I purchased a used RV as a project. I was thinking about having a generator for it. I already have built in Onan's in my other RV'S. Since this RV does not have provisions for a generator or fuel tank I was thinking about a Champion 3400 inverter generator. I have another option as well. In my shed I have a Onan 2500 watt propane generator, transfer swith and vented generator compartment door. All I would have to do is get a sheet metal fire suppression cabnet built for it to sit in. It would go under the bed in the front of the trailer. I would lose storage access on one side. Not worried about losing a little storage, just don't carry much. As far as noise I can wrap the cabnet in sound deadening material. Which option would you choose? Champion no work additional cost. Onan a little work but not much cost.

You said if you mounted the Onan it would be under the front bed, so I assume it would be in a TT. Along with the box assembly, dont forget the exhaust, going out and under will make it louder, or in a unit not designed for it, trying to go up will be difficult. A propane genny will also run your tanks down fairly quick, and at 2500 watts be marginal for running an AC. If you were going to boondock much, I would use the portable Champ, easier to haul extra fuel than the propane, more watts for AC or other uses, and the ability to take it with the tow vehicle for other uses.

The exhaust and cooling would require cutting a rectangular hole in the front compartment floor and run the exhaust out the side like normally done. The propane use and filling tanks would be more of a hassle compared to a gas station. The benefit would be never loading or unloading, better theft prevention, push button starting without setting up for a quick stop on the road. The Onan 2500 can run a 13500 A/C without issue. But only one major electrical appliance at a time. The Champion could be run from the back of the truck plugging the cord in, would be less hassle for fuel and less cost then propane. Already carry E-0 fuel for the scooters.

Foolish to try to put a genset under the bed in so many ways. Set it on the tongue of the trailer.

Horsedoc wrote:Foolish to try to put a genset under the bed in so many ways. Set it on the tongue of the trailer.Why? I thought about the tongue but lack of room, dirt and water intrusion was a concern along with the possibility of theft at storage. I thought about a lockable tongue box to put the generator and battery in that would prevent the above issue. It could be modified for the required cooling. I could also put a solar panel on top of the box to keep the battery topped off.

I have had both types on board and separate. I prefer my honda 3000 on a cargo rack, either in my front receiver of my pickup or the rear receiver of the 5th wheel. I have found on board which I have had two to be loud and they vibrate the rig. A mobile generator can moved away from the rig in a long term situation. I would definitely purchase the quietest generator possible as that is the most important feature of all. Now most certainly those with extremely high end rigs will have quiet well insulated premium generators which are on board but those are in a different league than most of us. :) JMHO

Different generator question? | Good Sam Community

17 Replies

colliehauler
Explorer III
Feb 05, 2019
valhalla360 wrote:
colliehauler wrote:
valhalla360 wrote:
Building a rack on the tongue would be far simpler and if you bolt it in place with a cover, it won't be an obvious choice for theft. Plus you get to keep the under bed storage.

Under the bed, exhaust and heat are probably the bigger issues as opposed to noise. The portable generators are not designed to be run in small enclosed spaces.
The Onan is NOT a portable generator. Under bed would be no different then any other built in installation. Onan has a built in fan that sucks in cooling air and blows hot air to the under side of the RV. The exhaust runs through a tailpipe past the exterior of the RV. To install in the storage compartment you would need a sheet metal cabnet that has a lip to the outside of the RV. You would have to cut a rectangular hole in the floor for the cooling with the tailpipe running through the same opening. The generator is in it's own enclosure and designed for this type of installation. This is no different then any other built in generator installation. The Onan 2500 microlite is used extensively in truck campers and class c's. The Onan 2800 is the same generator but the gasoline version instead of propane.

I hope this clarification helps for those that don't understand.

I understood...I was referring to the champion on the tongue and the onan inside.

Yes, you can do it under the bed but its a little more than just shove it in a compartment and hope for the best.
That's why I posted a detailed explanation of how to do a generator compartment. Your correct in you can't just put it under the bed. Installation of the Onan would be a little more labor-intensive.
badsix
Explorer
Feb 05, 2019
wa8yxm wrote:
Why not convert the ONAN to a portable?

Thhat Champion you cited sounds like it might be a contractor's model (That wattage usually is) ear plugs are NOT optional. they are necessary with Contractor's models.

Build a box to enclose the ONAN and load it in your truck to carry. you may wish to convert it to gasoline though.. Propane it sucks lots of.

NOPE, Champion has a 3400 inverter with remote start weighs apr. 95 #
I have the same thing only 3500w
Jay D.
valhalla360
Navigator
Feb 05, 2019
colliehauler wrote:
valhalla360 wrote:
Building a rack on the tongue would be far simpler and if you bolt it in place with a cover, it won't be an obvious choice for theft. Plus you get to keep the under bed storage.

