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rorr1821
09-19-2015, 07:03 PM
I plan on installing an Onan gasoline generator on my new 5th wheel which will have the generator prep package. The Onan 7000 electronic fuel injection (EFI) model 7 HGJAA-97 is my first choice and the second choice is the 7 HGJAB-6756 carburetor (http://rd.bizrate.com/rd?t=http%3A%2F%2Fc.affil.walmart.com%2Ft%2Fcsebr0 1%3Fl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.walmart.com%252Fip% 252FBerryman-Chem-Dip-Carburetor-and-Parts-Cleaner%252F17491945%253Fwmlspartner%253Dbizrateco m%2526affcmpid%253D3422964536%2526tmode%253D0000%2 526bcfg%253D63aefd4163d03ab0b2d19a2e4b1ef6cd%2526v eh%253Dcse%26szredirectid%3DSZ_REDIRECT_ID&mid=401&cat_id=22000200&atom=10681&prod_id=&oid=6342683798&pos=1&b_id=18&bid_type=1&bamt=a5fedf14fd8fec0d&cobrand=1&ppr=6909c467fc28eea2&af_sid=1&rf=af1&af_assettype_id=10&af_creative_id=2912) evap model. Both models meet the new evap law for trailer installation. I will be using a gasoline tank made by ECI Fuel systems. Both the 5500 kw and 7000 kw have the same footprint and about the same weight so using the larger KW unit is a no brainer. The reason I do not want LPG is because the generator will empty a LPG tank in about 10-15 hours and the tanks are a pain to refill. A gasoline generator uses about ,7 gallons per hour at half load. The cost for the generator and hardware is about $5500 and I do the installation. The difference between the Evap and EFI model is the fuel pump (http://skimlinks.pgpartner.com/mrdr.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fskimlinks.pgpartner.com% 2Fsearch.php%2Fform_keyword%3Dfuel%2Bpump) cost of $300.

Has anyone installed or had installed a gasoline generator in their 5th wheel unit and how satisfied are you with your unit. I am particularly interested in hearing about the EFI model? __________________

hitchup
09-20-2015, 10:48 AM
We've had diesel and we've had LP. Gas is more volatile, so never even considered it.

We carry 2 extra 40# LP tanks in the rear hitch tote on the Suite. Never been without power for more than 3 days in a Hurricane.

rorr1821
09-20-2015, 11:40 AM
We've had diesel and we've had LP. Gas is more volatile, so never even considered it.

We carry 2 extra 40# LP tanks in the rear hitch tote on the Suite. Never been without power for more than 3 days in a Hurricane.


My preference would be diesel but no one makes a unit in the 5kw+ area that has smaller profile like the gasoline units and are within a reasonable price range. I briefly considered the Onan 3200 diesel but after speaking with Cummins/Onan it became a non-consideration.

I am of the opinion that LPG and gasoline are both very volatile, so extreme care and awareness are important.

Thanks for your comments.

Chandler
09-21-2015, 11:56 AM
I have the Onan carburetor model. I would think the EFI model would be better. I have been looking to replace my fuel tank, which is a marine type tank. I have to take it out and sit it on the ground when I run it. Don't know why they didn't install a permanent tank.
I am interested in the ECI fuel tanks. Where/how do you plan to put the fuel tank? I was thinking it would be OK to install it in the basement area since it would be vented and fueled from the exterior of the fifth wheel.

Bugcatcher
09-21-2015, 12:27 PM
I just recently look at a coach with a diesel ten unit, the fuel tank was mounted in the basement on the drivers side close to the front wall. For me it would make more sense to mount it on the passenger side in the little cut-out where the inverter is. Maybe put a plywood bulkhead or some fireproof material between the inverter and the fuel tank.

rorr1821
09-21-2015, 12:37 PM
I have the Onan carburetor model. I would think the EFI model would be better. I have been looking to replace my fuel tank, which is a marine type tank. I have to take it out and sit it on the ground when I run it. Don't know why they didn't install a permanent tank.
I am interested in the ECI fuel tanks. Where/how do you plan to put the fuel tank? I was thinking it would be OK to install it in the basement area since it would be vented and fueled from the exterior of the fifth wheel.

Go to www.ecifuelsystems.com (http://www.ecifuelsystems.com) I plan on putting it into the bay area. It is a sealed tanks with a vent which go outside of the unit. I have seen these installed in 2 different DRV's. One was a factory install so I was told which they no longer do, and the other was a dealer install.

