on board generator

Built in has it's perks as mentioned above..I have a built in for a 21ft class C and do like it for some stuff but I always revert to my smaller Honda 2K for boondocking and charging batteries because it consumes much less fuel than the Onan 4k and ofcourse,it's quieter.

They both have there place.If I had to choose it would be my Honda 3k mounted to the trailer or motorhome..Best gen set I have ever owned.

I recently posted a question about mounting a generator on the tongue of our Arctic Fox 26x. The responses ranged from it shouldn't be done because of the Noise and Vibrations, Emission Concerns, or the Negatives of adding to much Tongue Weight. None of which I've experienced before with our prior RV's, and all were equipped with on-board factory installed generators. I was expecting a few more replies on the how to, and not so much on the reasons of not to. We each have our experiences, for myself, I've now purchased a Remote Start Inverter Generator that I can easily use while inside the Camper Shell of our truck. There are several Videos on U-Tube that discuss Portable Generators. My needs were Fueling, Cooling, and Exhausting from inside the shell. All very simple and inexpensive.

Built in is all about convenience.Built in is not cheaper but it is easier.
You do not need to plan to use a built in. You do not need to boondock to user a built in. You do not need chains, parallel cables, or gas cans to use a built in.
There is nothing to lift,set up or secure.
Built in is all about push button convenience. Want electric just push a button and you can have as much power as you need. Stop for lunch and use the microwave.Stop to site see or to eat just leave dog inside RV with A/C on.
Overnight at Wal mart just press a button and you have full electric

Mount the A/C on the towable RV and the unit is totally self contained. If the tow vehicle is needed elsewhere the RV still has secure electric available.
The only real drawback to a built in vs. portable is price.

After years of hauling around portables, I think it's a good idea.

FYI
We decided that having a pair of Honda EU-2000s was a better call. In the standard AF generator bay we can fit one "factory" generator, or two Honda 2000's -and- our BBQ, waste hose stand and three packages of Lynx levelers.


For trips when we need power, like the long boon-dock weekends in the summer we have the Honda's

When we are taking a trip where we have power, we can leave the Honda's at home and have more room

Then we also have the Honda's for those winter time power outages we always have.

I know of people with onans in their toy haulers who have bought off board generators to minimize hours and vibration.

I don't subscribe to that philosophy.

Think about the noise aspect being installed inside the trailer and the exhaust fumes if the wind is blowing in the wrong direction and the windows are open. I usually cable lock my Honda2000 to a tree a short distance away, pointed away from us and other campers so as not to be easily heard. And stored/hidden when not being used. I had a Class C with an onboard Onan. It was really useful for having power when traveling down the road but the noise and fumes were pretty bad while parked. I did use it a couple times at night to run the A/C while boondocking. But my Honda could do that in a pinch if I turn off all other loads.

Seem like some AF models offered Gen sets. Anyway, I really enjoy the on-board Gen on our current trailer.

Crazy!
Unless you do a vast number of days boondocking it will bea waste of money. Now, if you do actually boondock a lot, then a small generator will come in handy. But carried in your truck bed would be wiser, easier, cheaper at the end of the day.