Forum Discussion

okhmbldr's avatar
okhmbldr
Explorer
Jul 26, 2018

Would you replace Generator, or substitue with Hondas??

Just a little background; I purchased a 2003 Holiday Rambler Vacationer about a month ago. My plan is to live in the motor home while my new home is being completed, about six weeks until completion. We've been in it for three weeks and all is well.
I purchased it from a bank as a repo, so I knew it needed a few things. I fixed just about everything that needed attention, and it's actually a pretty nice motor home for temporary duty. My intention is to sell after we move in to the new home.
One of the items needing attention is the Generator; it was missing along with the control panel.
I've located a replacement, Onan Marquis gold 5500, but it's pricey.
Just your thoughts: Would you replace and make it as original for the next owner, or would you purchase a couple of Hondas and link them together? Doing the Hondas would be about 2/3rds the cost of a replacement Onan 5500 (it's not new, 400 hours, located at an RV salvage).
Any thoughts?

thanks,
Class A

29 Replies

Show More
  • kerrlakeRoo's avatar
    kerrlakeRoo
    Explorer
    Jul 26, 2018
    On average, I believe most folks looking at a motorhome would want/expect the unit to be remote start capable. Having to go outside and start one or more portables would not be a selling point.
    At the least I were going to install one I would look at installing a Westinghouse or Champion with remote start. You may or may not be able to rig some method for fueling other than the built in tank.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Jul 26, 2018
    rgatijnet1 wrote:
    Get the Honda and then you can use it in your stick house after the next tornado comes through. :B


    Well Price matters to me so I'm not sure. depends on what kind of a deal I can get on which generator.

    IF Price is close (Then it does not matter) or if it did not matter I'd replace the ONAN.

    OH. and the last time I had a power fail (New Years) back when I had a house.... What do you think provided the 120vac to run the lights. furnace REfrigeration and electronics?

    My Onan 5500 in the motor home.. I have a pair of TT-30s and a 30 amp twist lock installed in a weather protected location.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Jul 26, 2018
    Or, it may be easier to sell with an onboard generator. You bought it as temporary housing while building a house.
    The next owner may want to use it to travel and boondock.

    I agree with rgatijnet1, if you need a generator go with the hondas. Then keep them when you sell the rig. They come in handy.
  • AllegroD's avatar
    AllegroD
    Nomad
    Jul 26, 2018
    You are not going to get your money back with either so I "Ditto" the neither.
  • wildtoad's avatar
    wildtoad
    Explorer II
    Jul 26, 2018
    What DrewE said. You don’t seem to need one, and perhaps the future owner may not either.
  • DrewE's avatar
    DrewE
    Explorer II
    Jul 26, 2018
    If I didn't need the generator myself, I would do neither one and let the next owner decide which to do, or whether to do without a generator entirely.
  • rgatijnet1's avatar
    rgatijnet1
    Explorer III
    Jul 26, 2018
    Get the Honda and then you can use it in your stick house after the next tornado comes through. :B

About Motorhome Group

38,763 PostsLatest Activity: Dec 05, 2025