Generator

[CC62]

My rv does not have a generator it was removed at one point in time. What does the generatorless vintage crowd do for generators. Did you purchase one new or used? Do you use a contractor type generator of just do without?

[RJay]

I'll take a crack at the answer until someone more knowledgeable in that area comes along.

I have read that many use a small Honda generator(1 to 2 Kw). It's light and portable and quiet while operating.

[ccook129]

You didn't give much info on your rig,but I would think a 4kw was what it had.you can find one used for around $500

[TXiceman]

You probably had a 4kW in there originally, either an Onan or a Generac.

You will need an RV specific generator to fit back into the generator compartment. And DO NOT get a contractor grade unless you want the neighbors to hate you.

For a less expensive new option, look at the Boliy line of generators. I have a pair of the quite Honda EU2000i units with the parallel kit.

Boliy Pro3600Si Digital Inverter Generator

ken

[CC62]

From the paper work in the rv it was a propane Onan 4kw. I would like to have a genny in the compartment. New is not an option I paid $2k for the rv icluding new tires. has any one mounted a contractor genny in the compartment with any sucess

[wa8yxm]

You are blessed with a ton of choices: Of course you can go out and get an Onan or Genrac or other RV type generator and install it where the original was.. This is a good option in fact. and is the easiest to use, however hold on to your wallet.

A 1KW Honda or Yahama will power the battery charger/converter, you can then use the inverter to run most other stuff however cook time on the microwave is limited by how much battery you have, This too is a good option.

A 2KW Honda or Yahama can run the Microwave and MAY run one A/C (or not)

A 3KW will run one A/C and may have enough left over for the Microwave (or not)

A pair of 2KW's in parallel (HONDA) will give you roughtly the same as a 30 amp park pedistal. And may well fit in the original generator compartment for storage.

This would be my suggestion.

[Ed-Sommers]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CC62 has any one mounted a contractor genny in the compartment with any sucess

I humbly suggest you take the hint that others are trying to convey, that is to NOT even consider a construction, open frame, generator. That is the fastest way to turn other RV'ers within two miles of you into enemies. The exception's, maybe, would be if you only used it at racing events, or at the Slab's.

Ed

[CC62]

I think I would like to be able to use a genny while driving fo the a/c. Has anyone had any luck with a used onan or succses mountig a contractor genny (i know its not recommneded but have heard of it being done)

[TXiceman]

The problem with mounting a contractor generator in the official generator compartment is the contractor models are not designed with the proper ventilation to put it in an partially enclosed area. If you are set on a contractor grade, the best bet is to build a mounting bracket on the back bumper and operate it from there.

As for run the generator for the A/C, most motorhome operators do just that to keep cool in the summer while on the road.

ken

[pwf16129]

you defiantly can not put a contractor genset in the compartment as is, if you can come up with a fan set up that keep it cool it will work seen this done by several truckers using a tool box on the side of their rig but is more noisy.
a used 4 kw will power what you want, i have a 4kw Honda rv genset on my rig and i had to modify my air intake grill just to keep it cool from the original onan setup.
it runs the roof a/c with ease and uses less then a 1/2 gallon of fuel per hr, if i also run the dash a/c, the wife likes to be cool!!.
you can ck with rv salvages and Craigslist i priced them both places before i knew if i was able to get mine going or not and they weren't to bad priced, a new one is outrageous.
good luck on your search.

happy rving frank,cricket and harley

[Good man]

CC62
I suggest you look at the amp draw of your forward most 110v air conditioner to determine if one 2kw Honda EU will power it. This is the one you will want to have running to supplement your dash air while underway on a hot day.
If you determine you CAN operate that unit on one 2kw Honda AND you have space for two Honda 2kw EU (parallel) units in your compartment, you then have the option of installing the two units and operating only one while underway and BOTH when parked and needing more power to cool, cook, watch TV, etc.
This will give you maximum flexibility, maximum fuel economy, a very quiet system and new equipment with warranty and excellent product support.
I agree with others that no amount of jerry-rigging a contractor generator will result in satisfactory results. A small additional investment will get you the two Honda units with the aforementioned advantages.
Jim

[Senior Chief]

A single new Honda2000 EU will set you back $1500-$1800; a pair is well over what the OP paid for his entire rig.

Haunt Craigslist and ebay, and I bet he'll find a used RV-type Onan out there pretty soon.

[patty98311]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman The problem with mounting a contractor generator in the official generator compartment is the contractor models are not designed with the proper ventilation to put it in an partially enclosed area. If you are set on a contractor grade, the best bet is to build a mounting bracket on the back bumper and operate it from there. As for run the generator for the A/C, most motorhome operators do just that to keep cool in the summer while on the road. ken

I replaced my Onan diesel 7.5 with a Honda/Winco 6k genny almost 4 years ago. It mounted with no problem in the old compartment. The only problem I had was I had to mount a cooling fan(used a corvette radiator cooling fan $40 ebay) to provide for adequate cooling. Make sure you pay close attention to mounting the exhaust piping properly. Oh by the way this was a trifuel contractor electric start genny that was quieter and ran with no problems. This genny cost at the time $1600 delivered and has gone up some since then.