Forum Discussion

dogvetia's avatar
dogvetia
Explorer
Sep 26, 2021

Generators for 5er

After 35 years in motorhomes with on board diesel generators, we are downsizing to a 32 foot fiver. Have a ton diesel to pull so that should not be an issue. Issue will be generating enough juice to power both airs and a couple of frig wine cooler.. want something quiet since we dry camp some.. is a generator mounted on a rear rack or one carried in pick up bed better? Is a single 7000 Honda better than 2 smaller generators hooked together to provide adequate power better? I would theft maybe issue on rear rack mounting. Ant advice from experience would be appreciated. I fear the move won't be pain free but to look on it as a challenge. Thanks
  • jdc1's avatar
    jdc1
    Explorer II
    Sep 26, 2021
    Two 15k AC'c, a converter, maybe an inverter for the fridge? Add it up. Sounds like you are in the market for a Honda EU7000is....about $4500+.
  • bgum's avatar
    bgum
    Explorer
    Sep 26, 2021
    I would go with 2 Westinghouse i4500 with a 50 amp parallel cord. We have two of their i2500 and they are strong and quiet with good fuel mileage. Two i4500 will provide all the juice you need and at times you will want to run only one. Our Westinghouse has been very reliable. They cost less than $900 per.
  • Pipeman's avatar
    Pipeman
    Explorer
    Sep 26, 2021
    Pianotuna I just googled it and it says it has wireless remote start.
  • bgum's avatar
    bgum
    Explorer
    Sep 26, 2021
    Electric and remote start. They also have a dual fuel for $1100.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Sep 26, 2021
    A generator carried on a rear rack needs substantial reenforcement.
  • mhardin's avatar
    mhardin
    Explorer
    Sep 26, 2021
    bgum wrote:
    Electric and remote start. They also have a dual fuel for $1100.


    I cannot imagine trying to run two 4500 Watt generators on Propane unless connected to a bulk tank too big to be hauling around in a pickup and 5er. They would blow through a 20 pound bottle in no time.
  • n0arp's avatar
    n0arp
    Explorer
    Sep 26, 2021
    I recommend considering an Onan 5500 onboard generator if you have the space for one. That will power both air units, a residential fridge, and have plenty to spare even at elevation.

    Our fifth wheel when it was configured with 2x Dometic 15K AC units, a residential fridge, and a lot of miscellaneous electronics would consume 2700W with both AC units running full force and fridge on defrost. We could start both AC units with the Onan no problem, without soft starts. You don't need a 7kW generator. Depending on where you camp (altitude) and whether or not you have soft starts, a single 4500W would likely suffice.
  • bgum's avatar
    bgum
    Explorer
    Sep 26, 2021
    We owned a Onan powered by propane in our 5th wheel. It could eat through a lot of propane. My choice for portable generators is gas and for home generators is natural gas.
  • Rigdon's avatar
    Rigdon
    Explorer
    Sep 26, 2021
    unless the rear cargo carrier is extremely built and the trailer frame reinforced it will not be capable of carrying the weight of a 7000 watt gen.

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