Truck Camper with Built in Genset?

[smcrea]

I'm considering swapping my TT for a truck camper. However having a Gen Set is important to us.

Do they make a truck camper with a gen set? maybe one that runs on propane and enough power to run the AC?

OR,

Somewhere to store a genset such as a couple of Honda 2KW that I could run in tandem?

Thanks!

[mellow]

There is something about rolling out of bed in your underwear and hitting that generator switch to make coffee in the morning while out in the middle of no where scratching my butt and admiring nature.

[deltabravo]

towpro wrote:
They suck propane. they vibrate the camper body, and you can't put them out in the bushes at the end of the cord to make them quieter.

Agreed on all points.

I have even locked my generator to a tree at the end of a 80' 12 AWG extension cord and run a small space heater on the 600 watt setting all night when camping in cold weather in remote locations. I sleep better that way instead of being woke up all night from the camper furnace.

BUT, I last week I started seriously thinking about upgrading to a new, bigger Arctic Fox so I could have an onboard genny.
That idea failed when i measure their height and realized a new AF is too tall for my shop.

Last summer I tried something new with this behemoth in my newly acquired cargo trailer. It worked quite well, but I'd only take that monstrosity when I go places I know I will want A/C. The rest of the time I use an EU2000.

[Eric_Lisa]

smcrea wrote:
...Do they make a truck camper with a gen set? maybe one that runs on propane and enough power to run the AC?
OR,
Somewhere to store a genset such as a couple of Honda 2KW that I could run in tandem?...

Oh. This discussion. Opinions a-plenty! Ultimately you need to analyze what is best for you, and go with that. Plenty of options in the marketplace once you clear that first decision.

For me... Onboard Onan propane generator.

Plus side:
- Built in. No extra loose item to deal with.
- No risk of growing legs and walking off from a campsite.
- Biggest positive - DW's ability to fire it up without me having to put my beer down.
- No additional fuel types to carry.

Negative side:
- It's loud. Still below national park standards, and quieter than a construction site. But I know it is running.
- Sucks propane, especially under load. Run the AC to cool the camper when needed, not to leave running all day.
- Expensive. Costs more per watt vs. a portable.
- Cantankerous. Propane carbs can be fussy.

Map out your own requirements and do what is best for you.

Good luck!
-Eric

[deltabravo]

All but two models of Arctic Fox are available with generators: The Long bed versions of the 811 and 865.

Shortbed version of the 811 and 865 have a generator, but those are heavy campers for an SRW truck.

https://northwoodmfg.com/truck-campers/arctic-fox-camper/

[Kayteg1]

gbsteph wrote:
There are many truck camper manufacturers that have generators. My new Host Cascade has a built in Cummins propane generator. My first one with a genset. I agree with many, they can be loud and annoying to others and solar can definitely keep you charged. But on some occasions where you are out in the boonies on your own and the noise doesn't bother anyone, then they are advantageous. And depending on the climate you camp in, you may not need it all the time. Some TC manufacturers make campers with a compartment designed for an onboard generator, and/or large enough to carry a portable generator. You can opt out of the factory gen option and buy a small Honda generator and only carry it when you need it. Saving weight and having added storage. In both cases, neither may run the AC and Micro at the same time, meaning you turn off one while using the other. Hope this helps

You will find several different aspects of build-in generators.
Even my build-in was >$4000 option in year 2001, the Generacs of the era were junk.
That made me removing Generac, who placed at the end of the camper also triggered weight distributing issues and start using front-mounted Honda, who helped in maintaining COG a lot.
That was when I took long trip along southern states.
Than last summer I went to Alaska and even I took Honda 3000 with us, it turned dead weight on 8000 miles trip.
Point is that if you don't stay for more than 2 days without hookup, having 2 batteries you can run you coffee maker and microwave every day on inverter and truck charging alone.

[3_tons]

I’ve run a uber efficient Coleman Mach 1 P.S. 11k btu off of a Honda 2000i along with Sure-start but due to higher desert elevations, traded up to the new Honda 2200i for the added headroom... Compressor amps tend to climb a bit above 95 degF, and in conjunction with elevation tends to make a genny output a bit lower as well...

Portable Honda genny is very quiet and transmits no nagging vibrations into the camper...

[ajriding]

Yes, a 9,200 BTU (Like the Mach 😎 will run just fine on a 2000 generator. I have a Ryobi 2300 and no problem running that AC, but it will not, never, run a 13,000btu AC.

