Generator for 5th wheel RV

[yrusoslo]

What is a good one?.Does any manufactures have them already in the trailer?

[Poppy_s_5th_Whe]

yrusoslo, our new 5th wheel did not have an on-board generator as an option. It didn't have generator prep as an option either. I have always used 2 - 2000 watt Hondas but I really wanted an on-board unit this time so I purchased an Onan LP 3600 watt generator (only size that would fit in our front compartment and enough to run at least 1 of the A/C units) from an online seller and had it installed by a mobile RV technician. I had quotes from 3 dealerships, including the dealership I bought my trailer from, and they all wanted at least $8-9,000 for the generator and installation. My total costs including the additional installation and set up of an inverter to run my entertainment center when we don't have shore power or running the generator, was $5,800. I was able to sell my Hondas for about $1,000 ($2,000 new cost) so my out of pocket was under $5,000. Much better than the quotes from the dealerships and we love the convenience.

[45Ricochet]

dbbls wrote:
Most onboard generators are Onan brand. I had on in my previous 5er but I now have twin Honda's. I miss the on board generator and wish I had invested in one instead of the Hondas. It is so much hassle to get the Honda out for a lunch stop. I really enjoyed the push button convenience of the Onan.

Yeah nothing like doing nothing to get power. DW can power it up when I'm busy doing something else. You can always start it up and run both A/C's prior to a campsite arrival also. Not to loud either.

[Cummins12V98]

For a RV the "Commercial" Cummins/Onan is the way to go if you want a 240V dryer. Mine is a 6500 LP 50 amp.

[WyoTraveler]

JMHO after having TT and 5ver and now a MH. If I were to go back to either a TT or 5ver I would have a diesel PU and mount a diesel generator on the PU bed and have a remote start within the RV. I know, limited space in the PU bed with 5ver hitch but with a 5ver I'd probably go with a custom large bed on a F450. Like I said, JMHO.

[dbbls]

Most onboard generators are Onan brand. I had on in my previous 5er but I now have twin Honda's. I miss the on board generator and wish I had invested in one instead of the Hondas. It is so much hassle to get the Honda out for a lunch stop. I really enjoyed the push button convenience of the Onan.

[donn0128]

Is usually an option on most larger fivers. But most people avoid them due to high cost, limited run time and actual use. Instead most of us choose a more inexpensive alternative like a pair of Honda 2KW generators.