My wife and I are going to a 5th wheel. Were not sure whether to have a gen installed at purchase or buy one separately. Were going to go full time for a while. What have you all found to be the best method? Installed or separate?

Not quite the same animal but after working years in the fire service and having issues with built in generators on our units I found they can be a pain if they develop a gremlin or don't get used often enough. Not sure how they would be filled with a fuel on a trailer since our units are plumbed into the diesel lines for the old systems, the new gen systems we use run off a PTO system from the motor and trans already running.I have a Honda EU2000 which I can use around home if the power goes out and store it in the garage so that I can run it every month or two, I find it easy to service on my own and if it developed a serious enough issue I could take it to a service center without the issues of having a permanent mount set up.I'm sure it's convenient to have it built in and that would be a plus if it's used often.

We have an installed generator. Before that we had portables. We love the convenience of an installed generator and if you have pets, you can get auto start which allows one to set the generator to come on in case of power failure or if the RV reaches a set temp. We do not have a pet so we do not have auto start. I would say an installed generator is not the norm for a 5th wheel. At least now we do not have to worry about someone walking off with portables. We used our generator a bunch on our trip to Alaska last year and it opened up a whole new way of camping for us. We are full timers and we have plenty of storage even with the installed generator. We also have a Magnum PSW 2000 watt inverter installed, also a handy addition.

There are many pros and cons. I believe if installed it would run off of propane. If it sits in truck bed having it stolen is always possible, as well as the room it takes up.

I have had both and liked the installed best. If you plan on spending most of your time in RV Parks I would not even get a generator. The on board generator is nice when traveling and stop for lunch. If you are parking on public land and boondocking a portable is nice because they are not as loud in the trailer.

How often do you plan to boondock?If you will be boondocking a lot, I would get a built in. I would go gasoline as it's easier to bring back a couple 5 gal jugs and get a few more days use. Propane is a lot less convienent to get refilled.If you will be using it a few times a month, I would go with portable to keep the cost down.

Generator Installed or Seperate | Good Sam Community

jffnkrn
Explorer
Feb 21, 2016
in ours, the honda eu300is, it has a 3 1/2 gallon tank and usually only have to fill it before we leave on a trip. if i need extra gas, i can get it out of my auxilary tank. i keep stable in it also and never in 6 years had any issues with bad gas, run it minimum monthly and change oil every 6 months weather it needs it or not. I am spoiled rotten. so that is us. good luck & be safe ! ! !
Lantley
Nomad
Feb 20, 2016
tinner12002 wrote:
Not sure if you can get a 5th wheel with a fuel tank for the genny, I know toy haulers come with them but if you can get one built in, I would only do it if it was gas powered not LP powered. Just my opinion. Plus you always have to worry about someone stealing your gen if its not built in.

I have a 5500 Onan LP genset. I agree if you are a heavy user a gas powered genset is more efficient and will run longer on a tank of fuel.
However for shorter more sporadic use LP is fine. It burns cleaner and does not suffer from stale gas and carb issues the plague gas models.
tinner12002
Explorer
Feb 19, 2016
Not sure if you can get a 5th wheel with a fuel tank for the genny, I know toy haulers come with them but if you can get one built in, I would only do it if it was gas powered not LP powered. Just my opinion. Plus you always have to worry about someone stealing your gen if its not built in.
Devocamper
Explorer
Feb 19, 2016
We went with two Honda 2000I's. We have friends that have a built in genset and it has its good points but it uses a lot of propane and it is a tight fit to work on. Also takes up space that could be used for storage , I carry the generators in the box in the back of the truck .Most of the time we only need to run one generator or even the solar panels to charge the batteries and would be a waste to run a 4000 or 5000 k generator the Hondas run on low speed and barely makes any noise when just charging . Both ways have good points but for us the portables work well . How much is the generator option that your look at ? the two Hondas, one of which is the companion model, the parallel kit and the extended run fuel tank ended up around 2300.00
Veebyes
Explorer II
Feb 16, 2016
I guess it comes down to how often you will use it & how much money you are happy spending for the convenience of pushing a button.

I have a 6kw diesel genny in my boat & hardly ever used it. Should have bought a 3 or 4 kw genny. Didn't know much back then.

For the 5er we have what most have, a 2kw Honda, & are very happy with it. We are not avid drycampers but we do like music festivals which are often dry camping onsite for 3 or 4 days.

For the price of an onboard genny you can get a portable genny, upgrade your battery bank, install a nice pure sinewave inverter charger & have money left over.
laknox
Nomad
Feb 16, 2016
Durb wrote:
I have a Honda EU200i and don't like it. The generator runs extremely lean and doesn't like gas with ethanol. I have an extremely low hour unit and it has been in twice to boil out the carburetor. You have to empty all the gas and drain the carb bowl after each use. I've read about fuel injected small generators which I might look into to alleviate the fuel problem.

I would consider one with inverter technology as they idle down under light loads. I believe true generators run at 3600 rpm all the time to ensure 60 CPS performance. Cummins/Onan doesn't list run speeds on their spec sheets.

The 4k-something Yamaha uses a high-torque, low-speed engine, running a constant 2,600 RPM. I've heard from a couple people that these are a decent compromise and are cheaper per kw than a comparable "eco" inverter with a variable-speed engine. Also, many of the newest models now have fuel injection, even some of the 2k's.

Lyle
Durb
Explorer
Feb 16, 2016
I have a Honda EU200i and don't like it. The generator runs extremely lean and doesn't like gas with ethanol. I have an extremely low hour unit and it has been in twice to boil out the carburetor. You have to empty all the gas and drain the carb bowl after each use. I've read about fuel injected small generators which I might look into to alleviate the fuel problem.

I would consider one with inverter technology as they idle down under light loads. I believe true generators run at 3600 rpm all the time to ensure 60 CPS performance. Cummins/Onan doesn't list run speeds on their spec sheets.
jffnkrn
Explorer
Feb 16, 2016
we added our eu3000is honda to the back of our fifth wheel. always had a seperate generator for our trailers and would not be without it. built in, preference i guess. next one i have may be that way so i keep stuff off the back. pm me and i can give you pictures if they don't show up.Good Luck & Be Safe ! ! !
quinlanthomas
Explorer
Feb 16, 2016
After Reading all the info. we decided to go uninstalled. Does anyone have a Mfg recommendation? Our 5th Wheel is 50AMP but I know one AC will run with 30amp. Any suggestions?
2015 Chevy 3500 HD
2015 Winn Destination
time2roll
Nomad
Sep 10, 2015
If I need air conditioning for an extended period I am looking for hookups.
No air conditioning and solar runs everything. Not much need for generator.

Just saying that it depends on use.