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Old 02-07-2018, 07:08 PM   #1
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Generator advice for new 381RD w/ dual A/C

I want to get a generator that will power everything ... the 15k and 13.5k A/C, refrig, 4 TVs, various computers, slide-outs, etc.

I plan to stick it in the front storage box where there is a space for one.

What size generator should I be looking at?

Thanks ...
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Old 02-07-2018, 07:16 PM   #2
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It depends on what all you want to be able to run at once.

You can get away with a generator as small as a Honda 2000 in order to run a single 15k A/C and nothing else (literally nothing: I had to turn off all of the other breakers and run from battery power!).

And it just goes up from there.

I found my sweet spot was 2 x 2000W Honda inverter generators and paralleling them together. It lets me run 1 A/C and another high use appliance (microwave, battery charger, etc.). I don't recall if I got away with running both A/Cs (with everything else off).

I did help my generator's load by installing a MicroAir EasyStart on each A/C. It helps limit the starting load of the compressors.
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Old 02-07-2018, 07:20 PM   #3
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Sorry .. forgot to be clear .. I want to run everything at the same time.
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Old 02-07-2018, 07:27 PM   #4
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Add up the wattage load, add a sensible cushion, and see what is available in that size. If you plan to be in a campground look at an inverter type generator as they are much quieter and provide a more stable current. Weight could be a concern if you have to lift it in and out. In that case consider two units pararelled together as mentioned by Ependydad above.
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Old 02-07-2018, 07:30 PM   #5
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Honda EU7000is, would be a good start.
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Old 02-07-2018, 07:36 PM   #6
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I figured it would live in the front storage.

That Honda looks nice ... just measured the space and I only have 22" deep to work with
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Old 02-08-2018, 02:45 PM   #7
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Wherever you decide to locate your generator allow some cooling air.
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Old 02-08-2018, 02:48 PM   #8
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I called a local shop that has the honda EU7000is on the floor and asked them to measure it excluding the wheel kit. I believe it will fit! Going to go there in-person to double-check and if so, will buy it. Everyplace seems to be selling it for $3,999.

It will be "permanently" installed in the front storage where a generator is designed to go.
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Old 02-08-2018, 02:53 PM   #9
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Awesomeness for cooling.....I love my Honda.....I use it more than my on board generator. Quieter and uses less fuel.
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Old 02-08-2018, 02:54 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Churchillnav View Post
I called a local shop that has the honda EU7000is on the floor and asked them to measure it excluding the wheel kit. I believe it will fit! Going to go there in-person to double-check and if so, will buy it. Everyplace seems to be selling it for $3,999.

It will be "permanently" installed in the front storage where a generator is designed to go.
That's about your best choice unless you go with a genset from Onan or comparable.

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Old 02-08-2018, 02:59 PM   #11
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dumb Question?

Can I run my Honda generators in the front of my fifth wheel in the front storage compartment without the generator prep?

Is is safe?
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Old 02-08-2018, 03:03 PM   #12
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dumb Question?

Can I run my Honda generators in the front of my fifth wheel in the front storage compartment without the generator prep?

Is is safe?
Maybe... if you left the compartment door open and had some way to exhaust the fumes so they didn't filter up into the rig. I don't believe I could recommend it.

Most gen-prep packages seal off the generator compartment from the rest of the 5th wheel.
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Old 02-08-2018, 05:22 PM   #13
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I don't think its a good idea putting a standard exhaust generator anywhere under or inside a TT. Those ONAN models normally have some type of water cooling if I recall correctly that enables them to run inside of enclosed area. They also have the exhaust piped to an outside location.
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Old 02-08-2018, 07:35 PM   #14
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Onan are not water cooled.

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Old 02-08-2018, 09:48 PM   #15
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Onan gasoline units are air cooled. Quiet Diesel units are water cooled.

INFO HERE:

https://www.norwall.com/categories/RV-Generators/
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Old 02-08-2018, 09:56 PM   #16
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onan 5500. to install the floor of the compartment will be cut to match the generator footprint and replaced with a grate to allow air in. they will build a sheet metal compartment to slightly larger than the generator that will fit inside it. the generator exhaust into a vent pipe to goes down through the grate and then over to the side of the trailer. make sure it is routed to the driver side as you do not want exhaust fumes coming to the passenger side when you are out sitting on that side. if you get the propane model generator you can use the existing trailer propane supply. if you have a toy hauler with a gas tank in the trailer you can you that to power a gas model generator. a bit pricier but this is the application that these generators are made for and they work. once installed everything is hardwired and there are no connections that need to be continuously made and unmade. you will also need an automatic transfer switch to switch between shore power and generator power.
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Old 02-08-2018, 10:52 PM   #17
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Don't forget your fuel usage . . . My Onan gasoline 4000 uses about 1 to 1.5 gallons an hour. When we had our bus, we had an Onan 7500 that was diesel. It used .5 gallons an hour with 2 air conditioners, a dish washer, 2 TV's, inverter, refrigerator, microwave, water heater, and the convertor/charging system.
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Old 02-08-2018, 11:37 PM   #18
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I wouldn't try to install a portable genset in any enclosed compartment. First off, their cooling systems aren't designed to run in enclosed spaces. Most gensets designed to be run in enclosed spaces suck air in from around the engine and then discharge it through a single duct. Portables just blow air across the engine fins and let it fine it's own way out. Had a relative (by marriage to my mom) that put a portable Honda in what he thought would make a good generator compartment. Got so hot, even with door open, the engine seized up and then there was the stench of burnt oil.

Before deciding on how you're going to go, consult an expert on permanent generator mounting on RV's.

Might check with the factory to see what generator they would install there if it was to be a factory install.

Personally I'd look for a water cooled unit that covers your power requirements and burns the same type of fuel as your TV. Add an auxiliary to the truck and you have spare fuel for both.
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