2016 gen ready install questions

[dawzie]

Hi everyone, I have a 2016 Montana High Country 5th wheel that is generator ready. Before purchasing I asked my salesman at CW Kingston, NY for a price quote to do.

As that afternoon wore on discussing everything another fella stopped by and gave him a work sheet with all materials to be used and prices. He handed it to me and I think I started to mumble or something. Nearly $5000 for genset and related materials and $1800 to install.

I declined the offer but asked him to leave the price quote in my file.

The following week when picking up my unit, I asked the finance rep about that quote. Long story short, no one knows anything about it.

I have an older onan 4000 watt unit from a old rv we had. I asked my dealer for install instructions and they said no in a round-about-way.

So, has anyone with a genset ready fiver installed one that can help me ??

Thanks, Dawzie

[Dusty_R]

It would be a lot easier to not put in an auto transfer switch but put in a receptacle, fed by the generator, and when you want to use the generator, just plug the power cord into it.
An auto transfer switch is nice, but more costly, and more work to install. Also they have been know it give trouble.

Dusty

[dawzie]

Good morning folks. Went to the dealer yesterday to see how they are doing with my fridge. Still doesn't hold temp for more than a day at a time.

I aked about what does "generator ready" mean in my 5th wheel unit. It means that the front storage compartment has cutouts in the metal floor for a onan genset, the LP gas line is nearby for tapping into and that the shore power cord comes to a j-box nearby and I can easly add a transfer switch to it there.

Now that is easy. He said it normally takes about two hours to install. I questioned him why they gave me a quote of $1800 just to install ?? He said he didn't know.

So, I'm all set for being able to do this.

Thanks to all responding.

FYI - under another thread - my unit was returned to dealer for warrentee repairs in beginning of August - it's still there - I'm not a happy camper

Camping World of Kingston NY has the worst coustomer service I have ever delt with.

[DrewE]

You might have more luck with getting some good information by poking around (or asking) Onan for assistance. Certainly their installation instructions give a lot of details on the needed connections, holes for air circulation, mounting requirements, and so forth.

[rolopayne]

I just installed a Onan 4k in my TT that was generator prepped, that is remote start, transfer switch and junction box, plus the enclosure and fuel tank and lines of course, I made a wiring diagram, but not sure how to upload it as I am new here. like you CW and another shop quoted me between 4500 and 5k, I bought the generator and muffler kit a lot cheaper than that.

[westend]

Dawzie,
Briefly state your skill level. It does no good to list the steps for installation if it will all be over your head.

[RollandB]

Dusty, my 5er is generator ready, essentially in the front compartment where the tensest would go (either factory or dealer installed) there is a JBox with wires for connecting the gen set. They go to the back of the rig where now there is a receptical to plug into. A friend with a matching and factory gen set installed and make and model has a transfer switch where where my recptical is.

Since I have a portable genny, I choose to install solar and spent dollars there instead.

[Dusty_R]

Be glad to help you, bring it over.
Not sure what "generator ready" means.
Does it have a transfer switch, or a receiptcial to plug the generator in when you want to use it ?
What size generator ?
Or does "generator ready" just mean that there is a generator compartment ?

Dusty

[jerseyjim]

FWIW, when buying a motorhome, the generator is installed by the factory. I don't know why the same would be for a TT or 5th....IF ordered that way. But that's me...and as I said, FWIW.
I did have my genny rebuilt after the main oil seal blew....(oil all over the place) and for the rebuild, including removal and replacement, that was $2500.

So...they are VERY expensive no matter how you look at it. You MAY be better off simply getting one of those portable units (like Honda, a small Generac from, say, Lowes) and simmply find a way to travel with it....bumper hitch or something...or put in a shelf in your generator area...providing it would fit.

G'luck!