Generator

[l&mtripp]

For those that got a generator from the dealer with their 5th wheel, what did you get, how does it run and would you do it differently next time? Thanks for your help!

[Marine71-76]

We did order our unit generator prepped and the 5500 Onan would have come with the unit. We ordered a 7000 Onan about 2 years later. We were told the generator prep would be propane but turns out it is gasoline.

[ARoamer]

Our Pinnacle came with generator prep but no generator, we mainly wanted the 120# LP capacity. Added solar, and bought a portable Champion 2500W Dual Fuel generator which hasn't been used other than break in and testing. It will only start and run one AC unit, similar to being on a 30A service, and it's pretty close to being maxed out. If you want to run AC alot and like the convenience, go for a mounted generator that can run both AC's.
But, for the cost of that mounted generator, (5500W Cummins Onan LP, currently $5,228) we got 640 watts of solar, 3- 100AH lithium batteries, a Sensata 2400 watt LF inverter and a 2500 watt dual fuel generator for $4518. That was about 2 years ago, likely more now.

[Learjet]

factory installed 5500 Onan...quite and works great! Anything specific you want to know?

[Randyman69357]

We too have the Onan 5500 on board genny and love it. Have had the rig for 1 year this month and just serviced the generator and it had 23 hours on it. Don't use it much, but it is nice to know its there if we want it. The main reason we opted for it was our motorhome had it and if we wanted to do a Harvest Host or Walmart we are fully self contained and could run the AC's if we needed.

[l&mtripp]

Thanks for your feedback, especially Learjet and Randyman because my Pinnacle also came pre-wired for an Onan and was hoping to hear back from someone that had one in use.
what is your typical usage and how fast do you go through the extra propane tank?

[Mopar_Earl]

Can't beat an Onan 5500. It's the industry standard genset. Love my propane Onan 5500 in my 2017 Eagle 293RKDS. Currently have 562 hours on it.

There is a common myth that the propane model burns a lot more than the gasoline. It's simply false. The propane only burns very slightly more than the gasoline. Can be verified from the Onan specs.


Earl

[Randyman69357]

Depends on the load like between running 2 airs or just using it to replenish the batteries. I’m guessing maybe a pound an hour, I have the BMPRO sensors on two of my three propane tanks so I can monitor if it’s getting close to out so I can turn on another tank if it’s gonna be running into bedtime or if I want to run it first thing in the morning. Really pretty efficient. Years and years ago we had a fifth wheel and I carried the generator in the bed of the truck and ran the power cord up to it. On an overnight in a parking lot it was a pain to go out and start it and then go out before bed to shut it off etc., also worry if someone would borrow the cord in the night and forget to return it. Built in is best.

[Learjet]

I've gotten 13 hours on a 40 lbs. tank over night running both AC's during the summer. I use it for our dry camping a couple times per year...also during the summer its nice to start it 1 hour or so before we arrive to run AC's so the trailer is not so hot when we are setting up. This also exercises the generator. Having 3 x 40 lbs. bottle onboard and a 4 spare 30 lbs. make the propane not a big deal for how i use it.

[Learjet]

here are the published usage rates:

40 lbs. bottle is 9.4 gallons.

LPG

• No load 0.4 Gal/h
• Half load 0.8 Gal/h
• Full load 1.1 Gal/h

[Learjet]

Also, there is a lot of false information about the 3 tanks...they are all hooked together!

great info on this video https://youtu.be/24hlv1gBQyk

[l&mtripp]

Thanks everyone... checking into an order and install from my dealer tomorrow.

[jghflys]

Originally Posted by l&mtripp

For those that got a generator from the dealer with their 5th wheel, what did you get, how does it run and would you do it differently next time? Thanks for your help!

For me, fuel would be the primary consideration. I would try to get diesel fuel gen first, propane fuel second, gasoline last. I have gasoline generator in my 2008 since new and frequently fight carburetor corrosion from the ethanol contaminated gas commonly sold even with Seafoam or Stabil stabilizers. If the gasoline is not used in a few months the ethanol absorbs water and causes corrosion. I get non ethanol fuel whenever I can, normally at marinas, but usually have to haul it in cans and pump it into the onboard fuel tank. I installed a dual fuel kit to use propane when the generator does not run smoothly on gasoline. Propane is second and the only problem is the difficulty in topping off and swapping tanks. Diesel would be perfect for me because my tow vehicle is diesel and I have a 60 gallon auxiliary diesel tank.

[kayakkeith]

We had a diesel generator in our rig and had it removed. Diesel vehicles now have smog and related equipment that keeps them from stinking. However on our class C the diesel generator has only a muffler so it was loud and very stinky. This was even with the use of a pipe to vent it up high. I know there are class A’s who will have had a more positive experience, but for me I totally regret the choice of a diesel generator. Not only would it stink, but it was so loud that we were embarrassed to run it. (Generator enclosure was open at the bottom and not well insulated for sound.)

[Mopar_Earl]

Originally Posted by kayakkeith

We had a diesel generator in our rig and had it removed. Diesel vehicles now have smog and related equipment that keeps them from stinking. However on our class C the diesel generator has only a muffler so it was loud and very stinky. This was even with the use of a pipe to vent it up high. I know there are class A’s who will have had a more positive experience, but for me I totally regret the choice of a diesel generator. Not only would it stink, but it was so loud that we were embarrassed to run it. (Generator enclosure was open at the bottom and not well insulated for sound.)

That's very odd. Was it an Onan diesel genset? Those are so quiet.



Earl

[jghflys]

Originally Posted by kayakkeith

it was loud and very stinky.

I love the smell of burning diesel in the morning!

[Mopar_Earl]

Originally Posted by jghflys

For me, fuel would be the primary consideration. I would try to get diesel fuel gen first, propane fuel second, gasoline last. I have gasoline generator in my 2008 since new and frequently fight carburetor corrosion from the ethanol contaminated gas commonly sold even with Seafoam or Stabil stabilizers. If the gasoline is not used in a few months the ethanol absorbs water and causes corrosion. I get non ethanol fuel whenever I can, normally at marinas, but usually have to haul it in cans and pump it into the onboard fuel tank. I installed a dual fuel kit to use propane when the generator does not run smoothly on gasoline. Propane is second and the only problem is the difficulty in topping off and swapping tanks. Diesel would be perfect for me because my tow vehicle is diesel and I have a 60 gallon auxiliary diesel tank.

Those diesel gensets are extremely heavy. The compartment in the 5th wouldn't handle the weight. It's was iffy for the propane 5500. Would also push the CCC. Also those units are a lot more money. I understand as everything I own is diesel but the propane Onan in my 5th wheel.


Earl

[kayakkeith]

Originally Posted by Mopar_Earl

That's very odd. Was it an Onan diesel genset? Those are so quiet.

Earl

It was an Onan in the classic Green. It was smaller then some, as it was for a 30 amp rig and perhaps smaller is louder.

[gymracer]

Exactly with I would not have a RV of any kind without a generator. It's freedom.

[crich]

We ordered our 2022 North Point with a generator installed from the factory. We were told that we could use it while traveling to cool down the trailer an hour or so from our destination. Not true, it would not start while hooked up. We called that factory and we were told that it was a safety feature and would only run while parked. Up on further examination I found that it was tied into the front jacks. When the jacks are up the Generator won't start.