spending alot of money... Might not be worth the effort for you. It seems high dollar motorhomes with hidden enclosed generators get a break at places we visit.

We have found in our travels Lots of different rules about generator use. We are always conscious about the rules more than what you think you can get away with. We only use our small 2KW portable generator just a few hours each day when camping off the power grid to recharge our larger battery bank. We spent our monies to beef up our trailer to run things from the battery bank. Air Conditioning and other high wattage appliances is not high on our priority list.

just saying
Roy Ken

aznmatthewpride wrote:
Hi guys, I am new to the RV world, just bought a 1984 Ford Econoline Jamboree. Here's my questions regarding of getting a generator, is there any size differences (actual dimensions) for a RV? I have seen one online with 4000 watts from duromax only $290. Does it fit? Thank you

You tell us if it fits, I would guess that it is not a rv specific generator, how big is your generator compartment?

I hope you don't plan on sleeping with that thing running.