Gen prep packages

[laknox]

One thing that has caught my eye is that on Jayco's current crop of Eagle HTs (don't know about other models) is that they're offering a "Dry Camping Package". Basically, it's a gen prep with OEM transfer switch, front cargo box set up for an Onan and (I think) 2 40 lb propane bottles; not sure if there's anything else, as Jayco has zero info on it on their site. Runs about $1050 for the package. My question is, would it be worth doing, but wiring the transfer switch for use with an =external= genny and keeping the box free for storage?

Thoughts...?

Lyle

[Nv_Guy]

I am not a big fan of running generators on LP because you derate them, and they can be finicky. And as mentioned, they rattle the rig. I would rather have the space and have the option of bringing a portable if dry camping is anticipated. Let's not forget if something goes wrong (and it will) the whole rig gets hauled to the gen shop.

[Njmurvin]

My generator prep included a poor man's transfer switch. This consisted of j-box adjacent to the front storage compartment (meant to house the genny) with wiring back to the electrical compartment where the shore power cord is stored. Inside that box is an extra 30amp outlet connected to the j-box. When on genny, plug the shore power cord into this genny outlet. If on shore power, plug the cord into the power pedestal.

I have commandeered this wiring and use it with my inverter which is near the front compartment. I simply wired the inverter output to the j-box and I plug the shore power cord into the extra outlet if using the inverter (after setting fridge to gas and turning of the converter). If I need a genny, I'll carry a portable.

[laknox]

Thanks for the comments, all.

Lyle

[Tvov]

Do you really need a transfer switch? When we have used a gen, we just plug into it. For an "on board" gen I can see the transfer switch being useful, especially with a remote start gen. But if you are just going to have the gen sitting outside the camper, just plug it in using the shore power cord and enjoy it.

Sounds like the "dry camping package" is not needed for you unless you are going to mount the gen on the camper.

[bucky]

Because the gen runs on propane.

[SailingOn]

We spent 10 weeks this summer, from Texas to Alaska and back, mostly dry camping in BLM and National Forest sites.
Our (diesel) generator is noisy, shakes the rig, and makes bad smells. We ran it less than 3 hours total this summer. Solar kept our batteries charged, except one cloudy week in Denali.
Our dry camping stay time was limited to about a week - by fresh water, not power.
Plugging the rig's shore cable into an external generator, what would a transfer switch add?
Unless you're continuously in freezing weather, why would you need 80# of propane?

[bluie5]

We have an Eagle HT on order and opted not to have the generator prep. There is a compartment on the curb side for the extra propane tank but I don’t know where the generator would go. I have a Honda so we didn’t need the prep.