chief100
everywhere
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Currently own a Class A and going to buy a 5th wheel. Travel with animals and would like to leave them in the coach while we go down the road. Traveling in the summertime can get hot in the coach. Obviously need a generator..... obviously that is difficult to find in a 5th wheel... so questions How difficult and expensive is it to put in generator after the fact( looking at propane) and is there any issues with running it in the coach when we drive down the road?
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River&Sand
San Diego, CA USA!!!
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Not if you go toyhauler, most have an on board genny, either gas or propane. I would go gas as it is easier to fuel, consumes less compared to propane. The TH's today aren't like they were afew years ago, they are quite well appointed these days.
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rbp111
Citrus Heights, CA
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You may want to rethink your thoughts on traveling with the animals inside the fifth-wheel. We had our lab in the fifth-wheel, inside a crate. The crate was over the wheels of the trailer, so it was stable. After two trips we noted that the dog was acting different after going where ever we were going. So, I put myself in the fifth-wheel and had my wife drive around the block. It is amazing the amount of movement and noise and shaking and...That was the last time I traveled with my pet inside the fifth-wheel.
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chief100
everywhere
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Travel with pets in RV now.....Lots of noise here also... they do fine. Would probably just be our birds and maybe the cat-
Does anyone know any other reason's for not running the AC on generator while running down the road?
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chief100
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Sorry, not going to do Toy Hauler.
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Mile High
Denver, CO
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The generator is about $5K for a built in. We have the Onan LP and we run it sometimes on the road to pre-cool before we get to a campsite.
The generators comsumes a lot of fuel - at full load it will comsume both LP tanks in 13 hrs.
I do get a little nervous running it down the road, because I can't sense something going wrong such as overheat, electrical failure. I also would be concerned for occupants, because I have no idea where the exhaust is going while traveling. It does have a tailpipe out the side, but dynamics change a little when moving down the highway.
My opinion, sure it can be done but it doesn't sound too practical.
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the bear II
Torrance CA.
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I haven't seen a 5th wheel yet where the manufacturer didn't have a space for a generator. There is usually a compartment that can be converted to hold the generator. Most of the models use the front compartment, it is boxed in with sound proofing material. The generator is mounted in the compartment with airflow through an opening in the bottom of the compartment.
Check with the dealer or manufacturer for generator options.
Also be sure to get all the automatic amenities you have on your Class A. Leveling jacks, sat dome, awning...etc. You'll miss them if you don't have them added to the 5th wheel.
We run ours all the time while travelling down the road to make sure the inside is cold when we get to our destination.
I believe the area between the bedroom (over the hitch) and the axles, which is usually the bathroom in 5th wheels is the most stable. I rarely see any movement of stuff stowed there. Over the axles and at the rear is where we get the most movement. Make sure the 5th wheel has shocks added to help smooth out the ride.
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jgallego
Deer Park, Texas
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I have an onan 5500 installed in the front compartment. It runs on propane and the system works real well.
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RoyB
King George, VA
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I too have first hand knowledge about carrying pets in the fifth wheel trailers. My sister has tried this with two animals One small dog and One large dog. This did not go very good for the animals. The larger dog was really affected by this on the one trip from Ill to SC. They ran their fifth wheel air conditioning by using their two 2KW Honda generators mounted in the two tailgate corners of their truck bed while enroute..
I suspect it is a nightmare inside the fifth wheel trailers going down the roads as compared to a CLASS A motor home. I had access to a video of what is happening to the inside of the RV but cant seem to put my hands on it. You might want to look for a video on-line as I bet their is a few out there.
After the one trip my sister now carries both her dogs inside the truck now for their trips.
My Posts are IMHO based on my experiences - PM me
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Jim Cindy
Northcentral, PA
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Why don't you want the animals in the class A when you travel?
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