Size Matter? Generator Compartments & Front Windows

Than there is alternative to $1000 for Honda.
Harbor Freight is selling twin generator for $399 Predator Generator.
Sure it is not Honda, but decent rating on 120+ reviews.

Our AF 990 is very warm compared to our old Lance 920. We had a generator on our Lance but hardly ever used it so we didn't get one on the AF. I don't miss it but we still have the Gen compartment if we want to get the Honda. I would rather not have the slide but but it came with what else we wanted in a camper. The AF is a "real" cold weather camper compared to our 4 season Lance 920. There may be some better but it does the job for us.

Big Rig (John)

Really good feedback everyone.
Many, many thanks for each bit of advice.

I learn from all the pros and cons.

Yeah... it's good to see I was right about needing a 9.5 .... and by the way, I have a long-bed Ram 3500 Dually, and I'm told that I won't need to add to the payload suspension as long as I don't go over 4,000 pounds wet.

About the generators, THANK YOU.
Honda and Yamaha do make quieter ones, and it seems the Home Depot contractor (cheaper - and LOUDER) generators are the ones to avoid.

This YouTube video claims why the technology in the generators built for RVs make them cost more but consume around a gallon of gas a day:

Link to, "Why the technology makes them better"

Does anyone know about the, "Generac iQ" generator?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdUSO8kFKVQ

Since I have no experience, I can only ... kinda imagine why someone would need a Honda AND a portable... but I guess I'll cross that bridge when I get there.

1.) Thanks for the info about the Northwest having more Northern Lites
2.) It's also good to hear the pros (and cons) about front windows
3.) And it's also good to learn about not worrying over the term, "4 Seasons"

I guess there needs to be a couple of more questions. Dodge makes a dually short bed 3500, is that your truck?

The subject of on-board or buying a Honda 2K has been beaten to absolute death. People who spent thousands of dollars on a Honda and dozens of hours figuring out a way to mount or carry it and the associated gas cans are convinced they are right.

That being said, an Arctic Fox 865 and an Adventurer 86FB both have generator locations that are just storage when built as a long bed camper. So the 9-9.5 comment is probably true.

You'll need a 9.5 on an 8 ft bed. If you have a shorter bed, you can use a 8/8.5 and have a generator.

I have no idea what your price range is, but if you look in the Northwest, there are quite a number available. I'd also look at S&S. I don't think "four" season means a lot. For each camper out there except for the thinnest wall/lightest ones, you can make minor modifications that make major differences for cold/hot weather.

You need at least 2' of overhang off the rear of the bed to get a built generator. Some people despise Onan, but I have had good luck with their generators and use mine often.

I prefer a dark place to sleep that is well insulated from temperatures and noises, so I avoid the large Heki skylights, front cab over windows and single pane windows. We also have a full wall wardrobe on one side so there is only one side window/escape hatch. Ventilation is provided by the window and a Fantastic Fan at the foot of the bed.

Northstar makes well insulated campers without slides. Arctic Fox has a limited run 865 they make every year with no slide. If you look at the better 4-season campers you could expand your search to campers with slides. Ours does well with the slide open in cold weather that we can always close if it really got cold.

hedge wrote:
Adventurer campers have generator available in the 86FB and 89RB, not sure about anything shorter. They seem to only fit the Onan built-in though, I know my Honda 2k won't fit through the door of my 89RB.

X2

Reality Check wrote:
Subject of gen's has been beaten to death.. some good reading.

Link to thread

Another link

And one more

Front window? Don't miss it. View was great, but then we don't lay in bed once awake so moot point. Warmer in the winter, less condensation to deal with not having it.

X2 Do not like front windows either and Adventurer 86 FB has a roomy generator compartment

Adventurer campers have generator available in the 86FB and 89RB, not sure about anything shorter. They seem to only fit the Onan built-in though, I know my Honda 2k won't fit through the door of my 89RB.

Subject of gen's has been beaten to death.. some good reading.

Link to thread

Another link

And one more

Front window? Don't miss it. View was great, but then we don't lay in bed once awake so moot point. Warmer in the winter, less condensation to deal with not having it.