The best pricing seems to be www.rvautoparts.com (http://www.rvautoparts.com)

Chandler
09-21-2015, 12:40 PM
My inverter is in the compartment with the furnace, waste tanks, wiring, plumbing and all. I was looking at putting a narrow and tall one behind the generator and battery compartments. They make them different shapes and sizes.

rorr1821
09-21-2015, 12:42 PM
I just recently look at a coach with a diesel ten unit, the fuel tank was mounted in the basement on the drivers side close to the front wall. For me it would make more sense to mount it on the passenger side in the little cut-out where the inverter is. Maybe put a plywood bulkhead or some fireproof material between the inverter and the fuel tank.

I agree. To confirm they had a 10kw diesel generator in a 5th wheel?

Bugcatcher
09-21-2015, 12:45 PM
No sir, I believe it was a 5500W Cummins diesel. The coach was at Explore USA in Boerne, Tx. It was factory installed in an Elite Suites. Sorry for the mistake in prior post!

rorr1821
09-21-2015, 12:53 PM
No sir, I believe it was a 5500W Cummins diesel. The coach was at Explore USA in Boerne, Tx. It was factory installed in an Elite Suites. Sorry for the mistake in prior post!

I have seen the unit in Boerne. It is a Onan 5500 gas evap model which the dealer said they installed. And I might add they did a poor job on the install because they did not connect the vent hose to the ECI tank so it could be routed outside. Also the location of the tank in the bay waste a lot a storage area. Locating it on the passenger side between the steel generator enclosure and the unit wall makes more sense. Just my opinion!

Bugcatcher
09-21-2015, 01:01 PM
The one that I saw was a Cummins 5500 Diesel and they told me that it was ordered from the factory that way along with the satellite system! That at time of delivery the customer was being disrespectful to the GM and that the owner cancelled the sale and refunded the customers money. If this is BS please let me know and I will stay away from that dealer! I live close to that dealer, if you want me to go and double check that gen install I'd be glad to.
Tracy

Bugcatcher
09-21-2015, 01:21 PM
Wel I just talked to the dealer and you are right that the factory didn't do the install, but a 3rd party locally did, for the genset and the sat. system, but it is a 5500W Cummins diesel genset.

Cummins12V98
09-21-2015, 02:40 PM
Factory would not allow Cummins/Onan install a 6500 LP "Commercial" gen even tho it is exactly the same as the one they offer with 120V only.

I had DRV do the Gen prep then had RollingRetreats do the Gen. Why have a 240V dryer if you can't run it with the gen?????

http://i.imgur.com/7UuqEH9l.jpg

rorr1821
09-21-2015, 03:02 PM
Wel I just talked to the dealer and you are right that the factory didn't do the install, but a 3rd party locally did, for the genset and the sat. system, but it is a 5500W Cummins diesel genset.

I have talked with Cummins rep and he told me that they had a 3200kw diesel and the next size up is the 6000KW. He also said, say away from the 3200 diesel and go with gasoline 5500 or 7000 which has the same footprint size. I have been searching the internet looking for a diesel in the 5500kw range and can not find one.

One of the salesman at Explorer told me about a week ago that the dealership did the install and apparently they told you a 3rd party. If your information came from one of those salesman at Explorer RV then I understand the confusion.

My philosophy is believe half of what salesman tells you and check everything using another source.

Thanks for your input and comments, everything is welcome!

rorr1821
09-21-2015, 03:07 PM
Cummins12V98:

It seems that I read that you came out of a DRV 36RXXX and moved up to a larger size. What is the difference in the overall length of you new and old unit? Also do you find it anymore difficult in making tight turn? We were set on the 36RSS3 but now the wife is talking about the 38RSB3 because of the bathroom size in the 36RSS3.

Bugcatcher
09-21-2015, 04:42 PM
My apologies to you sir (rorr1821). I just got a call from the Gen. Man. atExplore USA and he told that it actually was a Gas Genset. I sorry for sticking my nose in where it probably doesn't belong. Darn Sales people! Learned a lesson today!

Bugcatcher
09-21-2015, 04:43 PM
Are all dryers in RV's 240V?

Cummins12V98
09-22-2015, 03:49 AM
Are all dryers in RV's 240V?

It's usually an option. A well worth option for sure!

Cummins12V98
09-22-2015, 03:57 AM
Cummins12V98:

It seems that I read that you came out of a DRV 36RXXX and moved up to a larger size. What is the difference in the overall length of you new and old unit? Also do you find it anymore difficult in making tight turn? We were set on the 36RSS3 but now the wife is talking about the 38RSB3 because of the bathroom size in the 36RSS3.


Yes it was a 07.5 36SB3. The new one is a 39TKSB3 with a 38??? kitchen/entertainment slide. The 39 is about 39' 6 or 8" long and the 36 was at least 2-2.5' shorter I don't remember. We have an nice big bathroom and shower, big in comparison to the 36!

