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Old 05-15-2005, 06:38 AM   #1
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Hello
We are looking to install a LP generator in our 2004 5th wheel Carriage. We just traded our Class C for the 5th wheel. Now we are trying to decided what kind of a unit to install. The big thing is the weight of the unit. We aren't sure if a 331 LB unit can handle the floor base of the unit, (storage compartment in the front of the 5th. It doesn't say anything about how much weight it can handle. Any ideas on what to bought and where at a great price!
Thank you
Bob & Kim
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Old 05-15-2005, 06:38 AM   #2
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Location: Punta Gorda, Florida
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Hello
We are looking to install a LP generator in our 2004 5th wheel Carriage. We just traded our Class C for the 5th wheel. Now we are trying to decided what kind of a unit to install. The big thing is the weight of the unit. We aren't sure if a 331 LB unit can handle the floor base of the unit, (storage compartment in the front of the 5th. It doesn't say anything about how much weight it can handle. Any ideas on what to bought and where at a great price!
Thank you
Bob & Kim
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Old 05-15-2005, 12:35 PM   #3
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My 1st question would be do you have 30 amp or 50 amp service for your camper.

Our camper main electrical service is a 30 amp. I installed an Onan 3600LP, which just happens to have max 30 amp output (at sea level). any larger generator would not have been of any use to me as the limiting factor for me is the 30 amp camper service. If your camper has 50 amp service, then a larger generator (5500 watts maybe) would be useful.

Also keep in mind that generator output is rated at sea level. Reduce output by about 3.5% for every 1000 feet above sea level. If you do a lot of high altitude camping (not likely in Florida), then over-sizing the generator may be of use. On the other hand, one rarely needs to run A/C at high altitude anyway.

See http://www.klenger.net/arctic-fox/ge...ion/index.html for specifics on my installation. My webpage shows Colorado Standby as a good dealer, but the last time I talked to them, they told me that they are no longer an Onan dealer. I was very pleased with their service.

Edit: I just looked at the Colorado Standby webpage and noticed that they list Onan generators. They may have fixed whatever problem they were having with Onan. Chech them out.

Note: Many RV'ers recommend not getting an LP generator becuase of the idea that they get really poor fuel economy. While it is true that (all else being equal) an LP generator will use more gallons of LP than a gas generator will use gasoline, the difference is not all that much. Since I carry about 18 gallons (twin 40# tanks) of LP anyway, LP cosumption has not been an issue. Since my truck is a diesel, I did not want to carry a third fuel type (gasoline) just for the generator. Also, if you do not exercize a gasoline generator every month or so, and keep fresh fuel in it at all times, the fuel system can varnish, which is not covered under warranty. An LP generator will run just fine on LP that has been around for a year or more, although it's still a good idea to exercize the generator occassionally. Hope this helps.

good luck
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Old 05-15-2005, 01:00 PM   #4
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Hello Ken
Thank you for your reply, I should of put the 50 amp that we have. You have answered a question about the size we shold look into....the 55oo watt. My husband wants to install ourselves. Hmmmm don't know about that. Do you have yours in the front storage? Your right at the sea level stuff. Being in Fla we need that A/C going, especially if another Hurricane Charley came along. (knock on wood).
Thanks again
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Old 05-15-2005, 03:52 PM   #5
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Yes, mine is located in the front storage area. See link in above post for picture.
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Old 05-15-2005, 04:28 PM   #6
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Just a suggestion...which nobody made to me...be sure to listen to the generator run under full load in a quiet area before you buy it...they make a lot more noise than we originally thought.
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Old 05-15-2005, 06:22 PM   #7
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bksmoore:

Lots of good info here so far, but I'm curious as to if you have a dedicated gen box, or are you thinking of putting it in a storage compartment- there's a pretty good difference there. Also- did I miss which 5v'er you bought? Most have their own area. If you're talking about putting it in a 'regular' storage compartment, you'll have quite some work to do to make sure it's completely air & fume tight.

You'll also need to think about the location, and the impact of the weight (speaking of weight, an Onan 5500 Marquis is 279lbs), and just a little bit back will add to axle weight and a little less to pin- depends if, again, you've got a dedicated gen box.

I guess it would really help to know what rig you've got so we could comment further.

Sean
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Old 05-16-2005, 03:46 AM   #8
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Hello, We have a 2004 38' carriage, it is already for installation in the front storage area. Just trying to figure out what to buy and the weight. We are considing putting the generator on the back of the truck. We are Looking at the honda 7000 watt powermate. From the replies I'm getting and the ideas, this forum is a great help so far. With putting it on the truck, then we will only need to take it with us when needed. Living in Florida, never know when another Hurricane will come upon us, this way we could maybe hook it up to the house breakers. This is a huge purchase if we decided to install a Marquis Platinum 5500 LP generator. Will the weight be to much? That is the big question. We don't want to pull around a 300 lb generator if we aren't going to use it all the time. Most of the time we are plugged in. Discussions discussions.....Please keep your ideas coming.
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Old 05-22-2005, 04:41 PM   #9
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Hello neighbor. I have a 32ft Carriage Cameo, last year I nstalled a EV4010 Honda generator with a .7 gal per hr. Feul consumpsion and the weight I'm not sure is somwhere around 120Lbs. Your Unit should have 50 Amp service and a 4000 will do a fine job.I'm not shure if my email adress is in my profil, if you would like to email me here it is (dietrich63@juno.com ). I also went thrue Charlie and let me tell you thank Good for the generator.
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Old 05-23-2005, 08:22 AM   #10
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I just wanted to offer up our assistance if you still have any questions on the Onan generator for your RV. My name is Jackie, and I work for Adams Electrical Service, Inc in Miami, Florida. We have been the #1 Onan dealer in the state of Florida several times, so if you need any help, don't hesitate to call. Even if you decide not to go with an Onan, we would be happy to give you some answers if needed. No pressure! Call or visit us online at www.adamselectric.com. Phone number 305-856-2930.
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Old 05-23-2005, 08:33 AM   #11
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Hello,

Thank you for your reply! We had purchased an Honda 7000 Watt generator for now. We need it to be portable for now.
Thanks again
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Old 05-23-2005, 08:36 AM   #12
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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Power Stroker:
Hello neighbor. I have a 32ft Carriage Cameo, last year I nstalled a EV4010 Honda generator with a .7 gal per hr. Feul consumpsion and the weight I'm not sure is somwhere around 120Lbs. Your Unit should have 50 Amp service and a 4000 will do a fine job.I'm not shure if my email adress is in my profil, if you would like to email me here it is (dietrich63@juno.com ). I also went thrue Charlie and let me tell you thank Good for the generator. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hello
We went with the Honda 7000 Watt powermate. We are going to be portable for now. Thank you for your reply. This is a great forum for questions and answers.
Thanks again
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