My other thread seeking info on the existence of a commercially available built in inverter generator for a truck camper confirmed that they don't exist. So here goes, I'm pulling the trigger on a DIY project to permanently install an inverter generator in my 2018 Eagle Cap 1165.Goals:SafeReliablequietfits into existing generator compartmentautomatic changeovereasy to use and maintainremote controllow costeasy to fuel anywheredoesn't look cobbled together: good design and workmanshipSo I am starting with a 3100 watt Champion portable that I bought on ebay in 2018 for $780. I have used it as a portable to power my camper, so I know it is up to the task. And it has a wireless remote control fob.I need to make this fit in here:

The plan is to take it all apart, and reassemble it , minus the battery, gas tank, wheels, handle and case, inside the compartment. Disassembling the unit will give me insight as to how to proceed. First I wanted to check the sound levels, so last night I downloaded a db app on my phone. I tested from 30' away. Very unscientific, but a baseline so I can test it when it is in the compartment and compare.No load, on economizer mode: 54 dbNo load, economizer mode off: 55 db1200w load, on economizer mode: 56 db1200w load, economizer mode off: 57 db

Then I cleared a spot on a work table large enough, and set it up there and took it apart. I'm putting all the parts in a bin so I don't loose them, and also I'm keeping track of my time and $ spent so I know in the end what I have invested in the project.

Will you be able to easily drain the oil and refill?

So this is gasoline generator and you are deleting its tank?How you plan to fuel it?

Kayteg1 wrote:So this is gasoline generator and you are deleting its tank?How you plan to fuel it?Maybe the OP just likes to take stuff apart. :B

Project B.I.G. Built-in Inverter Generator | Good Sam Community

fried_chicken
Explorer
Aug 21, 2020
have fun and relax a bit. Recharge those batteries.
Hemi_Joel
Explorer
Aug 20, 2020
I haven't even had my camper out of the garage since I started this project. It's just been one of those weird summers where I haven't done any camper trips. Partially because everything's been canceled. But I have a trip planned for this weekend, and I still don't have this project a big done yet. So I'll have to go without it. I'm going to bring a portable just to run the air conditioner if I need to.
Hemi_Joel
Explorer
Aug 20, 2020
:) I started out thinking I could put mine back together too, but I soon reached the point of no return. Once I knew that I was 100% committed with an $800 generator on the line, I figured I better do a good job, and I'm going to finish it!
fried_chicken
Explorer
Aug 20, 2020
Thank you and good luck. I didn't take mine as far apart because I thought if it did' work out I could put it back together. It does run everthing very well.
Hemi_Joel
Explorer
Aug 20, 2020
Interesting, Fried, thanks for the info
fried_chicken
Explorer
Aug 20, 2020
It was very crowded and I didn"t take it apart hardly as far as you did but only because I don:t know anything about electricty. I am still experimenting with it.The only problem I have had was on a 97 degree day it would get to hot and quit putting out electricty unless I left the door open. I didn't have enough room to add anymore insulation and it is louder in the camper than I thought it would be.
Hemi_Joel
Explorer
Aug 20, 2020
How did you do it?
fried_chicken
Explorer
Aug 20, 2020
I just put this same generator in a eagle cap 960
Hemi_Joel
Explorer
Aug 18, 2020
I'm finally getting around to finishing project BIG.

Today, I mounted the inverter to the base, and made some funky shaped brackets that will clear the oil fill and steady it. It seems to be pretty solid. I used nylock nuts, so they won't rattle loose.

Then I put some high temp sealant on the exhaust pipes and final assembled them. Then cut some sheet metal peices and riveted them over some of the unused holes in the base. There are 2 fans built into the generator: 1 for the engine and exhaust cooling, the other for cooling the generator coils. I don't want them to draw air from any stray holes, I want them to draw thru the hole in the generator access door. The inverter is located right in front of that hole in the door, so it will be cooled by the air being sucked in by the fans. Any extraneous holes in the cabinet will bypass that effect.

Then I started the process of re-connecting the wires. SOme of them will need to be lengthened, so I started in with soldering them and insulating with heat shrink tubing.
BigfootBill
Explorer
Jun 24, 2020
Bump

If we can help you fix your Bobcat so that you can get back on this let us know!

I am interested to hear how this install works out for you.