Turning I do not notice any difference, backing into a spot you do need to allow a bit more room to turn. No real bid deal.

AlmostRetired
09-22-2015, 01:27 PM
I have a 2016 ES PS3 delivered in June. It has a 5500W Onan gasoline genset installed at the factory. The 14 gal fuel tank is positioned in the main cargo area driver's side forward. It looks like an ECI tank. It also is vented through a double charcoal canister so there is virtually no off-gassing odors. I boondock frequently and it's always easier to find gasoline than propane.

Chandler
09-22-2015, 01:38 PM
Does it sit flat against the generator housing so it doesn't take up much space in the bay area?

AlmostRetired
09-22-2015, 02:12 PM
It takes up as much space as a case of bottled beer. I think it's worth it.

Chandler
09-22-2015, 02:17 PM
OK, Thanks!

AlmostRetired
09-22-2015, 02:22 PM
Another thought. DRV did offer a 30 gal tank also. It would be placed where your spare tire is so you'd have to find a home for that. I have seen trucks with a roof rack that carried a spare if you want full cargo storage.

Chandler
09-22-2015, 02:50 PM
It's another good option to consider. Thanks!

terry and jo
09-25-2015, 10:02 AM
Are all dryers in RV's 240V?

Do some checking. At one time, Whirlpool made a dryer that was 120V. At the time we got our 2010, we bought the Whirlpool washer and dryer through a local dealer and had the RV dealer install them for us.

While the dryer has served us well, even at only 120V, we've had issues with the washing machine. In fact, we've had two different Whirlpool 7500 series washers in 4 1/2 years go out. However, I tend to suspect that a poor electrical supply has contributed to both going out.

We lived in Oklahoma City in a mobile home park for just over 3 years until we retired. In that spell of time, we experienced both an open neutral on the electric from the electric wiring outside and some low voltages due to poor connections at the pole. I think both of those situations contributed to the failure of the Whirlpool washers.

Regardless of whether you go with a 240V or a 120V dryer, make sure you have one of the Progressive Industries power protection units that give full protection against both low and high voltages. We have the PI EMS-HW50C (http://www.progressiveindustries.net/#!ems-hw50c/cjk6) with the remote display. It was installed after we moved from OKC by Slade at Rolling Retreats.

Terry

wingnut60
09-25-2015, 12:42 PM
We have had a 120v dryer in our '05 since we bought it in '07--has worked just fine. I am sure if it were 240v it would dry faster...there have been posts in past years about how to wire for 240v if so desired. Not sure how a 240v would work with only a 30a hookup, tho.
Joe

Cummins12V98
09-25-2015, 12:43 PM
We have had a 120v dryer in our '05 since we bought it in '07--has worked just fine. I am sure if it were 240v it would dry faster...there have been posts in past years about how to wire for 240v if so desired. Not sure how a 240v would work with only a 30a hookup, tho.
Joe

It won't work. That is why I insisted that my GEN be 240V instead of 120V.

clev
07-23-2017, 07:41 AM
This is an old post, but I just found it. I'm in the planning stages of installing a 6kw diesel Onan, and my coach is gen prepped. My concern is fuel tank placement. Right now, I'm thinking of mounting an aluminum 20 gallon tank to the back rack, and running steel fuel line up to the front. How did you solve the problem? Also when you cut the floor, is it already braced to hold the weight of the gen? Which exhaust kit did you use? Sorry for all the questions, but I like to have things clear in my head before I start a project.

wingnut60
07-23-2017, 08:28 AM
clev,
Sometimes the floor is marked for a gen the factory would have installed, but mostly not. You should be able to get a template from Cummins/Onan for the model you chose.
Joe

clev
07-23-2017, 08:48 AM
I have a mail into tech spt at DRV for measurements or templates, and info on supports, if they were installed.

rorr1821
07-23-2017, 09:46 AM
Installed a 7kw gasoline Onan in my DRV but if I have a do over would not do it. The added weigh and loss of storage does not justify it. If you do a lot of dry camping maybe but a portable Honda can also serve you well. It is a big deal to install. You need a special fuel tank with an evap system. Diesel is out because the 6kw is too heavy and the smaller ONAN does not have the power. The added weigh on my install with fuel tank was about 450 lbs. The tank empty was 70 lbs., generator 300 lbs and 15gal fuel. Propane generator is out because it is not fuel efficient.

