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

Kayteg1
Explorer II
Jun 27, 2021
You've got 110F in Spokane??
I moved to Las Vegas 4 years ago, but took me 2 years to learn how to work in 110F.
First you need to make a shade. There is no way without it.
Than put your swimwear on and work for 20 minutes, or till you start dripping the sweat.
Then dive in the pool for 10 laps and dry off over good and cold beer.
Than you are ready for another 20 minutes of work.
deltabravo
Nomad
Jun 27, 2021
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
Sagebrush
Explorer
Jun 26, 2021
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...
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Jun 26, 2021
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?
deltabravo
Nomad
Jun 26, 2021
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.
bgum
Explorer
Jun 26, 2021
If you sold both the Honda and Onan could you justify a new Onan 2500/2800 genny?

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Remove/replace onboard generator

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