On board 5th wheel generator

[Franbak13]

I have recently purchased a Forest River Cardinal 5th wheel and I am considering getting an on board generator. It is hooked up for generator use, but no generator.

What kind should I get? I was thinking about a 6500W but dont know that much about them.

Just need some information before I buy.

[Lantley]

Aridon wrote:
My issue with the on board propane models is they really don't last long. When we boondock we stay for 6-10 hours with the genset running more or less the entire time. That would get me about a day on the miniscule propane tanks most rigs (even larger ones) come with. Sorry but I'm not filling my tanks every day or even every other day. If you boon dock so little that isn't an issue then you likely don't need to drop 5k+ on a built in to begin with.

We are getting ready to order a DRV and we are skipping gensets this time. Going to go the Honda route, bolt them down and run them from the trucks tank. Seems an inexpensive option and more flexible to boot.

I agree lp gensets are less efficient than gas.
My rig has a 80 lbs propane capacity. On board is all about convenience. 80lbs will last on most of my 3-4 day boondocking adventures.
On board will always be more expensive and more convenient than portables. No gas cans, no set up, no additional cables or wiring. Just push a button and you have full 50 amp electric.
There are no security issues. The genset is with the fiver at all times.
If the truck goes into town the genset can remain with the fiver without security worries.

I don't boondock for long periods but I like the convenience of push button power. My rig can be totally self contained when necessary.
When we stop for lunch we have A/C and microwave available. If we overnight during the summer we have A/C available. Nothing to set up breakdown or fill.
I had a set up similar to the one I posted above. I had a Subaru 4300is inverter genset mounted on a rear platform on my prior TT.
The 4300is set up was a nice compromise between true on board and portable,however that setup was not inexpensive nor was it quite as convenient as a true onboard
There are lots of camping styles,genset options,budget, and expectations. In the end there is no one size fits all solution.

[Aridon]

My issue with the on board propane models is they really don't last long. When we boondock we stay for 6-10 hours with the genset running more or less the entire time. That would get me about a day on the miniscule propane tanks most rigs (even larger ones) come with. Sorry but I'm not filling my tanks every day or even every other day. If you boon dock so little that isn't an issue then you likely don't need to drop 5k+ on a built in to begin with.

We are getting ready to order a DRV and we are skipping gensets this time. Going to go the Honda route, bolt them down and run them from the trucks tank. Seems an inexpensive option and more flexible to boot.

[WhitehouseLV]

352 wrote:
Make real sure you have a good working carbon monoxide detector. It is a matter of life or death.

A good method to mitigate against CO if you have an on board genny is to purchase and install a Genturi. You should test your CO detector too. Leaving your truck run while parked or hooked up to the fiver could cause problems.

Almsot every toyhauler comes standard with onboard generators. Not sure why they're not as popular on fifth wheels. I couldn't imagine not having a built in genny. It's nice to wake up never have to leave the RV push the switch & start it up to make coffee, warm the fiver up w/the fireplace, etc. wouldn't own another one without it. As for size. I wouldn't go less than 5500. It's nice to be able to run multiple ACs on those hot days if for no other reason cool it down faster.

[Atom_Ant]

Lantley wrote:

Atom Ant wrote:

Lantley wrote:
Hopefully photos are now viewable

Yep, they work now. Wow that is a lot of dock plate work, even the bumper. It looks great.

Is that something the fella could do himself, or did he have to go somewhere to have it made? I assume drilling holes etc is not a big deal, but the bends all look professional.

Actually it's relatively simple. The boxes were purchased and just bolted to the bumper with u clamps. Although I am concerned about the strength of the bumper. The bumper comes from the factory with the diamond plate I believe.
Once the boxes were bolted on, the gensets are just placed in the boxes and wired up.
The set up does not use a transfer switch,the RV cord simply plugs into the generators.

Sure makes a nice install!

[Lantley]

Atom Ant wrote:

Lantley wrote:
Hopefully photos are now viewable

Yep, they work now. Wow that is a lot of dock plate work, even the bumper. It looks great.

Is that something the fella could do himself, or did he have to go somewhere to have it made? I assume drilling holes etc is not a big deal, but the bends all look professional.

Actually it's relatively simple. The boxes were purchased and just bolted to the bumper with u clamps. Although I am concerned about the strength of the bumper. The bumper comes from the factory with the diamond plate I believe.
Once the boxes were bolted on, the gensets are just placed in the boxes and wired up.
The set up does not use a transfer switch,the RV cord simply plugs into the generators.

[rugersdad]

The Onan is the way to go, very dependable and LP burns clean and you don't have to deal with gas cans. The extra cost is worth it when camping because it is much less hassle.

[christopherglen]

my onan 5500 runs both ac's, or 1 ac and whatever else we want. Dump some stabil in when you put fuel in the tank, start and run the generator 30-45 min a month under load (summer it is an ac, winter an electric heater, spring and fall I let them fight it out).
As far as vibration, it is about twice as much as the two ac's running, far less then the boys in the garage. Noise is slightly louder then the ac over the bed. A Genturi (or similar) is needed - no sence tempting fate, as well as the co2 detectors.

[Atom_Ant]

Lantley wrote:
Hopefully photos are now viewable

Yep, they work now. Wow that is a lot of dock plate work, even the bumper. It looks great.

Is that something the fella could do himself, or did he have to go somewhere to have it made? I assume drilling holes etc is not a big deal, but the bends all look professional.

[Lantley]

Hopefully photos are now viewable

[gkainz]

Apparently you have to be a member of the Open Range board to see the photos.

[ol_Bombero-JC]

Franbak13 wrote:
I have recently purchased a Forest River Cardinal 5th wheel and I am considering getting an on board generator. It is hooked up for generator use, but no generator.

What kind should I get? I was thinking about a 6500W but dont know that much about them.

Just need some information before I buy.

IMO -
6500W - overkill and over weight.

Better options are/have been suggested.
Go with a single - or two - generator/s in the bed of your pickup.

Propane generators will eat LOTS of propane!

If you must have an on-board gen - 4000W designed for the gen compt
is the best option (and likely the most expensive).

BTW - you will find *LOTS* (and lots) more generator info on the Tech
Issues forum..;)

.

[Stormyjij]

I can't see the pictures...Maybe you could try to post them again?

[Lantley]

Photos of one of the nicest Honda 2000 installs I've seen.
The photos show how to do portables the semi permanent way.
These photos are from a member of the Open Range Forum.
I imagine this set up to be in the $3K-$3.5K range for materials

[Stormyjij]

Awesome thank you all, I have printed this thread and will show the hub unit.
This forum has been remarkably helpful.
-Michelle

[richardcoxid]

I installed A Generac 4,000W Gas RV Gen (never will I own another Generac product) then purchased a 6 gal Boat Gas tank with a quick disconnect fuel line. A couple of 2x4s wedged it in the gen compartment. I can either refill the boat tank from a "jerry can" or disconnect the fuel line and remove the whole boat tank and take it to a gas station.