Onboard Genset

[Bbouch84]

we have tossed around the idea of when we upgrade to get a 5th wheel with a generator. Now my question is can you run it to power everything and not be plugged into shore power? Like if we went out for a week and the camp ground did not have electrical hookups could we run it that whole tine or is it one of those every now and then uses?

[JRTJH]

The "capability to run a generator 24/7" depends on multiple factors.

First is the campground rules. No matter how "quiet" a generator is, if the campground has "established generator hours" then you're limited to those rules.

Second, generators need maintenance, cooling down time, and are limited by the fuel carried onboard. If your trailer has a generator fuel tank, you're limited by the amount of gas you can carry. If your generator is propane powered, you're limited by the number of 20 pound propane tanks you can reasonably fit in the back of your truck. Don't carry propane tanks in a closed storage area...

Third, running a generator is not "cheap". It's not "campground friendly" and it's not allowed in some areas.

So, depending on where you intend to set up the trailer, you may or may not be permitted to "indiscriminately run a generator without regard to other campers"....

[RoadToad]

Originally Posted by Bbouch84

we have tossed around the idea of when we upgrade to get a 5th wheel with a generator. Now my question is can you run it to power everything and not be plugged into shore power? Like if we went out for a week and the camp ground did not have electrical hookups could we run it that whole tine or is it one of those every now and then uses?

Very probably not 24/7. Most Campgrounds have quiet hours from like 11 pm to 7 am, or there abouts. Off and on throughout the day. The on vs off time depends on the specs of your generator. "Duty cycle" et.al.

[travelin texans]

The size of the generator required to run "everything" on your specific RV may also be an issue as to where/how to haul/store it.

[cynnich]

We ran ours last year at New Hampshire Motor Speedway from Thursday night until Monday morning without a problem. This was during a heat wave as well. 2 air conditioners as well as TV’s and electronics.

[notanlines]

Bill, everything said above ^^^^ is certainly on the money. We have 7000 watt propane and 2 40 lb tanks. When the generator is working hard we have an electric wrap made for propane tanks that we have to use to keep the regulator from freezing up. LP generators eat A LOT of fuel!

[Ribtip]

Campground rules aside. Generators are made to run. We ran our 5500w genset for a week and a half at times in our motorhome. Put a little over 2000 hours on it and never had a problem. I did shut down every day or 2 to check the oil. Nice thing about the motorhome was the gen ran off the 80gal fuel tank with 60gal available for the gen

[flybouy]

You need to look up the specs on the particular generator that you are considering. The specs should list duty cycle (how long it should be run continuously and at what loading i.e. full load or 50% load, etc.) and fuel consumption (note: not all fuel consumption rates are the same and should list @full load or under 50% load etc.)

[MattHelm21]

Originally Posted by cynnich

We ran ours last year at New Hampshire Motor Speedway from Thursday night until Monday morning without a problem. This was during a heat wave as well. 2 air conditioners as well as TV’s and electronics.

As I am DH to this comment, I feel obligated to add this was in 90 degree heat during the day and about 30 Gallons of gas above and beyond the on board 60 to get through that hot weekend.

[Hblick48]

I have an Onan gas onboard. Have 2 1/2 gal marine tank bungeed do frame of rig. When I know we'll be using gen, also carry 6 gallon marine tank and 6 gal refill can. Gas is much easier to find than LP. I carry extra cans in bed of truck secured by chain and lock.