Forum Discussion

placergold's avatar
placergold
Explorer
Dec 19, 2016

On Board Generator vs Portable Generator

We are researching the purchase of a new toy hauler. And one of the options we are struggling with is whether or not to go with a portable generator, or the factory installed generator. Your opinions and experience on this subject would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

48 Replies

  • Which ever you choose, make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector on board. Here today, no wake up tomorrow.
  • I personally would not own a Toyhauler without a built-in Onan. Even if you decide to go the portable I would make sure it had a generator ready pkg otherwise you'll take a hit when you sell.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    The guys with the built-in generators usually get a free pass when they run their generator at the places with generator run time restrictions in place...

    I have the portable and I usually get caught within a few minutes of the quiet time. Gets turned in by the neighbor folks in a heart beat.

    The guy next to me with his $300K motorhome with built-in generator is running way up into the evening... He's probably the one that turned me in haha...

    Dual standard or money talks or something like that haha...

    Roy Ken
  • We used to carry gas, load, unload, plug in, lock with cable, ......
    Now we push a button. No contest.
  • Pros:
    You push a button, it starts
    You don't haul it outside
    You don't haul it back in
    It doesn't have an individual fuel tank to fill
    No electrical cords to run
    It doesn't take up room in the truck bed or the TH garage space
    Harder to steel

    Cons:
    It may be a propane generator and I'm not a real fan of them
    Depending on where it's installed, the noise may be bothersome
    More expensive to buy or replace than a standalone


    I'd buy the built-in generator.

    Bill
  • placergold, I have a portable. I'd trade it for a built-in in a heartbeat :)
  • What size
    What fuel
    For each one
    For convenience you can't beat self contain, rain shine snow
    Just push the button
    You can usually run the A/C and the MW at the same time
    But avg use will use more fuel
    The portable will use less fuel/gas just charging batteries
    But requires more , power management in hot weather, using A/C and other appliances