Generator prep for RV

[UPSER76]

I've got a new Holiday Rambler Alumalite 5th wheel but did not come prepped for a generator. How hard would it be to install a generator in the front of this? Wife's bugging me to get a generator when she found out there's another hurricane headed towards FL. :-laf Thanks!

 

[RMcCulloch]

You have two seperate issues here:



1. The retrofitting of the automatic transfer switch to accomodate a seamless changeover from the main power plug to the generator output.



This can done by the owner but will be far less hassle to be done by an RV dealer's staff.



2. The selection and installation of the generator.



A. Propane- or gasoline-fuelled? If gasoline, you'll need to install a fuel tank. [Mine holds 30 gallons. ] If propane, you'll want extra bottles [40# best] to quench the genny's thirst.



B. How much power? Enough for lights and a TV set or enough to handle the A/Cs, the microwave, the TVs, etc. ? [Mine is a 7KW Onan. ]



The "cheap" solution is, as discussed in other threads, to use a pair of Honda EU2000 or EU3000 portable generators with Honda's special cable to parallel the units. With this scenario you simply plug your power cable into the socket and then fire up the gennies.



The "not so cheap" solution is to get the transfer switch installed along with a 4. 8KW propane-fuelled Onan.



I went with the "not cheap" approach of having the transfer switch installed along with a 30 gallon gas tank and a 7KW generator since this provides me with



1. All the power I can use

2. Adequate run time at max load

3. No fear of freezing in sub-zero weather as a result of the genny using up the propane needed by the furnace and/or stove.

 

[klenger]

I did mine w/o a transfer switch. See how at http://www.klenger.net/arctic-fox/generator-installation/index.html

 

[rblomquist]

Don't go cheap, we did that with our 02 camper and regreted it. One of the factors in deciding to buy another trailer so soon was we hated the cheapo generator solution so we broke down and spent the big $ on a 7. 5 Onan for new the camper.

 

[RMcCulloch]

rblomquist, that's why I went the way I did - and haven't regretted it for a nanosecond.



The dealer, BTW, tried to talk me into just walking the power cord around to the front and plugging it in there.



As it was, I had to re-arrange a couple of circuits: they'd had both of my A/Cs on the same "leg" and, together, they were tripping one of the 30A "legs" from the genny.



Sometimes it is cheaper to go First Class.

 

[Bill Stockard]

I've got a new Holiday Rambler Alumalite 5th wheel but did not come prepped for a generator. How hard would it be to install a generator in the front of this? Wife's bugging me to get a generator when she found out there's another hurricane headed towards FL. :-laf Thanks!

We ordered our previously owned 5th wheels "Generator Ready". The generator compartment comes from the factory insulated and metal lined, the LP gas line plugged at the compartment, and the automatic transfer switch in place ready for hookup to the generator. The remote start, hourmeter, and wiring is already installed inside the trailer and tied off inside the compartment. The cool air intake, hot air exit, and exhaust exit are already cut in for a LP powered Onan, but are sealed weather proofed ready for the installation of the generator. Even the mounting bolt holes were already drilled! Installing the Onan gen set would have been very simple and easy.



Bill

 

[jelag]

I put my gen set on the back... . (front bedroom) I installed a receiver on the frame and put the gen set on a plug to fit the receiver... . I use a pin with a lock... .



I than ran a 8 gauge cable from my electrical box to the back of the trailer..... with a plug... I have short cord... with 2 male plugs. . on that fits the gen set and the other that fits the trailer and I connect the 2... My 5KW gen set takes care of the whole trailer... I remember not to plug both the gen set and shore cable in at the same time... also my gen set has a remote... so I just touch the button from inside and the gen set starts up...





Jim