generator wiring question

[Happycamperscolorado]

so our new used 2010 Montana came wired for a generator. i have no plans on putting in a
full size onan generator but was thinking a can use our Yamaha 200IS for long trips in the back of the truck to run the frigerator and fans if need be. i know nothing about this setup at all. we have the below switch in the rv and the wire just hanging in the generator compartment i believe for the generator. has anyone done something like this? and what would i need for connectors etc... and where would i get them. not sure at this point. any help would be appreciated.

thanks

[Eagleback]

It almost looks as though your unit had a generator and was removed. i haven't seen any 5th wheels with the controls installed for the generator and not have the generator already. But i might be mistaking.

[awaywego]

That is the start switch and hour meter for a Onan generator. My Big Sky was prep by the factory for a generator as I already had the generator.
The prep included the start switch and also the transfer switch box. All I had to do was set the generator connect the propane line,connect the power wires to the transfer switch and plug the start switch in to the Onan plug. I do not believe you can hook the switch to a Honda.

[DQDick]

No there are only two ways to use a portable generator out of your truck that I know of. Either you have an extension cord for your shore cord that will reach or you rewire for a front shore power plugin. John Kohl and others have done the front power plugin so there should be something in the archives here on it.

[Dam Worker]

Some of the higher end units came prepped for a genset. Usually the switch wiring and the compartment lined with sheet metal. The factory seemed to put the Big Sky switches in with the other switches and in the Montana they liked to put it in the bedroom closet. If your Yamaha is a battery start you might be able to make it work in the compartment but I am sure it would require some luck and lots of skill in that type of work.

Tom Marty

[jcurtis934]

The hour meter on the panel is all zeros...ie, no genset ever installed. A qualified electrician will be able to accertain if there is a transfer switch in the unit that can be used for a front genset connection. The onan panel...someone may want a spare. John

[davidaf]

I'd be tempted to buy a small Onan 2.5kw if that would work. I didn't want the big dog that was an option. But a built in little guy to run the Microwave or top off the batteries would be nice. Heck don't know why I didn't think of that when i bought the twins. I have yet to need more than 2kw.

[bncinwv]

I believe you are equpped with a generator prep instead of a generator ready setup. Keystone changed this setup around 2009-10. Gen prep lncluded the switch and the control cable only. As mentioned gen ready rigs came equipped with the full metal enclosure and a transfer switch in the generator compartment. If you do not have the full metal enclosure box in the compartment, I doubt if you have the onboard transfer switch either. If not, you will have to add the box, install both the Onan and the transfer switch as well as modify the shore power wiring. I, like others, can offer no advice on wiring to a portable generator.
Bingo

[mlh]

I put in a front 50 amp plug and made a transfer switch and and installed it in the convenience center. Flip it to the front for the front plug and to the rear for the rear one. If you put in a front receptacle you must have a transfer stitch or both will be hot and that could be a shocking experience for someone.
Lynwood

[Happycamperscolorado]

thanks all. our monty does have the aluminum box already in the camper. i will have to look to see if there is a transfer switch in it. just have to figure out what the sucker looks like