Recently sold the TT and picked up a TC. Already had a nice Honda EU2200 for the TT, didn't really 'need' a camper with an onboard generator but it came with one (Onan 2500 LP).It seems to run fine... low hours (just about due for it's first 20 hr oil change)... noticeably louder than the Honda, plus the vibration...On the one hand, it *is* awful nice to be able to just fire up the generator with the push of a button, when needed. No setting up the gen set, running out the shore power cable to it, making sure it's secured when we're not around, no worrying about it getting stolen... But on the other hand, we don't (currently) use a ton of AC power while camping. The majority - other than the air conditioner - could easily be handled by adding solar, upgrading the batteries, and an inverter/charger, all of which are already on the 'to-do' list. If it's just for the times/trips where we're planning on being some place warm-ish and anticipate needing A/C... then setting up the generator and shore power cable, and giving it a quick pull to start... isn't a huge dealHonestly, what I'd *like* to have is one of the new Onan 2500/2800 inverter generators - almost as quiet as the Honda, way less vibration than the OEM version, and all the pros of an onboard gen set. I'm guessing those might be a bit spendier than I'm willing to go for, though ;)If I *were* to pull the Onan 2500 LP gen set out... is there any kind of used market for these things? Better to leave the 'generator pre-wire' in place, or yank it at the same time?

If you sold both the Honda and Onan could you justify a new Onan 2500/2800 genny?

memilanuk wrote:If I *were* to pull the Onan 2500 LP gen set out... is there any kind of used market for these things? Yes! I just sold my 2500 LP generator for $2600. Someone from the wet side of the Cascades bought it. I'm on the dry side.memilanuk wrote: Better to leave the 'generator pre-wire' in place, or yank it at the same time?There's no need to remove the wiring. There's actually no easy way to remove it from my Arctic Fox, which is probably the same in your camper.memilanuk wrote:Honestly, what I'd *like* to have is one of the new Onan 2500/2800 inverter generators - almost as quiet as the Honda, way less vibration than the OEM version, and all the pros of an onboard gen set. I'm guessing those might be a bit spendier than I'm willing to go for, though ;)I bought one and will be installing it next week. It's taken forever to get it though. The generator should produce far less vibration because it's mounted to the base pan on vibration dampeners, plus it runs at a slower RPM. It's variable speed too.

There is good reason why factory generators have always low hr on them. THEY SUCK. Not only the fuel, but reliability is very poor. Onan should be a bit better than Generac I used to have and who left me without AC in 125F heat, but having Honda 3000, I made front mount, removed Generac and lived happily after.The inverter Generac, back in 2001 was $4500 option.How much it is today?

The low noise inverter type portables don't use little lawn mower engines, at least the ones I have don't. Can't even hear my Honda Eu3000 running when the little Generac with the Briggs & Stratton power is on too. But I wouldn't remove it personally, just use it till it breaks bad enough to justify something better to replace it. Unless you have money that needs spending...

I found a metal supply store that was open today, so I went there and bought some plate aluminum stock and fabbed up some mounting brackets. It's a HUGE PITA to make it work because I didn't want to drill into the base pan of the generator liek Northwood did when they mounted the old skool genny, rather than use the threaded inserts and bolts to mount it.I should have it installed and running tomorrow, unless I can't tolerate the 110 heat outside

Remove/replace onboard generator | Good Sam Community

36 Replies

specta
Explorer
Jul 24, 2021
deltabravo wrote:

Onboard gennys are a lot less likely to get stolen at a campground too.

I never leave my portable genny out of the trailer if it's not running. Once I am done using it, it goes back in the trailer.

Sad isn't it.

My friend that I camp with has a Gorilla cable lock that he secures his to his TT with. I used to lock mine to my trailer too.
deltabravo
Nomad
Jul 24, 2021
specta wrote:
I just love having a built in generator.

Onboard gennys are a lot less likely to get stolen at a campground too.

I never leave my portable genny out of the trailer if it's not running. Once I am done using it, it goes back in the trailer.
specta
Explorer
Jul 24, 2021
I know its really no big deal to drag the cord out and plug it into a portable generator, I did that with my first camper.

I just love having a built in generator. Its always there. Its always ready, just push the button. That's all it ever takes.
deltabravo
Nomad
Jul 23, 2021
specta wrote:
I certainly don't want one of those gaudy racks hanging off the front of my truck.

Where would I carry one if I didn't take my ATV on the trailer along?

My Portable genny goes in the trailer too. OOPS, It's not very portable though.
specta
Explorer
Jul 22, 2021
Who wants to bother with dragging around a divorced generator?
I certainly don't want one of those gaudy racks hanging off the front of my truck.

Where would I carry one if I didn't take my ATV on the trailer along?

Glad we all have choices.
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Jul 22, 2021
Everybody has different camping ideas.
Over 30 years of camping, when my sons grew up camping and never had working TV in any.
One time we've been camping during Super bowl weekend, when on next site Saturday afternoon a pickup brought 60" big screen TV. They set it between the tents, watch the match following day and left right after.
Not sure they ever walk down to the lake.
bwc
Explorer
Jul 22, 2021
burningman wrote:
Oh yeah, it’s too hard to go outside and pull the starter cord.. I wouldn’t ever want to go outside when I’m in the camper.
I mean, who would ever want to go outside?
It’s definitely a deal breaker to have to go outside to start the genny.

Right on.....
burningman
Explorer II
Jul 22, 2021
Oh yeah, it’s too hard to go outside and pull the starter cord.. I wouldn’t ever want to go outside when I’m in the camper.
I mean, who would ever want to go outside?
It’s definitely a deal breaker to have to go outside to start the genny.
deltabravo
Nomad
Jul 21, 2021
imjustdave wrote:
Are you making a video on what you needed to change to install this?
I'm considering the same

Other than a longer propane line (36" to replace the 24") I didn't need to change anything to install it.

Another video of the sound comparison is coming later this week.
specta
Explorer
Jul 21, 2021
Kayteg1 wrote:
I never had good luck with marine deep charge batteries.
They always die just days after 3 years warranty expires.
For the same money I bought automotive battery with 96 months warranty.

I figured that you bought automotive batteries when you told us that you were too cheap to by RV batteries and just borrowed them from under the hood of your car.