1.) I recently bought a 2010 Ram 3500 Dually which I hope to find a camper on. So far, it seems I need a 9ft. 9.5 ft. camper because I want a generator and all the 8.5's I've looked at haven't had a compartment for one. True? Are there 8.5 ft campers that come with generator compartments ... pre-wired? 2.) I've had my eye on a Northern Lite because I don't want a slide out and the shell construction. Lance is my second choice... but the ones without slide-outs and front windows. I've been told to avoid campers with front windows due to leaks and heat loss. True? 3.) So far I haven't found a 9 or 9.5 ft Northern Lite in my price range anywhere in the country. I want a Four Seasons camper. I used to drive OTR big rig and one time I broke down in the Rocky Mountains. I know how cold it can get in a cab that isn't built for winter... and yeah, I'm aware that there are heat sources in every camper... I just want to make sure... because I'd love to drive up to Alaska ... and winter camp in places like the Grand Tetons. Any advice?

I am checking for updates and from the forum feedback - even new campers that have factory generators are equipped with gas-guzzling high rpm generators. I have one on my camper and carry smaller, or inverter generator becouse I hate the build-in. So what makes you seeking one so hard and not considering quiet and fuel-saving Honda 2000?I have front window and it is covered all the time. Slept in the camper in single digits, but being alone -kept the slide in and cabover with curtain not letting the warm air escape there.

I miss the front window of my lance 1010. Never leaked and it was the best view of the sky from my pillow. I am actually contemplating installing a front window, but most likely will not. I thought i might miss the front window on my upgrade, and i was right, i do.

my opinion on generators? carry a portable. $1000 puts you in a honda 2000 that will power my 9600btu AC. Advantages: only carry it when you need it. Real quiet. no vibration introduced into coach. you can use it away from the RV if you want. It don't use up all your propane.disadvantages: got to go outside and pull cord to start. someone might steal it. got to carry gas for it.someone else on here said the money it cost to buy a generator will buy you a whole lot of solar. But not sure if solar is up to running an AC for the day.

You're probably right about generators in 8-8.5' campers. It makes sense because of the limited size of the rear storage compartments on a camper that size, and then only on short bed models.I don't think I'd go with an onboard generator myself, just because I've never seen one of those Onans that ran worth a hoot. Friend of mine had a 1999 Class C with an Onan. Had to crank on it for 3-4 minutes to get it running. Before you blame it on poor maintenance, he traded for a brand new class C a couple years ago now and that generator takes forever to start too! He didn't even have it long enough to maintain it poorly! Brand new off the lot, it takes 3 minutes of cranking and several stalls to get it going. Dealer says nothing's wrong.

Subject of gen's has been beaten to death.. some good reading.Link to threadAnother linkAnd one moreFront 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.

Size Matter? Generator Compartments & Front Windows

14 Replies

mkirsch
Nomad II
Feb 24, 2016
You're probably right about generators in 8-8.5' campers. It makes sense because of the limited size of the rear storage compartments on a camper that size, and then only on short bed models.

I don't think I'd go with an onboard generator myself, just because I've never seen one of those Onans that ran worth a hoot. Friend of mine had a 1999 Class C with an Onan. Had to crank on it for 3-4 minutes to get it running. Before you blame it on poor maintenance, he traded for a brand new class C a couple years ago now and that generator takes forever to start too! He didn't even have it long enough to maintain it poorly! Brand new off the lot, it takes 3 minutes of cranking and several stalls to get it going. Dealer says nothing's wrong.
towpro
Explorer
Feb 24, 2016
my opinion on generators? carry a portable. $1000 puts you in a honda 2000 that will power my 9600btu AC.
Advantages: only carry it when you need it. Real quiet. no vibration introduced into coach. you can use it away from the RV if you want. It don't use up all your propane.

disadvantages: got to go outside and pull cord to start. someone might steal it. got to carry gas for it.

someone else on here said the money it cost to buy a generator will buy you a whole lot of solar. But not sure if solar is up to running an AC for the day.
MN_Ben
Explorer
Feb 24, 2016
I miss the front window of my lance 1010. Never leaked and it was the best view of the sky from my pillow. I am actually contemplating installing a front window, but most likely will not. I thought i might miss the front window on my upgrade, and i was right, i do.
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Feb 24, 2016
I am checking for updates and from the forum feedback - even new campers that have factory generators are equipped with gas-guzzling high rpm generators.
I have one on my camper and carry smaller, or inverter generator becouse I hate the build-in.
So what makes you seeking one so hard and not considering quiet and fuel-saving Honda 2000?
I have front window and it is covered all the time.
Slept in the camper in single digits, but being alone -kept the slide in and cabover with curtain not letting the warm air escape there.

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Size Matter? Generator Compartments & Front Windows

14 Replies

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