Community Forums

Nwcid · 06-11-2018, 05:18 PM

We have mostly been looking at toy haulers due to their tank size, onboard gas generator and we had considered taking the motorcycle with us. These are all 40' +

As we review plans we have considered not taking the motorcycle so we have been looking at residential models. One thing we really want is built in generator that runs on a built in gas tank. We are looking mid-30' range.

What is out there for options?

Clomok · 06-11-2018, 09:43 PM

I know some units can easily have a LP genset installed in the 4 or 5.5kw range. We just had one come through our shop the other day that was a custom install

msmorrell · 06-11-2018, 10:08 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJUZsnRgUVA

Nwcid · 06-12-2018, 12:40 AM

I guess my post was not clear. I am well versed in what is out there for toy haulers.

What I am wanting information on is what residential, 5th wheels, with mid 30' length have a built in generator that runs on gas from an internal tank? Or have the option to have one installed.

I am not interested in LP units as the run time vs fuel tank size vs logistics does not make sense for us.

My 2 favorite 5th wheels are 42', but the wife would like smaller. The only way to do what we want, with a layout we like is to go residential, but a generator is a must for us. With my current and past trailer I have only had the opportunity to plug in 1 time, and that was only because I had to pay for the spot even if I did not use the power.

tuffr2 · 06-12-2018, 02:42 AM

Let me see if I understand. You are no longer talking about wanting a toy hauler but a full time living 5th wheel that can be powered by a gasoline powered generator.
So, when you say 'residential' you mean 'full time' and when you say 'gas' you mean 'gasoline'...not L.P. gas.

Because a 5th wheel has propane gas you can not use the word 'gas' if you are talking about 'gasoline'.

Most manufacturers make a full time 5th wheels with a residential refrigerator if that is what you are calling 'residential'. The stove most likely will use propane gas.
Just for example look at Landmark or Montana 5th wheels. They will make 35' - 37' units that are considered 'full time' use and may come with a residential refrigerator.

I do not know of any 5th wheels with a built in gasoline generator with a built in gasoline tank that feeds the generator. Saying that, there are custom builders like 'Space Craft' or 'New Horizons' that could maybe build what you want.

But a much easier way to get a gasoline powered generator with a built in gasoline tank is to buy a motorhome.

Cumminsfan · 06-12-2018, 08:09 AM

There may be one somewhere but almost all run on propane. Toy haulers are the exception to the norm.

xrated · 06-12-2018, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuffr2

Let me see if I understand. You are no longer talking about wanting a toy hauler but a full time living 5th wheel that can be powered by a gasoline powered generator.
So, when you say 'residential' you mean 'full time' and when you say 'gas' you mean 'gasoline'...not L.P. gas.

Because a 5th wheel has propane gas you can not use the word 'gas' if you are talking about 'gasoline'.

Most manufacturers make a full time 5th wheels with a residential refrigerator if that is what you are calling 'residential'. The stove most likely will use propane gas.
Just for example look at Landmark or Montana 5th wheels. They will make 35' - 37' units that are considered 'full time' use and may come with a residential refrigerator.

I do not know of any 5th wheels with a built in gasoline generator with a built in gasoline tank that feeds the generator. Saying that, there are custom builders like 'Space Craft' or 'New Horizons' that could maybe build what you want.

But a much easier way to get a gasoline powered generator with a built in gasoline tank is to buy a motorhome.

There are lots and lots of T.H.s out there that use a gasoline powered generator with an onboard fuel tank or tanks that supply the generator fuel. Mine only has one tank (30 gallon), but some of them have two 30 gallon tanks....or bigger. Sometimes they are split, where one tank is for the generator supply only and the other tank comes with a fuel pump and a gas station pump handle to pump gas into your toys....motorcycles, acts, side by sides, dirt bikes, etc.

tuffr2 · 06-12-2018, 12:37 PM

Thanks, I did not know that.

So the OP wants a non-TH with the same feature?

mrgrayaz · 06-12-2018, 01:14 PM

Semantics aside: Toy haulers come with gasoline tanks to fill the toys, and therefor a gasoline generator.

