Generator or no Generator

[jblake240]

Buying new 40ft fifth wheeler, and curious if anyone
has comment one buying a generator with the camper
or if of one is even needed.
Thanks

[MTPockets1]

If you have the money get the propane generator. You don't "need" it if you don't boondock, which we don't. But, it sure is nice to have when on the road at the rest area and feel like heating up something in the microwave, or the electric coffee pot or Keurig. We've used ours a few times traveling and turned into the rest area for a snack, a nap and turn on the A/C...... Convenience is what it's all about. Push a button inside and 'zap' - electric power.... nice.

[Lantley]

To the OP: After re reading the post. I'm not clear if you are looking to buy a built in genset with your new 5'er. Or are you considering getting a portable unit?
While both types will produce adequate electric. Portables and built-ins are very different when it comes to price and what is required to use/set them up.

[Oaklevel]

Depends on how you camp.

We have been camping over 20 years & never needed on nor had one.

Our friends have one but have never used it & now it will not start..... There is maintenance required.

As far as to value if you trade early may add some, when the trailer is older won't may much difference but if it does not work it could be a liability.

They are nice to have if you need it.

[slomark]

We have 4 6v batteries, and a yamaha 3500 esib, which stays at home. The batteries will last more than eight days without a recharge.

[Lantley]

TXiceman wrote:
You will not get a lot more for the trade or sale with a generator.

Ken

I agree while it will/may add value to your RV you will not recoup what the genset cost.

[samsontdog]

A gen is sure handy when you're at a full hookup site and the power goes off for three days. That happened three times while we were camping at different parks.
Plus sure nice when you stop at rest stop and it's 105 degrees. My gen goes with us while camping

[TXiceman]

You will not get a lot more for the trade or sale with a generator.

Ken

[Halmfamily]

We looked at adding an Onan genset to the new fiver we are about to order but the $5000 cost was beyond our grasp. For our needs a new Champion 3000i for $800 will more than suit our needs and we will enjoy the $4200 savings. Good luck.

[jauguston]

Keep in mind those that recommend relying on solar for your power needs as your only source don't bother to mention that in order for your solar to work you need to park in the SUN. Not always a confortable place to be (-: Solar is fine I have a big solar system but I also have a generator. Here in NW Washington there are many days when my solar system delivers nearly no power. We use our coach year around and there are a LOT of cloudy/rainy days.

Jim

[time2roll]

If you plan to be off grid running the air conditioner for extended periods then get the option.

For most other off grid I recommend solar and an inverter.

If always plugged in then pass. JMHO

[valhalla360]

It's all about how you use the camper.

We only use it occasionally and went witha 2400w Yamaha that can run the air/con.

We use the same generator on the boat and can use it for power outages when not camping.

[gbopp]

Will it make a difference for trade in/sales value?

[ol_Bombero-JC]

.
As you can see - lots of opinions on what "their" preferences are.

It gets down to what *you* want for *your* uses.

If you are "on the fence" - suggest getting your RV "generator ready".
up to and including a/the transfer switch.......but *without* the gen.

Sometime down the road, it *you* decide you want a generator, you can add the generator of your choice - probably at a better price (and selection) than what the dealer offers.

(IMO) The above -even if you never use it- will be a nice feature when/if you eventually sell your RV..;)

~

[Lantley]

While I enjoy having a built in genset on my rig,a genset is not required.
A built in genset is an expensive option depending on your camping style you may never need it.
I enjoy the flexibility of always being self contained wherever I am.
I can have the convenience and comfort of having electric at the push of a button. THe A/C and microwave are always available. Rest stops for lunch, overnights stops while traveling, dry camping, boondocking, marina camping are all reasons to have a built in genset.
A built in genset is all about convenience, nothing to set up ,no parallel cables, no lifting, no gas cans,no planning. Just the convenience of full electric at the push of a button.
Having a built in genset is great,but it is more of a luxury than a necessity.
I imagine the luxury vs. necessity logic could be applied to the entire RV. LOL!

[Sandia_Man]

If you plan to camp with hookups all the time a generator would be of little use. If you plan to do some mixed camping where there would be occasional camping without hookups, a generator can be a nice addition to keeps batteries charged and provide power as needed. If you prefer camping off the power grid a generator and some solar panels is a combination that provides the best scenario for this style of RVing.

When choosing to get a generator you will need to add up all the items you intend to run at the same time to get a unit with enough watts to do the job. To keep it simple, it boils down to if you intend to use your generator to power your air conditioner. If not, a portable 2000 watt genny will power most everything on your 5er including most microwaves. They don't use much gas and are not very heavy so they can be stored and carried without much effort.

Onboard generators are an expensive option but nice to have if your want to power your entire rig as if plugged into shorepower. They are sized according to how many AC units your rig has and fuel sources are propane, gasoline, and diesel. These generators do not do well with limited use and they must be maintained and exercised regularly for best performance.

Another popular route is to parallel 2 portable units in order to have enough wattage to run a rig's AC unit, when AC is not needed the second unit can just stay home. It really boils down to the type of camping you plan to do, we purchased a RV to camp with the same amenities we have at home and have invested in a generator. We prefer camping off the power grid and also have solar to keep batteries happy and reduce the amount of genny runtime. Enjoy your new 5er!!!