Portable Gen vs Onan Installed Gen

[Rock]

To me it seems stupid that Jayco did not install diesel Onan in the big FW’s. You pull em with a diesel truck but have a gas genny

[Marcm157]

For what it's worth I can't lift my 3500 watt inverter genset into my truck but I found this device that works great. I can get it into and out of my truck NY myself without issue.

Viking Solutions Swivelift Trailer Hitch-Mounted Lift VSL001 | Discount Ramps

[Mopar_Earl]

Originally Posted by Rock

To me it seems stupid that Jayco did not install diesel Onan in the big FW’s. You pull em with a diesel truck but have a gas genny

Diesel RV gensets are extremely heavy and large. Also very expensive. You don't see those until you get into the big diesel pusher motorhomes.


Earl

[Rock]

Good point Earl on the weight. If I did not dry camp for months in the mountains and had a choice I would of opted for propane. But the gas one with proper maint hopefully will have no carb problems.
Mine has had its electrical issues and at the factory Onan is working on it. Keep getting over frequency and lose of power. Now one breaker will not reset and no power from either leg. That made me have to stay at campgrounds on my trip to the service center.

[vcbice]

If I had a larger FW I'd have the installed generator and extra propane. Much more convenient. Loved that in our MH when boondocking. Probably the one thing I miss with our current FW.

But, don't do much boondocking these days either, so not a big issue for us.

[PipeFighter]

Quick question, since I'm shopping for a Pinnacle with generator prep. The factory offers a 5500 watt and I've been told that is enough to run two AC units. I have gone to the ONAN website and seen the 7000 gen set is the same dimensions. Did you install the genset yourself and have you had any issues with the wiring getting too hot from the extra amps being run from the generator through the trailer? Thanks in advance!

[mtdawg]

I had an Onan 5500 in my North Point. It would not run two air conditioners. The generator was dealer installed.

Jim

[Mopar_Earl]

A 5500 Onan will run two 15k ac units with power for the converter and fridge without an issue. If it won't, something is wrong, really wrong!


Earl

[ETCrockett]

I live just outside of Indianapolis and there is a Cummins site here and they do direct installs of the Onan generators in RVs. I contacted them and gave them a run down of the appliances that I will be using in my 2016 Pinnacle 38FLSA (2 15BTU AC's, residential fridge, microwave, 1 to 2 TV's, etc.) and they recommended the 7000 Onan generator. The price difference and the weight difference from the 5500 is nominal so that is the direction I'm taking.

Thanks,

[BobAndKarenNy]

ETCrockett, can you share how much they were charging for installation?