Generator advice for Eagle 355MBQS

[Cbakerjr123b]

Hi everyone! I'm a newbie to this forum and am looking for some advice.
We recently ordered a Jayco Eagle 355MBQS and are looking at generators.
First off, I can't find the dimensions anywhere for the front storage section where a generator can go. Anyone know the dimensions or have a generator in a similar model?

Second- the generator itself. I'd like a dual fuel unit (gas/propane). Home Depot has the Sportsmans on sale this week. Good? bad??

Third- size. Is the 4000w unit sufficient or is the 7500 the way to go? Obviously the bigger the unit, the larger the dimensions, so it would need to fit in the storage area plus bigger is also louder.

Perhaps there are other units someone had experience with that would be better?

A few months before we take delivery of our Eagle but wanted to grab things now especially when on sale!

Appreciate any feedback.

[oldmanAZ]

Congratulations on the new trailer and welcome to the JOF.

Did you order a unit that is 'generator ready' for a generator to be installed or do you plan to only transport the generator in the trailer?

[Cbakerjr123b]

Hi and thank you!

We did not get the generator ready option but I'm sure we can call to have it added. Original plan was to just transport it in there. Is it better to get that added?

[Paintinfool3]

there was a 10k dual fuel genset on ebay new for 499.00 this week

[Paintinfool3]

link to gensethttp://www.ebay.com/itm/400785406253?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageNa me=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[Cbakerjr123b]

Damn, sold out! Think it may be too big to fit in storage box anyway.

[etex211]

I use the Honda EU6500is inverter generator with my 2013 Eagle Premier 351RLTS. I carry it in the basement and use it on the ground locked to my rear bumper. The EU6500is has since been replaced by the EU7000is, which is a fuel injected model. I use a winch and some ramps to load it and unload it.

I expect this generator to last a lifetime.

[troutslayer]

A couple things you may want to consider (if you haven't already). For sensitive electronics you should have an inverter generator. The inverter gennies are also much quieter which may be an issue if you are camping near others who are "noise sensitive". You must have a strong back if you are going to lift that thing (while being bent over) into and out of the front compartment .

[dalebra]

Cbakerjr123b,

How often do you think you will need a generator?
Do you intend to run one AC or 2 AC units?
This will make a difference on how much generator you will need.

We only use our generator 4-6 days a summer. So I went with the Honda EU3000iS Portable Inverter Generator. This is large enough to run one AC unit and some more. I travel with it in my basement and then take it out and chain it to the trailer while using it. Honda and Yamaha are the quietest units out there but they are more $$ than others. It's a two person job moving it in and out of the basement. On sale now for less than 2K.

[Ottawasteve]

Originally Posted by Cbakerjr123b

Hi everyone! I'm a newbie to this forum and am looking for some advice.
We recently ordered a Jayco Eagle 355MBQS and are looking at generators.
First off, I can't find the dimensions anywhere for the front storage section where a generator can go. Anyone know the dimensions or have a generator in a similar model?

Second- the generator itself. I'd like a dual fuel unit (gas/propane). Home Depot has the Sportsmans on sale this week. Good? bad??

Third- size. Is the 4000w unit sufficient or is the 7500 the way to go? Obviously the bigger the unit, the larger the dimensions, so it would need to fit in the storage area plus bigger is also louder.

Perhaps there are other units someone had experience with that would be better?

A few months before we take delivery of our Eagle but wanted to grab things now especially when on sale!

Appreciate any feedback.

One thing to consider is whether you will have to lift the generator in and out of the storage area for use as they will seem to get heavier year after year.

We went with 2 X 2000i Honda generators because they each weigh less than 50lbs with full tank of fuel. If I just need lights, charge batteries etc. I pull one out. If I need A/C, I can link the two together for 4000watts peak. My parents have a 3000i Honda and it is weighs considerably more than both my 2000's together and is a bit of a bear to wrestle out of the storage compartment on their 5th wheel. If dual fuel is essential, there are kits online to easily convert the Honda and Yamaha to dual fuel.

Have fun with the new camper.

[Seann45]

The gennies you were looking at are called "Contractor Grade" this means they are very noisy.. You wont make many friends of those within 500 yards of you.. There are many great inverter style ones on the market now Champion, Honda, Yamaha, even Harbor Freight has them now (499.00)

[Cbakerjr123b]

Thank you all! So it seems inverter is way to go. I'd like to stick with propane or dual fuel. Any experiences with with these? Would be used for stops on long trips. So may need to run ac and a few little things. Is 3000w enough?

[Mopar_Earl]

I'd of ordered the genset prep option (Dry camping package) and than added an Onan LP 5500 genset.


Earl

[Ela1948]

A 3000 watt will run one AC and your converter along with other small wattage appliances. I use 3000 watt Champion and also a 3000 watt Honda. (Not at the same time.) They both do a fine job with minor power management on your part. I personally wouldn't want the weight of anything larger. Inverter type generators are the ONLY way to go!!!!

[Cbakerjr123b]

I did order the Dry Campibg Package LP Gen Prep and extra LP capacity.
The Onan is probably tad bit pricey, no?

[Mopar_Earl]

That's how I'm equipping my 293 when we order it. Good gensets are never cheap.

Earl

[Rustysocket]

Originally Posted by Mopar_Earl

I'd of ordered the genset prep option (Dry camping package) and than added an Onan LP 5500 genset.


Earl

For a dedicated genset with a prepped rig that is the only way I would go.

We camped next to a guy who wanted to run his champion set away from his camp so he moved it nearer to us.... I don't blame him from wanting to get away from it...... about the third night it developed a nasty habit of turning off at the oddest times...

[Mopar_Earl]

Originally Posted by Rustysocket

For a dedicated genset with a prepped rig that is the only way I would go.

We camped next to a guy who wanted to run his champion set away from his camp so he moved it nearer to us.... I don't blame him from wanting to get away from it...... about the third night it developed a nasty habit of turning off at the oddest times...

And they blow their exhaust right at your windows and not use a stack.

That's a good time for nuisant genset breaker trips to happen.


Earl

[Rustysocket]

But seriously, I ordered my 355 very early in the 2017 model year, mine is number 19. At that time I was not aware they were going to be doing a generator prep option on the model or I would have ordered it with in a heartbeat and put in a proper Onan genset. Were not really big into dry camping anymore but there are certainly times when it would be nice to have and a dedicated/prepped system is just that much nicer.

I'm not as young as I used to be and lifting a portable genset in and out of the truck is a chore.. stopping anywhere along the way or leaving camp is always a worry that it will develop legs..

In any event if I were the OP i'd really consider doing it the right way as the prep was certainly designed around some recomended models ... your putting together a 65-70K$ dollar rig.. don't cheap out now.

3000 is going to be on the edge of barely enough imho.

[Cbakerjr123b]

Great advice Rusty, makes complete sense. I have the Onan 4000 (gas) in my motor home. Our 355 doesn't arrive until March, so perhaps I should start saving for an LP Onan.