Our fifth wheel has the prep but I like having the storage space that the built in generator would take up. I have two honda 2000I's and store them in a bed box in the truck and have the storage space in the fifth wheel. We dont use the generators that often so having the extra space in the trailer is more useful than the built in generator would be for us . We do have to carry a gas can where the built in one would use propane.
It's best to have the factory genny prep as they do a much better job than having it done aftermarket. Whether you opt for the factory installed genny will be up to you. When we purchased our current rig, it came with factory prepped/installed Onan genny that we thought we might not use all that much, but we are so glad that we did get it as it has come in handy on so many occasions. We prefer boondocking & drycamping, and being able to run the AC or a couple of space heaters when outside temps require their use, with a touch of a single button makes for a comfortable camping experience.
I went with the 5500 Onan built-in generator that runs on gasoline. It has a marine 15 gallon gas tank. We also have a residential fridge that works off the generator when travelling and a automatic generator start in case power failure, temperature rise or if batteries drop to 11 volts dc. This is very handy in case the power fails at the campground when we are not there to keep our precious puppy nice and cool until we get back. I really don't regret getting a generator with our unit. It really just boils down to whatever your needs are.
Ron & Libby Gordon
07 Ford F350 Dually Tow Boss Diesel
07 Mobile Suites 38RL3 #3698
02 Winnebago Adventurer 35U V10 (Former RV)
Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow
get a honda 3000 and put a front receiver hitch on your truck and carry it there. It's a lot cheaper. You could install it in the RV compartment, but you would have to place a duct vent over the exhaust and run it out of the compartment. You can even use a key fob and start the 3000 generator from inside your RV. It's a lot cheaper, but if you got the bucks than an Onan is good.
Ridawing wrote: You can even use a key fob and start the 3000 generator from inside your RV.
You can also use the key fob to start the Onan while your driving
X2 - Its great. Leave the ACs set to full cool, then about 30 minutes out grab the key fob and start the generator. The only downside is that Onan is so quiet and have to wait till I'm in town or pull over to hear if I started it.
2006 Ford F350 4X4 SB CC SRW Powerstroke 6.0
2013 Redwood 36RL - full paint - disk brakes
"Comparison is the thief of joy! - Theodore Roosevelt"
For me convenience is the key. Portables, Honda Yamaha and the rest are great products and are much cheaper than an on board genset.
However portables will require some sort of set up and handling. They may require loading and unloading before after and during the trip. Portables will also require a portable fuel source.
My onboard 5500 Onan is a simple push button start. It runs on propane, and is very convenient to use.
I understand many campgrounds have limited hours for generator use but gensets can be used for roadside lunches, Wal mart over nights,boondocking etc. The more convenient the genset is to use the more you will use it.
You might not set up your portable just for lunch depending on how much set up is required, but an onboard units requires no set up and gives you microwave and A/C when stopping for lunch. An onboard unit will keep you out of the fast food joints while traveling.
If low cost is the main priority get a portable. If convenience and ease of use is a priority get a built in genset.
07'Duramax dually,12'Open Range 399BHS
Hawkshead TPMS,Hensley BD3,Killerbee exhaust brake
Blue Ox Bedsaver,air bags w/compressor
Arvika pin box bike rack,Bak Flip tonneau cover
5500 Onan LP,EMS-HW-50
14'Porta Bote w/8.0 Nissan
Vu Cube 2000,Splendide 2000S
Tomorrow,I'm installing a tray on the back of my rig, adding to an existing receiver. Will carry he Honda 3000, bikes and "blue boy". Since my plug-in is at the back of the RV, this will work fibe with Gen to 30 pigtail, plugged into a 50/30 adapter. The Honda has to be outside to run and with the exhaust vents as they are, an exhaust stack is not feasible. Will try to photo when done.
[blue]2004.5 Dodge 3500 DRW QC, 4x4 LB, CTD 600 ,auto,w4.10 ,PAC Brake, Prodigy, : 2012 Cedar Creek 36 CKTS (loaded). Mrs Greentow & Missy & Maggie, Shih Tzu's with an attitude. USA(R). 30+ years in the Fire/EMS service. CCRVOC #29, GS Life member:B
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