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

theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Feb 03, 2019
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.
colliehauler
Explorer III
Feb 03, 2019
Most of the high end Diesel pushers use Diesel Onan's. I already have Toy haulers with built in Onan generators. They have built-in 40 gallon gas tanks. My project is more of a conventional TT. I'm kind of leaning towards a stand alone generator. Not having to deal with large propane usage would be a plus.
dave17352
Explorer
Feb 03, 2019
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
colliehauler
Explorer III
Feb 03, 2019
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.
Horsedoc
Explorer II
Feb 03, 2019
Foolish to try to put a genset under the bed in so many ways. Set it on the tongue of the trailer.
colliehauler
Explorer III
Feb 03, 2019
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.
wanderingaimles
Explorer
Feb 03, 2019
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.

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Different generator question?

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