generator

martin redman · 04-05-2010, 11:21 AM

I have a Montana 3295, and I am thinking of installing a generator. Anyone have any recommendations?

**wingnut60** · 04-05-2010, 11:34 AM

Welcome to the forum.

Is your Montana pre-wired for a generator--that would really simplify it. If not, it kind of comes down to whether you want it in the trailer itself or something you can carry in the truck. Most gens that come with a trailer are Onans--pretty pricey. Just had a friend get one for his new Open Range, but his trailer was pre-wired. $2800 for an almost new Onan 5500 and about $400 for the install and change oil/filters.

You will need at least 3000 Watts to run the AC, more if you want to run other large electrical draws at the same time.

Lots of people use 2 2000W Hondas and parallel them for 4K output, and they are light enough to pick up easily.

Joe

Motor31 · 04-06-2010, 10:46 AM

Wingnut covered a couple items already. First question is how much "stuff" do you intend to run with it. If it's everything shot of the AC, then a single Honda 2000 will do it for you.

If you need only one AC and other stuff then you'll need either 2 Honda 2000's or a single 3.5Kw built in gen set.

The built in has some considerations. It's noisier, it uses more fuel and musty be exercised regularly under load to keep it going. It also will be more expensive to service. If you get a propane powered gen set it will use almost 1 gallon of fuel an hour. You could burn up all of your propane in one day. If you get a gasoline generator you'll still burn almost a gallon per hour and you'll need a separate fuel tank for it.

The Honda's use 9/10 of a gallon per 6 to 9 hours each and are far quieter both inside and outside the rig. Thery have built in fuel tanks and can also be run from an external tank. They do not run inside the trailer so fumes, heat and noise are less of an issue.

If you need more power than a 3.5 Kw then you are looking at at least a 5Kw or more to run both AC units. Major fuel concerns there.

martin redman · 04-06-2010, 04:12 PM

Thanks guys. I think I will go with my Honda for a while. The Montana is wired, and there is a designated 'box' for a gen. But as I bought a really nice gen for my home, at the time we were expecting large, wide spread outages, remember the Millenium. Nothing happened, but I did get a nice generator.
Fuzzies parents; how do you piigy your BMW. We have a V Star, which has to stay home.

Motor31 · 04-07-2010, 11:59 AM

Martin,

We have what is known as an HDT to vehicle. It's a retired semi that has been converted to tow an RV and is registered as a motorhome in Montana. On the back of the HDT is a Rampage Ramp.

http://www.rampagelift.com/

This is a one person lift ramp and is mounted cross wise on the back deck in front of the trailer. It is rated up to a Goldwing for load. I have had it for going on 5+ years and it allows us to have the bike with us. Since we are full timers and have no fixed home we have to take everything with us.

martin redman · 04-07-2010, 01:03 PM

That is so neat, Thanks for the info.
Have a good summer.

billr · 04-07-2010, 03:25 PM

Since your Montana has a Genny box already, you could do what I did and add a slide out tray to hold the genny (I use a Honda 3000) and slide it out to run and stow away when not in use. Out of sight, out of mind. I have used this setup for 4yrs and works great. Can pull the Honda out completely in 2 min to work on if need be. Never had the need. It is secured with a few bolts into the bottom feet and a strap and lock as well.

The Honda 3000 runs what we need, one 15000 AC and some other stuff with it.

You could also toss 2 Honda 2000 in there instead. They will run a bit more than one 3000, still not 2 ac.

We had an Onan in a previous fiver and nothing but trouble, and 2hrs to remove for repairs. Did need it!

Bill

martin redman · 04-07-2010, 03:57 PM

Ye Gods Bill, your rig is amazing.
What did you use to make your slide for the generator?
It sounds like a great idea, I need to look at this very seriously.
Please write my wife and tell her that we need to retire and go full time, buy a Volvo and a smart car.

billr · 04-11-2010, 12:13 PM

Here is the slide I installed. http://www.kwikee.com/hdslide.html

Yes, the Volvo was the best thing we ever bought! Made the whole towing thing a breeze. We never intend to go back to a pickup. Having the Smartcar on the back is an added bonus.

Cheers,
Bill