Chandler
07-23-2017, 03:05 PM
clev,
After much research I purchased an ECI fuel station to put in the basement/storage area right next to the generator enclosure. Per safety requirements it has to have an enclosure around it also with the vent and fill spout to the outside wall. You can get an exhaust system from ONAN or there are after market ones too.

clev
07-23-2017, 06:01 PM
Installed a 7kw gasoline Onan in my DRV but if I have a do over would not do it. The added weigh and loss of storage does not justify it. If you do a lot of dry camping maybe but a portable Honda can also serve you well. It is a big deal to install. You need a special fuel tank with an evap system. Diesel is out because the 6kw is too heavy and the smaller ONAN does not have the power. The added weigh on my install with fuel tank was about 450 lbs. The tank empty was 70 lbs., generator 300 lbs and 15gal fuel. Propane generator is out because it is not fuel efficient.

Yes, rorr, you have valid points. But , I have a 3500 watt Champion that works well if I am careful and selective. It will not work in 105 degree Texas heat because it won't run both AC's. One of the small Honda's would be useless. My 36RSSB3 is 18100 pounds, loaded and ready to go. The 400 pound diesel would get me to 18500. Fuel and tank, about 250 and it's still under GVWR. I won't put the tank in the belly and am asking for suggestions.

clev
07-23-2017, 06:03 PM
clev,
After much research I purchased an ECI fuel station to put in the basement/storage area right next to the generator enclosure. Per safety requirements it has to have an enclosure around it also with the vent and fill spout to the outside wall. You can get an exhaust system from ONAN or there are after market ones too.

So, you're saying that there are regulations against mounting a small fuel tank on a back rack?

clev
07-23-2017, 06:14 PM
Rorr, did you do your install?

rorr1821
07-23-2017, 07:47 PM
Rorr, did you do your install?

No I did not do the install but I had to lead the dealer by the hand to get it done. I also had to go back and replace the fuel lines because they used non appoved fuel injection lines. I did have the dealer put in a 15 gal remote upright ECI tank. The dealer did a very poor job. Also I installed a 7kw fuel injection generator rather than a carburetor. That presented a unique problem because after the generator got installed I found out it did not have the evap line as required by DOT. By luck I was able to get in touch with the Onan sales/engineer person who sent be a proto type retro fit part to add the evap line which connects to the carbon canister. So this install was not turn key deal

Ideal fuel tank location would be in the center or rear of the 5th wheel between the rails. However, I could not get any information from DRV on what was located between the rails. So short of dropping the under belly I had no way to find a location. If you have a place, time and help to drop the under belly shield then you might find a place between the rails which will be much better that the storage area. Mounting the tank in the storage area will require you to enclose the area. The main reason is not so much safety but so the gasoline smell does not get into the main storage area. I found even being extremely careful in refueling the tank and not spilling any fuel you will get some minor gasoline smell from the fuel lines and possibly carbon canister. Hot weather bring the smell out more. If you run metal lines then you may not have any smell. I used the best name brand fuel line US made but name just escapes me.

This is my story. Wish you the best.

rorr1821
07-23-2017, 08:00 PM
I just realized you are installing a Champion generator. If this is an off the shelf unit and not made for use in an enclosed box I would not use it. The RV made generator is made to put in an enclosed area. It has a bottom air intake/exhaust. It has heat shields. In my opinion using a generator like the ones sold at Home Depot, Lowes, Harbor Freight, and Northern in a 5th wheel closed box is very unsafe.

clev
07-24-2017, 07:55 AM
I just realized you are installing a Champion generator. If this is an off the shelf unit and not made for use in an enclosed box I would not use it. The RV made generator is made to put in an enclosed area. It has a bottom air intake/exhaust. It has heat shields. In my opinion using a generator like the ones sold at Home Depot, Lowes, Harbor Freight, and Northern in a 5th wheel closed box is very unsafe.

No, I am not installing a Champion generator; I have 3500 on the back rack that I am using. I will be installing a 6kw Onan diesel if I can get the fuel tank problem worked out. I may just use 5-gallon fuel cans and set them out each time.

Chandler
07-24-2017, 08:14 AM
clev,
I wasn't saying you shouldn't put the fuel tank on the back, I was just saying what I decided to do and that you could put it in the basement if you wanted and install it in a safe way. Is it because of the xtra weight or the space that you didn't want it there?

clev
07-24-2017, 08:21 AM
With the generator, the pin weight will be about 4200, and for me, that's enough. Adding 2~3 hundred pounds of sloshing fuel and tank, is more than I want. Putting a tank on the back rack should offset the weight of the fan a little.

