Forum Discussion

patnchris's avatar
patnchris
Explorer
Sep 25, 2019

Onboard genset

Thinking about my next trailer and have been contemplating an on board genset. I see that all (except a few toy haulers) have propane genesets. My issue with this is not that I think propane is bad, but that gensets are very thirsty. 30 lb. tanks won't last long and then you are left with looking for a place to fill them. I was wondering if anyone has contemplated using a gas genset with portable tanks, like boats. One could set up a quick connect (like an outboard motor) and when one tank was empty, just connect a secound one and then just go to a regular gas station to fill the empty....any thoughts?
  • kennethwooster's avatar
    kennethwooster
    Explorer
    Sep 27, 2019
    I had a Oman that came out of motor home. It had the take out boat tanks. It would run a long time. Bought a Beacon and it has propane gen. To be honest I like the propane.
  • Darryl_Rita's avatar
    Darryl_Rita
    Explorer
    Sep 26, 2019
    Added a 5500 w genset to a 5th wheel, using boat tanks. Worked well, used extra gas cans to keep the 2 boat tanks full. Use a 2k Honda or Yamaha when travelling more than the big genset.
  • edbehnke's avatar
    edbehnke
    Explorer
    Sep 26, 2019
    I camp at a military base where we all rotate every two weeks to dry camping.

    ALL RVers use small generators and none use of the rigs use their large genset....

    I would say that a small generator is what I'd prefer
  • edatlanta's avatar
    edatlanta
    Explorer
    Sep 26, 2019
    I have an onboard Onan 5500 gas. It came from the factory with a built in 10 gallon gas tank. I guess they don't offer this option anymore, but I sure like it. The Onan will operate 15-20 hours on this 10 gallons depending on the load and filling the tank is easy using a battery operated properly rated fuel pump and a portable gasoline can. Works great for me. Talladega here I come in a couple of weeks. I will use approx 20 gallons of gas while there based on previous races.
  • Lantley's avatar
    Lantley
    Nomad
    Sep 26, 2019
    patnchris wrote:
    Not really thinking about A/C. More like 3 hrs or so in the morning for making breakfast and charging batteries, and then 3 or so in the evening. The majority of our dry camping is beach camping on Padre Island. We are usually only there for 4-5 days before moving to an RV park with full hookups. I currently have a Yamaha 2800 I use for this purpose, but am considering a residential fridge and 6 golf cart batteries.

    If there is no A/C involved think solar vs. gas cans
  • theoldwizard1's avatar
    theoldwizard1
    Explorer II
    Sep 26, 2019
    patnchris wrote:
    I currently have a Yamaha 2400 I use for this purpose, but am considering a residential fridge and 6 golf cart batteries.

    Are you going to add solar ? If yes, then stick with your Yamaha. It will not get much use except when you want to run the A/C.
  • patnchris's avatar
    patnchris
    Explorer
    Sep 25, 2019
    Not really thinking about A/C. More like 3 hrs or so in the morning for making breakfast and charging batteries, and then 3 or so in the evening. The majority of our dry camping is beach camping on Padre Island. We are usually only there for 4-5 days before moving to an RV park with full hookups. I currently have a Yamaha 2800 I use for this purpose, but am considering a residential fridge and 6 golf cart batteries.
  • Lantley's avatar
    Lantley
    Nomad
    Sep 25, 2019
    I have an on board 5500 Onan LP genset. It works great however I am a convenience user. I do not go off grid often or run genset for extended periods.
    I may do an overnighter here and there but in general I only run the genset for a few hours at a time.
    What you are proposing is a feasible idea. But it really depends on how often you plan to use your genset If you are looking to run genset all day for days at a time. You will need to haul lots of gas to remain off grid.
    I think solar has become a better solution for those looking to remain off grid for extended periods.
  • theoldwizard1's avatar
    theoldwizard1
    Explorer II
    Sep 25, 2019
    patnchris wrote:
    Thinking about my next trailer and have been contemplating an on board genset. I see that all (except a few toy haulers) have propane genesets. My issue with this is not that I think propane is bad, but that gensets are very thirsty. 30 lb. tanks won't last long and then you are left with looking for a place to fill them. I was wondering if anyone has contemplated using a gas genset with portable tanks, like boats. One could set up a quick connect (like an outboard motor) and when one tank was empty, just connect a secound one and then just go to a regular gas station to fill the empty....any thoughts?

    It has been done, but you have to use the proper quick connect. Twin 30s won't last long if you have a 5kw genset running a couple of AC units. Get a spare tank so that you can use 100% of two tanks before refilling. Desert camping you will probably be going to town every couple of days.

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