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Old 07-17-2013, 02:00 PM   #1
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Cool Generator

Could anyone tell me if it is possible to replace the OEM genset with a portable generator with the same or higher watt output?

Thank you,
Terry
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Old 07-17-2013, 02:28 PM   #2
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With a 37 ft Vectra, my guess is you need at least 6000 watts. And quiet.
I am no expert.
Here is what I see. Dont know if this will work at all. It is just a quick google search I made.
I'm sure others will chime in here.

http://www.electricgeneratorsdirect....enerators.html
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Old 07-17-2013, 02:40 PM   #3
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Could anyone tell me if it is possible to replace the OEM genset with a portable generator with the same or higher watt output?

Thank you,
Terry
Anything is possible, the impossible just takes a little longer.
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Old 07-17-2013, 02:55 PM   #4
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Anything is "possible".
Now for some food for thought.
A typical portable genset runs at 3600 rpms high revs = more noise.
They also won't give you 50 amps on two legs, unless you get a large one. 5500+ watt. watts/ volts = amps
Possible fuel pump issue.
Mounted sets run at 1800 -2700 rpms, have better shrouding to direct hot air away and draw "cooler air in.
They are designed for the job.
You might be able to find a used larger mounted unit.
More details on exactly what you want to do would help.
Someone may have done what you need to do.
Keith
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Old 07-17-2013, 03:09 PM   #5
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I think proper planning for fuel/exhaust is critical. Also, how to operate a remote control for starting and stopping the genny if you plan to use it while going down the road. If not for these items needed to run the AC while going down the road, it would be easy to just plug the shore connection into a portable genny chained up behind your campsite and run it while camped.
Keep us posted on what you find. If mine ever fails, I would research this option as well.
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Old 07-17-2013, 03:34 PM   #6
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The answer is both yes and no.

If the current generator is mounted and the exhaust is "Ducted" to somewhere where it won't kill you.

Then the odds are the portable won't fit.

But you can set the poprtable up say 20 feet from the RV and run the shore cord to it.
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Old 07-17-2013, 04:02 PM   #7
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Okay, I have a question.

Will an off the shelf generator work okay when it is hooked up to the onboard gennie wiring?
Will it function okay to the inverter/converter stuff so everything works as normal?

Dave
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Old 07-17-2013, 04:28 PM   #8
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Go on line and see what Camping World has to offer.
Just a thought.
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Old 07-17-2013, 05:20 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tvan863 View Post
Could anyone tell me if it is possible to replace the OEM genset with a portable generator with the same or higher watt output?

Thank you,
Terry
There aren't many good reasons for doing this.... Might help us zero in on a solution, if you describe
your motivation for wanting it.

If its just price, then I'm sure good used RV generators can be found that will do the job better
Safer and quieter than portables.
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Old 07-17-2013, 06:34 PM   #10
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The generators found in RVs are specifically designed to be run inside the generator cabinet; most portable generators are designed to be run outside of any enclosure - since they are mostly air-cooled that will be an issue since they need lots of airflow to stay cool. RV generators are designed with this in mind and have air paths set up for maximum cooling. Since portables are designed to be used in the open air they are not optimized for use inside a cabinet.

On top of that is the noise issue that has already been mentioned - portables are notoriously noisy compared to an RV unit with the same output.
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