Chandler
07-24-2017, 08:45 AM
I understand that. Hope it works out for you.

clev
07-24-2017, 10:32 AM
With the generator, the pin weight will be about 4200, and for me, that's enough. Adding 2~3 hundred pounds of sloshing fuel and tank, is more than I want. Putting a tank on the back rack should offset the weight of the fan a little.

"the weight of the gen a little"!!! I hate auto correct.!!!!!

clev
07-24-2017, 10:36 AM
clev,
I wasn't saying you shouldn't put the fuel tank on the back, I was just saying what I decided to do and that you could put it in the basement if you wanted and install it in a safe way. Is it because of the xtra weight or the space that you didn't want it there?

Yes, extra weight and space negates installing it in the belly. Being disabled prevents me from a 'between the frame' install. Easiest for me is going to be rack mounted or just use portable fuel cans and set them out each time.

rorr1821
07-24-2017, 11:38 AM
Yes, extra weight and space negates installing it in the belly. Being disabled prevents me from a 'between the frame' install. Easiest for me is going to be rack mounted or just use portable fuel cans and set them out each time.

Sorry about my confusion on the Champion gen.

I am assuming that you have had your unit weighted. When I had each tire weighted at a rally my gross weigh for my truck was 14,400 lbs. which is 400lbs over the manufacture rating. I had a 2016 Ram dully Cummins with a 100 gal aux tank in the bed. I was using a B&W 25k hitch. My trailer weight was over 20,000 as I recall. Around 4000+ was pin weight in the truck bed. The axles on my unit were rated 8000 lbs each. As I recall one axle was over by 200 lbs. My concern caused me to add 2 bolts to the trailer hitch on DRV which increased the hitch rating. It came with 5 bolts with 2 bolt holes empty. My point in saying this is that the weight adds up quickly so getting each tire weighted is very important. I had a DRV 36RSSB3 which are heavy at the start.

Stripit
07-24-2017, 01:58 PM
I can't see any reason why the fuel tank cannot be mounted on the rear platform and correct fuel lines securly mounted under the trailer and run forward to the gen. No different than motorhomes having the fuel tanks up near the front axle running fuel to the rear powered diesel power plant. Make sure the platform is welded strong and no chance of breaking loose holding that weight of the fuel and tank.

clev
07-24-2017, 02:15 PM
Yes, this is the third time that I've had the unit weighed. This time I had removed the HEAVY sofa and theater seating; probably 400 pounds. I put my lift chair in place of the theater seating and a jackknife sofa for the rear. I also installed a washer and dryer. We pack light, but I'm always concerned about weight and safety. The rear 8k axles were ~14.8k and each wheel was around 3.5k or a little above; pin was about 3.3k. If I do this gen install, that's all I can add and will have to forget about the solar install. Although, I am over gross, my truck handles everything just fine. I've been from Texas to Virginia, to south Texas, Northern Arkansas, and have just returned from NW South Dakota; no problems pulling out, stopping, cross winds, climbing or descending hills.

Chad Heiser
07-25-2017, 12:04 AM
The only issue I see with putting a permanently mounted fuel tank at the rear of the trailer on a rack is there may be some federal regulations about exposed fuel tanks like that. I'd have to do some research before I committed to an install like that. Imagine what a rear end collision would do to that fuel tank and the ramifications that may ensue.

wingnut60
07-25-2017, 12:27 PM
Chad,
You have a valid point--it could be a real issue if using gasoline, not so much if diesel. Sure do see a lot of Class Cs with a rear rack and several gas containers constantly running down the road...there are a lot of us running around with near to or more than the maximum diesel load onboard that is allowed without proper tanks and signage.
If you ever make an AK trip, you will see all sorts of storage containers that defy logic and safety...
Joe

porthole
11-12-2017, 09:56 AM
if I can get the fuel tank problem worked out.



Did you get the tank problem resolved?

My plan is to have a fuel tank made by a local marine fuel tank fabricator and install it in place of one of the propane tanks.

Cummins12V98
11-12-2017, 11:29 AM
I have zero issue with my weights. MORryde inspected my springs and they are well within their specs as are the GY "H" tires. I am at or under axle ratings on truck and under GCVWR. Not sure what truck you are using but any of the big 3 can handle a lot of weight.

My rear axle is slightly over at that time as I was hauling something I normally don't carry. Even so that is not going to cause any issue.

https://i.imgur.com/jpafYuOl.jpg

clev
11-12-2017, 04:57 PM
Not yet; I’m in no hurry until spring. I’m doing all the planning, measuring, and pricing now. I found the 6 kw diesel generator at Norwell’s for $7400, delivered, no tax. I’ve found a couple of sites that have the 20 gallon diesel tank that I need. So, it’s coming together.