Community Forums

rorr1821 · 09-19-2015, 07:09 AM

I plan on installing an Onan gasoline generator on my new 5th wheel which will have the generator prep package. The Onan 7000 electronic fuel injection (EFI) model 7 HGJAA-97 is my first choice and the second choice is the 7 HGJAB-6756 carburetor evap model. Both models meet the new evap law for trailer installation. I will be using a gasoline tank made by ECI Fuel systems. Both the 5500 kw and 7000 kw have the same footprint and about the same weight so using the larger KW unit is a no brainer. The reason I do not want LPG is because the generator will empty a LPG tank in about 10-15 hours and the tanks are a pain to refill. A gasoline generator uses about ,7 gallons per hour at half load. The cost for the generator and hardware is about $5500 and I do the installation. The difference between the Evap and EFI model is the fuel pump cost of $300.

Has anyone installed or had installed a gasoline generator in their 5th wheel unit and how satisfied are you with your unit. I am particularly interested in hearing about the EFI model?

racer4 · 09-19-2015, 05:43 PM

I see that Jayco is installing gasoline generators in the Pinnacle FW. I hope more manufacturers offer gasoline gens instead of propane.

I am buying a new FW in the spring and would buy a factory installed gasoline generator if available. Not propane though, too hard too refill the propane cylinders.

I wonder what model generator and gas tank Jayco is using.

I hope you get more helpful replies. I am following this thread.

tuffr2 · 09-19-2015, 06:44 PM

Does the EFI generator still use the same as the carb generator. I would expect must less gasoline in used in the EFI engine.

jacknife · 09-19-2015, 06:51 PM

5500 runs 2 Ac plus about a thousand less . Cheapwat l found was Norwood power . I paid about 3900 for a lp 5500.
Free shipping and the gas models are a bit less.
I went with propane . Even though the fuel consumption may be a bit more, not having to deal with another type of fuel just seems easier . Imho.

rorr1821 · 09-20-2015, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuffr2

Does the EFI generator still use the same as the carb generator. I would expect must less gasoline in used in the EFI engine.

According to Onan Generator spec's it is the same. However, operating the generator at different altitudes, I would expect the EFI would average out to be more efficient.

rugersdad · 09-20-2015, 11:09 AM

Not trying to hijack this thread but the fumes generated from a gasoline powered generator are much more noticeable than propane, I have had both and if you spend any time outside when gen is in use it will sell you on propane.

WReeder · 09-20-2015, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rugersdad

Not trying to hijack this thread but the fumes generated from a gasoline powered generator are much more noticeable than propane, I have had both and if you spend any time outside when gen is in use it will sell you on propane.

If you use a exhaust stack you will never notice and it's a little bit quieter!

davidlb · 09-20-2015, 06:15 PM

I installed a really handy "switching unit" on my home gas generator that allowed me to switch back and forth between gasoline and propane on the fly. VERY handy. Propane is WAY easier to store than gasoline. I bought it on-line and installed it on my Coleman 6250 in about 2 hours. Is there a reason (the fact that it's on board an RV, exhaust, the make such as Onan, etc.) that won't allow it to be modified like the one I had at home? Seems like this modification would solve everyone's issues and the debate - have them both!

Dogpatch · 09-20-2015, 10:13 PM

What's the extra load of genny and gas going to do to your pin weight?
Where/how would you exhaust?

I found a good deal on a 4000 watt gas Onan but worried about the above.

jacknife · 09-21-2015, 06:04 PM

l have a 5500 onan it weighs 295

ikoolu · 09-21-2015, 08:47 PM

i bought a yahama 3500 with remote start - slide into the gen set compartment - ran a chain around it and just plug in the shore power cable -it will run 1- 15 k ac

cost 2800 = i added a small fan to help with the heat - i lined the boxes with 1 inch foil back board and really is quite

Fred1609 · 09-21-2015, 09:54 PM

I ran into an article about a conversion kit from gas to propane or LG and even using all 3 fuels. Generator Conversion Kits to Propane and Natural Gas. wont work on EFI I would think. We are looking at the Yamaha and I will have this conversion kit close by.

Pullin' Chocks · 09-21-2015, 10:07 PM

We went with the Onan 4kW Evap and a 30 gal gasoline tank. It is really more generator than we need, but it works fine. I was very pleased with the low operation noise and the exhaust has never been an issue either. Our gas tank is at the very rear of the 5er and takes weight off of the pin. The generator is mounted just behind the 3rd axle. We would do a gasoline generator again, but I would like to go with a 3kW inverter generator. Yamaha has a nice one, but it is not as nice of an rv mounting configuration.

Technobody · 09-22-2015, 04:03 AM

We are using an Energizer Inverter Generator 2.8 Kw Its more than enough to run a single A/C and its fairly quiet. It will run about 5.8 hours on 7 litres of 91% octane fuel. Its available through Home Depot and under $800.