Under the bed, exhaust and heat are probably the bigger issues as opposed to noise. The portable generators are not designed to be run in small enclosed spaces.
The Onan is NOT a portable generator. Under bed would be no different then any other built in installation. Onan has a built in fan that sucks in cooling air and blows hot air to the under side of the RV. The exhaust runs through a tailpipe past the exterior of the RV. To install in the storage compartment you would need a sheet metal cabnet that has a lip to the outside of the RV. You would have to cut a rectangular hole in the floor for the cooling with the tailpipe running through the same opening. The generator is in it's own enclosure and designed for this type of installation. This is no different then any other built in generator installation. The Onan 2500 microlite is used extensively in truck campers and class c's. The Onan 2800 is the same generator but the gasoline version instead of propane.

I hope this clarification helps for those that don't understand.

I understood...I was referring to the champion on the tongue and the onan inside.

Yes, you can do it under the bed but its a little more than just shove it in a compartment and hope for the best.
colliehauler
Explorer III
Feb 04, 2019
Thanks Pnichols for pointing that out. If I install it will also go in a sheet metal cabnet covered with Dynamat noise reduction material then have the wood bed frame and mattress for additional noise reduction. I could put in additional sound insulation on the bottom and sides of the bed. You will always have a little vibration which doesn't bother me. The motor and generator are on rubber mounts inside the case.
pnichols
Explorer II
Feb 04, 2019
colliehauler wrote:
valhalla360 wrote:
Building a rack on the tongue would be far simpler and if you bolt it in place with a cover, it won't be an obvious choice for theft. Plus you get to keep the under bed storage.

Under the bed, exhaust and heat are probably the bigger issues as opposed to noise. The portable generators are not designed to be run in small enclosed spaces.
The Onan is NOT a portable generator. Under bed would be no different then any other built in installation. Onan has a built in fan that sucks in cooling air and blows hot air to the under side of the RV. The exhaust runs through a tailpipe past the exterior of the RV. To install in the storage compartment you would need a sheet metal cabnet that has a lip to the outside of the RV. You would have to cut a rectangular hole in the floor for the cooling with the tailpipe running through the same opening. The generator is in it's own enclosure and designed for this type of installation. This is no different then any other built in generator installation. The Onan 2500 microlite is used extensively in truck campers and class c's. The Onan 2800 is the same generator but the gasoline version instead of propane.

I hope this clarification helps for those that don't understand.

In addition for what it's worth ... Onan's meeting of National Park noise requirements apply when their models are "naked" in only their own enclosures. Built-in Onan generators can be much quieter than their naked noise specs when installed within the various RV generator compartments.
colliehauler
Explorer III
Feb 04, 2019
valhalla360 wrote:
Building a rack on the tongue would be far simpler and if you bolt it in place with a cover, it won't be an obvious choice for theft. Plus you get to keep the under bed storage.

Under the bed, exhaust and heat are probably the bigger issues as opposed to noise. The portable generators are not designed to be run in small enclosed spaces.
The Onan is NOT a portable generator. Under bed would be no different then any other built in installation. Onan has a built in fan that sucks in cooling air and blows hot air to the under side of the RV. The exhaust runs through a tailpipe past the exterior of the RV. To install in the storage compartment you would need a sheet metal cabnet that has a lip to the outside of the RV. You would have to cut a rectangular hole in the floor for the cooling with the tailpipe running through the same opening. The generator is in it's own enclosure and designed for this type of installation. This is no different then any other built in generator installation. The Onan 2500 microlite is used extensively in truck campers and class c's. The Onan 2800 is the same generator but the gasoline version instead of propane.

I hope this clarification helps for those that don't understand.
valhalla360
Navigator
Feb 04, 2019
Building a rack on the tongue would be far simpler and if you bolt it in place with a cover, it won't be an obvious choice for theft. Plus you get to keep the under bed storage.

Under the bed, exhaust and heat are probably the bigger issues as opposed to noise. The portable generators are not designed to be run in small enclosed spaces.
colliehauler
Explorer III
Feb 04, 2019
wa8yxm wrote:
Why not convert the ONAN to a portable?

Thhat Champion you cited sounds like it might be a contractor's model (That wattage usually is) ear plugs are NOT optional. they are necessary with Contractor's models.

Build a box to enclose the ONAN and load it in your truck to carry. you may wish to convert it to gasoline though.. Propane it sucks lots of.
No the champion is a inverter enclosed generator, it replaces the 3100 model with 300 more running watts and you can get it with remote start. I do have a champion 3500 open frame in case of power failure at the house, still new in the box. I need the truck bed open for a couple of maxi-scooters.
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Feb 03, 2019
Why not convert the ONAN to a portable?

Thhat Champion you cited sounds like it might be a contractor's model (That wattage usually is) ear plugs are NOT optional. they are necessary with Contractor's models.

Build a box to enclose the ONAN and load it in your truck to carry. you may wish to convert it to gasoline though.. Propane it sucks lots of.
time2roll
Nomad
Feb 03, 2019
theoldwizard1 wrote:
KISS. Use a portable generator. Personally, I would rather buy TWO 2000W Champion inverter generator than ONE >3000W inverter. Easier/lighter to move around. Save fuel (not much really) when you don't need the extra power.
+1

Although I would get 400+ watts solar first.

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Different generator question?

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