I solved your dilemma by putting a receiver hitch on the front of the truck and holding the generator there.
I ran a very heavy, thick rubber, extension cord along the truck frame with a male plug at the front and a female at the back with all the other trailer plugs.
I had a 4 foot extension cord to go from the from plug to the actual generator so I did not have extra cord when not camping.
I could simply plug in the generator and plug the camper into the rear bumper plug and keep everything off the ground and neat, I could drive like this is I wanted to.
The gen was locked and safe, but still on the vehicle so there is a little vibration, but not a lot from these little 2000 units.
Some of the new ones do have wireless remote kill switches.
Mine would run the AC 11 or so hrs on the little tank before running out of gas, so that was my wake up alarm if I timed it right.

I did a post on this, but the search function too hard to use so I can't find….

[towpro]

smcrea wrote:
Thanks for the replies everyone!!


Do these guys do a complete end to end system including compressor etc? MicroAir


I wonder if I could rig a remote kill switch on it, so I don't have to get up in the middle of the night if it cools down outside?:h


Steve

with AC you have 2 different types in truck camper world. Most have controls on the Roof AC unit. with them fan runs all the time AC is on and compressor cycles by Thermostat.

than you have the type where the AC cycles on and off by thermostat on wall and both compressor and fan shut off when thermostat turns off AC.
Some of these soft start systems are made so they will first start the compressor, than the fan so you have 2 smaller startup events instead of starting both compressor and fan at same time.

as far as fumes, new generators are also regulated by EPA and should not stink up the place.

and keep in mine if your in a state/national park, your probably going to have rules telling you to turn the AC off my a certain time every night anyway, so you will have plenty of time to cool it off and lock it up before bed time.

I have an extended run kit for my Honda 2000. since this Honda has a fuel pump you can do this. This kit is special gas cap for the honda that is setup for a standard outboard house with pump ball and a outboard fuel tank.(I have 3 gallons plus 1 in the generator). 1 gallon will run my 2000 (with 9000K AC cycling on and off) for 6-8 hours

[gbsteph]

There are many truck camper manufacturers that have generators. My new Host Cascade has a built in Cummins propane generator. My first one with a genset. I agree with many, they can be loud and annoying to others and solar can definitely keep you charged. But on some occasions where you are out in the boonies on your own and the noise doesn't bother anyone, then they are advantageous. And depending on the climate you camp in, you may not need it all the time. Some TC manufacturers make campers with a compartment designed for an onboard generator, and/or large enough to carry a portable generator. You can opt out of the factory gen option and buy a small Honda generator and only carry it when you need it. Saving weight and having added storage. In both cases, neither may run the AC and Micro at the same time, meaning you turn off one while using the other. Hope this helps

[smcrea]

Thanks for the replies everyone!!
It does sound like a MicroAir run from a single Honda 2000i is a good option.

Do these guys do a complete end to end system including compressor etc? MicroAir

weighing it up:

Being able to store it in a separate cabinet on the outside of the camper would be nice.
I like the idea of running it a distance from the rig to cut down on noise and fumes.

I wonder if I could rig a remote kill switch on it, so I don't have to get up in the middle of the night if it cools down outside?:h

I'm sure I can put my electrical engineering background to some use and figure something out 🙂

This may be a way off as we are still using our TT, but as kids leave home the need for an 6 bed TT is diminishing.

I like the convenience of a camper shell. I can also use my existing F350 diesel, which is nice.

Thanks

Steve

[Devocamper]

Lwiddis wrote:
Three generators for one TC? Wow

Just two, the built in and the 1000i the 2000i’s have been retired from camping service !

[Kayteg1]

What new build-in generator cost those days?
Suppose my 2001 Generac was $4000 option at the time.
Such a waste of money.
Anybody wants it for $300 with only 180 hr?

[_1Flyboy]

.... I’d recommend going with Solar and a Honda.... Built in generators suck propane, are costly in money & space taken, noisy, and vibrate.... With enough Solar your batteries will be fully charged every day without running the generator and if you need the A/C the Honda can run it.. I’ve had solar on my last 6 RV’s......NO complaints....

[Lwiddis]

Three generators for one TC? Wow

[Devocamper]

Many truck campers offer the generator as options . We ordered ours with the generator because we do a lot of boondocking. Ours is the Onan 2400 propane and runs everything in the camper if needed has the remote start from inside and an hour meter which is pretty standard. We also have two 30 lbs propane tanks . The generator is very handy for quick stops but it is noisy and does use a lot of propane . I added an onan resonator and it helped a little bit with the noise. We have found that The built in generator is good for using the microwave or if it is really hot using the ac to cool the camper down but for charging your batteries it’s propane use and noise make it hard to justify. What we now have is a 200 watt solar panel and 1000i Honda generator for maintaining the batteries and the built in basically gets used for the microwave or ac . We have a inverter so most every thing runs from our batteries.t I also have two 2000i Honda’s from our fifth wheel days but the 1000i does the charging job just fine and it’s lighter and smaller to carry . The built in is convenient but the solar and Honda are quiet and efficient and all three just about cover any situation we have come across
Mike