Forum Discussion

Mattyd's avatar
Mattyd
Explorer
Oct 28, 2015

Anyone rig up a diesel generator?

Seeing how on many class B and others are offernig a diesel generator, anyone every rig one up for their TC? For sure it would be set up so that one could disconnect the fuel supply so removal of the camper an option. Figure a way to run off the trucks diesel tank?

17 Replies

  • I made a joke on car forum putting in my profile that I am seeking diesel-powered, push-lawnmower and after few years a fellow member found one for me.
    I am big diesel fan for fuel savings and reliability, but having Honda lawnmower I passed on $1700 Toro with diesel.
    Same with generators.
    The smallest one I found years ago was about 250lb and that was contractor-grade with high noise.
  • I couldn't find a small diesel either when I looked before but apparently Onan has them based on watching some youtube reviews of Bs.
  • Who has a small diesel generator? The smallest ones I'm finding are 5500 Watts, open frame contractor generators, weighing 240lbs, and costing upwards of $4000.
  • Seems to me that a diesel generator would weigh a ton.
  • We have used many different marine diesel generators, all are very heavy, the bane of truck camper rigs. I am not familiar with any diesel models that would fit easily into the TC compartments generally found.
  • Bedlam, I sure like that idea of a dedicated separate diesel tank.
    My old toyhauler had a 5.5kw onan with a dedicated gas tank, something like 40 gallon capacity. It sure was nice being able to pull up to the gas pump and refill.
    My AF1150 came with the Onan, and so far no problems, and the propane can run it for a pretty fair amount of time, but it would be nice to have a 40 gallon tank under the truck, and with the Sterling 4500 dually, I've got lot's of room. Maybe next time.
  • When generators are run off motor home fuel tanks, there typically is a dedicated supply line in the fuel tank that sits higher than the one for the engine. This prevents you for running the tank to empty with the generator and then not being able to start the motor home.

    I think it would be easier to have an auxiliary tank in the spare tire location that feeds the generator and truck while the main tank would remain dedicated for the truck. Marine style quick connect fuel fittings could be used between the truck and generator, but you may need an additional fuel pump if the rise or run of the fuel line is too long.