LGordon
Layton UT
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Joined: 06/29/2009
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I have a 34ft 5th wheel Cameo by carriage. The unit is already pre-wired with inside control panel for an onan generator. I currently have two honda portable generators that I use for power. They provide enough power to operate the entire unit. I am wondering if it would be worth the money and convience to invest in an inside inclosed generator. Does anyone have good or bad expeirences with an inside verse an outside generator?
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M GO BLUE
Southgate, MI
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Joined: 01/29/2001
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We have had both (currently have the built-in Onan)...nothing beats the convenience of having it built-in and just having to push a button inside...
We went through where we had the 2 Honda's and always had to worry about them being stolen, worried about them when it was raining outside...also in the morning all you have to do is get up and push a button and head back to bed as opposed to getting dressed and going outside and starting up the Hondas'...
ERIC & BEV
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Eycom
On the Road
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Joined: 09/12/2004
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I've got an onboard Generac LP 3600. Runs the 13.5 a/c and micro at the same time. Love the convenience... just push a button. It's great for short runs, like cooling the camper during a lunch stop or a short nap, charging batteries or running the micro, etc.
However, there's a downside. If you need to run the a/c 12-14 hrs a day, you'd best camp next to a propane refill station. It's an energy hog, about 1/2 gal/hr, and I only carry two 30# tanks. Since propane is harder to come by than gas and my other appliances need propane, I do a lot less boondocking during the summer.
So... would the convenience be worth the money? Depends on your camping style and how you use a generator. Of course, if money is not an issue, why not have both?
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Sandia Man
Rio Rancho, NM
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Joined: 08/09/2008
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It depends on the kind of items you plan to power because both types have their advantages and disadvantges. It's great to have the convenience and power capabilities of the onboard version but when just recharging batteries and running low power consuming items the portable makes a lot of sense. In a perfect world, everybody would have both.
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Hardtack
Gone
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Joined: 06/20/2009
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How often do you need the generator(s)??
The built in one is nice....but it does take up a bit of storage.
There are also self-contained units w/remote start that permanently mount in the bed of truck, need additional plug in front of trailer w/transfer switch. It really depends on what your needs are & how much you want to spend.
Good luck!!
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RDSKNFN_57
MADERA CA 93638
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Joined: 04/19/2006
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My honda EU3000 is mounted on the back and i have the wireless remote starter for it, i was looking at a built in onan but since my 5er is'nt wire for one the cost was $5700 for the dealer to install it, so i went with the honda with the wireless remote for $2035, My wife said i was lazy for getting the remote (2 yrs. ago) but i have yet to see her go outside in the morning and turn the key or pull the rope, so what ever you get built in or portable, get a remote starter and enjoy, GOOD LUCK
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Lantley
Ellicott City, Maryland
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Joined: 08/23/2005
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Inside is much more convenient. The convenience translates into more use. You will be able to use it for for lunch breaks etc. There is absolutely no set up with an inside genset. Push button power, portables can't compare to the convenience factor.
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Washboy
Denver, CO
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Recharging my battery bank can take up to 4 hours. When travelling between boondocking sites, I “multi-task” by running the genset while in transit.
For lunch and rest stops, the genset runs the front AC and microwave.
Hot weather travels really heat up the interior. Pre-cooling the coach an hour or so before arriving at a camp/rv park seriously reduces the “sweat factor”.
I’ve twice experienced the joy of changing a tire on the highway. The genset powers my portable air compressor so I can use a pneumatic impact wrench to bust the lug nuts in short order. (Another “sweat factor” reduction technique)
All this with the convenience of a push of the start switch…instant power…anywhere…anytime…as long as there’s propane in the tank.
No sweat!
"If you don't know where you're going, any road will get you there."
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jgallego
Deer Park, Texas
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I recently bought a new 5th wheel with a built in onan and it is a lot more convienent than using my previous two honda eu 2000. Pushing the button and getting it running is great especially for breaks while travelling. The onan operates on lp so I do not have to carry an extra fuel.
Jaime
2009 Heartland Big Country 3355
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