Generator for my Rockwood

[jefflynn5thwheel]

We have a 2019 Rockwood Ultra Lite 2650 and would like to install a generator. Has anyone does this? Do we need to put a box on the back, or can it be mounted safely under the rig? We were looking at the Onan 4000, as we would like to be a self contained as possible. It would make dry-docking a lot easier. Any advise would be helpful, Thanks

[RangeMaggotBob]

Wow. That's one big generator for a fiver. I think. Don't really know where you'd put that, but there are others here who probably do. Does it run off of propane? Have you considered the alternatives- smaller and portable; maybe even the larger portables? I'm not familiar with the Onans, but I think they're used mostly in motorhomes. But somebody here will let us both know.

[CHICKDOE]

many many 5th wheels have onan 4000 and onan 5500 generators installed in them. i would suspect the generally onan 4000 for 30 amp trailers and onan 5500 for 50 amp trailers. i would expect them to be primarily in 5th wheels as they have more room for mounting, though i'm sure they are in travel trailers also.

[B and B]

That is a large ask for lightweight Rockwood. I doubt the frame anywhere can support all that weight. Do not bother with the rear bumper either. Suggestion some Honda's or similar in the bed of your truck.

[RangeMaggotBob]

Originally Posted by CHICKDOE

many many 5th wheels have onan 4000 and onan 5500 generators installed in them. i would suspect the generally onan 4000 for 30 amp trailers and onan 5500 for 50 amp trailers. i would expect them to be primarily in 5th wheels as they have more room for mounting, though i'm sure they are in travel trailers also.

Again, wow! Where do they have room for mounting them? I assume they must run off of propane if in a fiver. But again, never seen anything like that.

[CHICKDOE]

yes propane. look at the front of the fifth wheel. there is generally a compartment at the front of the chasis, not the raised portion that supports the king pin. basically on the front wall of the fifth wheel about equal to where the truck tail gate is. there's[ a lot of storage up there.

[Bluepill]

If you can spare the space in the truck bed, much less vibration and noise, simple installation, exhaust gas further away from living space.

[NMWildcat]

Towables can come from the factory with a compartment specially made to fit a generator. It comes with power and fuel hookups, added strength to support the weight, and a sealed exhaust ventilation. Usually a floating mount platform to absorb vibration. Cost with generator from factory is usually an added $4000 to $6000 from my experience.

Cost to retrofit a compartment after factory makes it not worth it.

That's why most folks buy smaller portable generators instead of built in.

Lots of folks add a shelf to their rear bumper area and weld in the additional frame support needed.

But being an ultralight will definitely prove to be a challenge to any built-in solution.

[Bama Rambler]

It's possible that your front storage area is large enough to hold one (14"Hx20"Dx30"W), but there are a few concerns about installing it there.
1) Using up that much storage space.
2) Having it installed right under your bed.
3) Sealing the compartment between the genny and the RV interior.
4) Providing fresh air inlet for the genny.
5) Routing the exhaust outside.
6) Consuming 200# of available cargo capacity.

None of these things are a huge deal, but they have to be considered.
Also the 4000 unit becomes a 3600 when fueled by LP.

My biggest concern would be #2. Would I really want the beast running right under the bed. I'm not sure vibration would be an issue, because that can be mitigated pretty easily, but the noise might be a concern.

Having said that, I've spent many nights sleeping right over a running genny and engine on a shrimp boat that was a lot louder than those Onan's are! Of course I was a lot younger too.

[CHICKDOE]

interesting that the 4000 is down rated to 3600 watts when running on propane. we have a 5500 propane generator and it is not down rated. the spes say 5500 watts on either gas or propane and the onan tech told me the same thing. i just assumed the same was true for the 4000 generator but this is not the case.