Normal 5th wheels have no use for gasoline, but do use Propane for things, so they come with Propane generators. I have not seen a regular 5th wheel with a gasoline generator.

Now Jayco does a "LP Generator tank Package" that includes a MUCH BIGGER hard mount tank for the generator - I think its a 30 gallon? So that might ease the pain a bit. Its called "Generator Prep with 120lb Max LP System" and an option on most models.

I've often thought about this, and agree, that gasoline or preferably diesel generator would make more sense. It would not take much to put in a fuel cell from say summit racing in the basement next to the genset to fuel it, and a normal fill hose and vent extension to the outer skin. Only downside is the tank will be entirely on the pin weight wise, along with the generator, and your starting to talk some serious weight here.

Clomok · 06-12-2018, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrgrayaz

Semantics aside: Toy haulers come with gasoline tanks to fill the toys, and therefor a gasoline generator.

Normal 5th wheels have no use for gasoline, but do use Propane for things, so they come with Propane generators. I have not seen a regular 5th wheel with a gasoline generator.

Now Jayco does a "LP Generator tank Package" that includes a MUCH BIGGER hard mount tank for the generator - I think its a 30 gallon? So that might ease the pain a bit. Its called "Generator Prep with 120lb Max LP System" and an option on most models.

I've often thought about this, and agree, that gasoline or preferably diesel generator would make more sense. It would not take much to put in a fuel cell from say summit racing in the basement next to the genset to fuel it, and a normal fill hose and vent extension to the outer skin. Only downside is the tank will be entirely on the pin weight wise, along with the generator, and your starting to talk some serious weight here.

That’s where almost all the toyhaulers have them, mine is as far forward as it could be.

It wouldn’t be that are to install one in a front compartment or modify a basement to hold one and a 10 gallon tank would fit anywhere

Cypressloser · 06-12-2018, 04:12 PM

I understand your frustration, a propane powered generator can be a real PITA depending on the area you're traveling and it is very expensive to run.

We factory ordered our previous 5th wheel and wanted the Onan 5500 on gasoline. It was a no go, the factory rep at Dynamax said it was legally not possible to have a gasoline powered generator in a trailer except a toyhauler with fuel storage physically separated from the living area.

Diesel generators can be a problem because of weight and cost.
Find a portable gasoline generator, or two that can run in parallel and carry them in a storage bay or on the truck.

Paul R. Haller · 06-12-2018, 04:23 PM

I have a quad slide 40 ft 5er with a micro quiet Onan 7500 with gasoline tanks( 2 6 gallon refillable has tanks on board) that could easily be used as a full time rig.
I bought it used 6 months old and the generator and tanks were already installed by the former owner. When we bought it the dealer I bought it from offered to give me a 5000$ credit if I let them have it because it has 5 hours use. I said no. Later I checked into the cost of just the Oman generator. The cost for a new 7500 Oman was about 7500$. Be prepared to spend some serious cash for the install and the Onan.

drfife · 06-12-2018, 08:48 PM

Contact New Horizons. They will make one just like you want.

Nwcid · 06-13-2018, 02:42 AM

Sorry for the delay in replying, it was a crazy day at work.

Yes, I would like a regular, gasoline fueled generator with built in fuel tank, such as those found on a toy hauler, on a non-toy hauler 5th wheel trailer. Many manufactures mark their units with a TH for "toy hauler", or RE for "residential" simply meaning not a "toy hauler".

At the moment, we are still looking at units with gas (propane) and electric powered refrigerators, not residential refrigerators as we plan on seldom being hooked up to "shore" power.

My current trailer has the generator in the front compartment with a 25 gallon fuel tank in the fame near the front. Pin weight averages right around 3600lbs.

I will look at the Jayco, 30gal of LP likely could work.

The custom units mentioned are nice, but out of my price range. The toy hauler I really want can be had for mid-$70,000's (Grand Design 376). The wife is concerned about a unit that large, I am not. Now we are searching to see if there is something out there that is smaller, but still fits our needs/wants. So far it does not appear so.