Generator Purchase for 21 RKFB

MioneB · 02-19-2021, 08:56 PM

Hello- we are picking up our new camper next week and want to purchase a generator before taking it out. Does anyone have any recommendations? Looking at the Onan 5500 and being able to run AC’s and cover power needs when dry camping. Thanks for helping!

**ependydad** · 02-19-2021, 11:01 PM

I love my Onan 5500. I don’t know the specs but it feels a world quieter than my pair of Honda 2000s running all out.

It gives you about 46 usable amps which is plenty to run 2 air conditioners and then some.

This article may be a helpful read:
https://learntorv.com/generators/

MioneB · 02-20-2021, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ependydad

I love my Onan 5500. I don’t know the specs but it feels a world quieter than my pair of Honda 2000s running all out.

It gives you about 46 usable amps which is plenty to run 2 air conditioners and then some.

This article may be a helpful read:
https://learntorv.com/generators/

Thanks so much for replying! That’s good information in helping us decide!

filthy-Beast · 02-22-2021, 09:31 AM

Really like our Westinghouse 4500i with remote start.

Dsimes · 02-22-2021, 01:35 PM

We use a Champion 3500w with 4000w surge with our 17jg. It has worked great however it is not an inverter so is a bit noisy.

txredfish · 02-22-2021, 03:09 PM

Question about gene purchase. Those of you that have them for your trailer. Do you leave in truck or how do you manage them because of the weight? How was looking for something less than 100 lbs, but they do not seem to be large enough on the wattage.

jimmoore13 · 02-22-2021, 04:30 PM

If you can install a built-in Onan, that's the way to go. Portables are wonderful for those of us who own rigs too small for a built in, but they are a pain in the neck by comparison to one that is already built in and only needs to be started.

The flip side, of course, is that if you have a problem with the genny, then you need to bring your entire RV to the service shop. But I'd love to be able to have a built in on my rig. I use a single portable 2KW, and, by comparison to a built in, it's a fair amount of work to load/unload and handle it, chain it to a tree, run the power cable, and keep it fueled.

MioneB · 02-22-2021, 05:48 PM

Thanks everyone. The unit we are purchasing had a storage and hookup for one. Thanks for the help on this!

Dsimes · 02-22-2021, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by txredfish

Question about gene purchase. Those of you that have them for your trailer. Do you leave in truck or how do you manage them because of the weight? How was looking for something less than 100 lbs, but they do not seem to be large enough on the wattage.

I leave ours in the bed of the truck back by the tailgate. That way it easy to get to to refuel. If it rains I can close the tonneau cover and leave the tailgate down.

filthy-Beast · 02-22-2021, 06:53 PM

We store our 4500i in the truck under the cover, it just fits.

Kaboom · 02-23-2021, 01:20 PM

We have an Onan 5500 and really like it.

debit · 02-23-2021, 01:31 PM

We carry our Honda 2000 in the truck (also carry the spare tire there).
_________
Ram 2500 (8 foot bed) diesel

Surveyor 251rks

jeepin1 · 02-24-2021, 11:46 AM

Don't leave home without it. Oh wait its just like taking your home.

Defiant530 · 02-27-2021, 09:58 PM

Word is now they are going to offer a 6500 , we are putting an order in for 39 RKFB in a couple of weeks when the 2022 models are up to order

Homebrew · 02-28-2021, 06:57 AM

We have the on board Onan 5500, the nice thing is having the on board fuel tanks.

mtpocket · 02-28-2021, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeepin1

Don't leave home without it. Oh wait its just like taking your home.

That the fuel tank on top? Is that something your dealer or another aftermarket company did? How much runtime do you get out of a tank at ful load?

jeepin1 · 02-28-2021, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtpocket

That the fuel tank on top? Is that something your dealer or another aftermarket company did? How much runtime do you get out of a tank at ful load?

I looked on Craigslist for months before we received our 5er, found this one I installed it and built the fuel tank, I am not sure how long it will run on the tank never worried about it, all afternoon with 2 ACs on and the fuel moved about a 1/4" down on my insite gauge. its about 15 gallons.
wanted to make sure the DW never missed anything when we boondock.

Freebird2020 · 05-03-2021, 07:07 PM

We have the Onan 5500 built in. Typically only use it when the campground loses power and occasionally while traveling.

Last year we had several power outages at the campground we stay at for the summer. The first time I stayed up until the power came back on a few hours later. The 2nd time I just started it up and went back to bed. Nice to have the Start button inside.

Just an FYI, the 6500 is basically the same unit but running at a higher RPM. So it will be even more thirsty than the 5500. They do go through propane pretty quick. I think a 30 lb tank will usually last 8-10 hours depending on how hard you are using it.

The 5500 will run 2 ACs or 1 AC and most anything else like a Dryer, Microwave, etc.

We are full timers so it is almost a necessity for us.

Defiant530 · 05-03-2021, 08:31 PM

We ended up going with the 5500 as it would only be used in the event of no power , we don't boondock , but also there is a shortage of generators at this time , the dealer we ordered from has been pushing to get our generator onboard as we are coming from florida to Pennsylvania to pick it up sometime in July
, hopefully there isn't a problem

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