Generators in a 5th wheel

[smarks1632]

We are looking to buy a 5th wheel, about 34' and hope to do a lot of off the grid camping...boon docking...dry camping. I see that most 5th wheels don't have a genset and wonder why.

I do see that some of the manufacturers will install one or do a gen prep set up so it can easily be installed later.

My biggest question is noise and vibration. It appears that the generators get installed in the large front storage compartment in the front of the rig...basically under the bedroom. Does anyone one have any experience with gen sets in 5th wheels and how intrusive are the noises and vibrations?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Sandy

[lillyputz]

MTPockets1 wrote:
Our factory installed Onan 5500 in very quiet. Even standing outside beside the unit.

X2

Lillyputz

[sdetweil]

C-Bears wrote:
The only thing I would throw out there before spending the money on a generator (if you are new to RVing) is to make sure you are going to be using/needing it on a regular basis. The larger gen sets need to be ran with a load to keep them in good condition.

The quickest way to start having generator problems is to just use it once a year.

LP gensets are not so sensitive

[C-Bears]

The only thing I would throw out there before spending the money on a generator (if you are new to RVing) is to make sure you are going to be using/needing it on a regular basis. The larger gen sets need to be ran with a load to keep them in good condition.

The quickest way to start having generator problems is to just use it once a year.

[Mile_High]

I have to step outside sometimes to confirm our Onan 5500 even started. It is super quiet inside, and remarkably quite outside with the factory muffler. We've had that generator for 12 years now.

[Dakota98]

frizzen wrote:

Halmfamily wrote:
I've been in a toyhauler with an Onan 5500 running an was impressed how quiet it was. This one ran off of gas but dealer said propane is an option. Then he told the price, $4500.

We will be purchasing a Champion 3100 watt for $800 this year. I can use it on our property or take it with when we need it camping. That $4500/is a little too steep for us.

Where did you find a Champion 3100 for $800?

SUPERGEN

3100 CHAMPION @ $949

3100 WITH REMOTE START @ $1079

OR TWO "REFURB" 2000 WATT BUNDLE PACK WITH KIT FOR $819

All Free shipping.

[northmeck0255]

smkettner wrote:
Do you need to run the air 24/7? Otherwise 200 to 500+ watts of solar, some additional batteries and 2000 watt inverter will be silent and vibration free.

Trust me, south of the Mason-Dixon Line it's practically impossible to sleep without a/c in the summer months. Sure, we could all swelter inside a plastic box, but WHY???

[time2roll]

Do you need to run the air 24/7? Otherwise 200 to 500+ watts of solar, some additional batteries and 2000 watt inverter will be silent and vibration free.

[SkipStock]

We are also new to RV'g, and after a year of research went with a Toyhauler for the extra room (garage) and also we found that almost without exception they come with a generator as a standard. Or at least as an option that everyone seems to take (we bought a used unit). Probably TH's are more likely to be used boondocking.We're anxious to get on the road in a couple months.

It is that same Onan 5500 and while we haven't slept aboard yet with it running, I have had it running for a couple hours at at time while working inside and it seems surprisingly quiet.

As far as the standalone units I've seen the 3500's at Home Depot and Cabelas pretty regularly for $400-$500.

[GON2SKI]

Love the convenience and low noise level of our Onan 5500. Tried the 5000 watt Champion too loud even trying to modifying muffler system on our last 5 wheel.

[Halmfamily]

frizzen wrote:

Halmfamily wrote:
I've been in a toyhauler with an Onan 5500 running an was impressed how quiet it was. This one ran off of gas but dealer said propane is an option. Then he told the price, $4500.

We will be purchasing a Champion 3100 watt for $800 this year. I can use it on our property or take it with when we need it camping. That $4500/is a little too steep for us.

Where did you find a Champion 3100 for $800?

Amazon $838.40 with free shipping.

[Poppy_s_5th_Whe]

I have 2 Honda 2000's but am installing a new Onan 4000 (3600w) LP in my new trailer in a few weeks. There are so many pros and cons for carrying 2 small generators versus 1 installed unit. I am done with the small generators after having done it for years. I doubt we will actually use it much but when we want to, it's a push of the button away.

I will be eager to hear the noise but I doubt we will actually be sleeping with it on but maybe if we are overnighting in a Walmart or someplace that may happen.

Our use will be to occasionally recharge our 6v GC batteries when we are on longer boondocking trips and to run the A/C for our puppy when we are on road trips and stop to do some sightseeing or something like that.

I found the generator I want online for $3,499 and no shipping and then I have a mobile RV repairman I've worked with who will install it for about $750.

[frizzen]

Halmfamily wrote:
I've been in a toyhauler with an Onan 5500 running an was impressed how quiet it was. This one ran off of gas but dealer said propane is an option. Then he told the price, $4500.

We will be purchasing a Champion 3100 watt for $800 this year. I can use it on our property or take it with when we need it camping. That $4500/is a little too steep for us.

Where did you find a Champion 3100 for $800?

[Halmfamily]

I've been in a toyhauler with an Onan 5500 running an was impressed how quiet it was. This one ran off of gas but dealer said propane is an option. Then he told the price, $4500.

We will be purchasing a Champion 3100 watt for $800 this year. I can use it on our property or take it with when we need it camping. That $4500/is a little too steep for us.

[n7bsn]

Generally I think it's a better idea to carry portable generators.
I can fit two Honda 2000eu's in our generator bay, plus all the leveling blocks and chocks. Plus some firewood. Plus some other stuff.

Yes I have to take the generators out to use them, but that's not that big a deal.

If we are headed to a full service campground we usually leave the generators behind. An option you don't have with a built in.

This also gives us the generators for emergency home power, which we did last month for four days.

[igor2brvn]

MTPockets1 wrote:
Our factory installed Onan 5500 in very quiet. Even standing outside beside the unit.

I installed and Onan 5500 in our 5er. Noise level is about 65dba. Not an irritation at all in the bedroom, just a hum.