I need help on a recommendation for a generator.

[hammersley]

Not a type or brand but where or how to place one. Here's my problem. I'm buying an Arctic Fox trailer - http://www.nashtraveltrailers.com/foxtrailers/22gfox.html - and we have two yellow labs that travel with us. There are times when we want to go to a visitor center, etc that might take several hours. If we're in a hot time of the year I want to put them in a trailer and turn on the AC. Now I can order this trailer with a built in 2. 5 Onan that runs off the propane tanks - but this costs $3000+. :{For about $300 they will make it generator ready - by enclosing the space under the closet in the bathroom - that is accessible outside. The space is sealed up, and made ready - even has wires run to a plug and switch. But this dimensions of this space is limited: 16. 5 inches high - 23. 75 wide and 19 deep. Not big enough for anything except a built in camper type generator. Now when I'm in a parking lot I can carry a generator and set it up. Sure I can chain her down - BUT , how do I keep some idiot from shutting it off or pulling the plug? I was thinking or trying to fabricate a generator bracket and mounting it permanently - anybody had experience or suggestions?????

 

[MPatrick]

Generator

Hammersley,



I have 2 Labs also, 12 & 14 years old. As you can see from my sig, I have a Tailgator that was generator ready. The 5500 Onan cost $3400 including install at Cummins SE. The Tailgator already had a steel 30 gal gas tank installed under/behind the rear axle. A friend of mine just purchased a 5th wheel and is paying little over $4k for a Onan 5500 propane generator with install. That price you where quoted sounds OK.



PM me if you have any questions.

Good luck.

 

[klenger]

See the following link to see how I mounted an Onan 3600 LP in my Fox. I am very happy with the results and really like having a permanent setup.



http://www.klenger.net/arctic-fox/generator-installation/index.html

 

[BigMike]

Hammersley, A little off the subject, but does your TT have a slide. Didn't look like it. You'll be making a big mistake if you don't get a slide out. JMHO!! Aren't pets a pain?? Worse than having kids, but sometimes you love em more.

 

[plongson]

I would like to have a generator on-board the TT as well and I am in a similar situation, mainly, I already have a Generac 4500 portable. I am not going to drop $3k for another unit when I have this one.



Mounting portables permanently on a TT is a pain because...

1. ) They are noisy

2. ) They vibrate

3. ) You have no remote control.



This is why I leave mine portable.

One suggestion, leave it in the back of the truck and run a cord. It won't keep the vandals away if they really want to mess with you, but it may discourage them a little...



Paul...

 

[Vic]

Originally posted by hammersley

Not a type or brand but where or how to place one.



I've run two different generator configurations. One, a 3. 5KVA Generac on my pickup bed behind the cab, and (two) a factory installed 4KVA Onan in the fiver. Both gasoline fueled. Propane fuel consumption is greater (as I understand it), and I wanted ability to run generator overnight with AC running in hot weather. Also with the Generac, would travel during the day in the southwest during the summer with the generator running and the fiver AC on. That way the fiver stayed cool. Otherwise when we stopped at night in a RV park with hookups, it would take forever to cool the trailer down. Have never had anyone mess with my Generac at night or when left unattended. The Onan is enclosed although the compartment does not lock. Never a problem there either.



My power panels in the two trailers allowed me to selectively energize the AC feed but not the trailer's power converter (115 AC to 12 volt DC).

 

[y-knot]

Hammersly,

I have a toy trailer with the gen set in the side, it has remote start, hour metet, ect. I tis very noisey on the inside, and if you leave the gen door open, someone can mess with it. As far as the size goes, I to wanted a larger the typical sixe offered, so they made it to my diminsions, I just payed alittle more. It it important that they sell you a contained gen compartment, no seams, solid tub. It should be insulated also, helps with noise, mainly with heat. Also make sure you get a carbon monoxcide detector, and it should be in series with the kill buton. That way your dogs will be prtected while you are gone, also you while you sleep.

 

[jphunter55]

Go to www.norwall.com. bought my Onan 2. 5 Camp Power(propane) from them for $1750. 00 with free shipping and installed myself.

 

[Loren]

hammersley,



If you can get an additional 1/4" in height in that compartment, a Yamaha YG2800i generator will fit, according to the dimensions listed for it in the owner's manual.



Height: 16. 7"

Length: 19. 2"

Width: 15. 6"



You would need access to fill the fuel tank from the top, so some sort of slide-out tray or something would have to be installed. If you like the idea, I'm sure you could work out the details.



I bought the Yamaha because it has enough power (2800 watts) and is the right size for my application. I installed mine on the A-frame of the trailer, behind the tongue jack and ahead of the propane tanks. On my Holiday Rambler, the propane tanks are set back into the trailer body most of the way. This allows just enough space for a small generator on the frame.



To use the generator, I start it where it sits and run the power cord from the back of the trailer up to attach it to the generator via a pigtail. I do have to remove the generator to check or change LP gas tanks.



If you have a similar arrangement, this might work for you.



Good luck.

Loren

 

[Motorhead]

one thing about a 4k or above onan is that they run at 1800 rpm and are thus quieter. Putting a conventional portable in the compartment could lead to over-heating of the gen. engine. The larger onans pull cool air through the compartment mscreen and discharge it out through the bottom. Ck Ebay, I have seen alot of 4k's and larger on there. I personally mounted a old Generac 3. 3k- briggs powered SCREAMER! It is noisy but I don't use it for long runs.