Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Montana Owners Club - Keystone Montana 5th Wheel Forum > MOC Technical Forums > Additions & Improvements
Click Here to Login

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 06-10-2007, 05:38 AM   #1
H. John Kohl
Montana Master
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: New Bern
Posts: 4,294
M.O.C. #311
Send a message via AIM to H. John Kohl Send a message via MSN to H. John Kohl Send a message via Yahoo to H. John Kohl
ONAN 5500 or 6500??

I am generator prepped and am looking at either the ONAN 5500 and 6500.
5500 - 45.8 amps (1) 30A and (1) 20A breaker $3,332.00
6500 - 54.2 amps (2) 30A breakers $4,628.00
The 6500 is 10 lbs heavier.
Now do I need the 6500 for an additional $1,300.00 roughly?
Ok let me have it (your thoughts)
Thanks and safe towing
 
H. John Kohl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-10-2007, 05:47 AM   #2
Charlie
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Cooper
Posts: 1,230
M.O.C. #3029
John-
This link is a calculator for electrical use that would be in a stick house, but you might be able get a rough idea for what you need.

http://www.generatorsales.com/calcul...FR1hgQodkHtEfA
Charlie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-10-2007, 06:46 AM   #3
bsmeaton
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Lone Tree
Posts: 5,615
M.O.C. #6109
John -

The generator prep has two 30A circuits. The 6500 matches this nicely, whereas the 5500 would leave you with one side of the bus with only a 20A. Kind of the weak leg.

The 6500 would give you the full potential on that new Monty.

bsmeaton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-10-2007, 03:00 PM   #4
Mudchief
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Paola
Posts: 5,739
M.O.C. #4961
John. I agree with Brad that is why I went with the larger unit.
__________________
Dennis & Linda Ward
Paola, Kansas
Montana 3735MK Legacy Edition
1200 watts of Solar
Mudchief is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-10-2007, 03:26 PM   #5
dyna_rider98
Established Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Rigby
Posts: 35
M.O.C. #3071
Just my 2 cents worth but the 5500 will run everything in the Monty that you can run plugged into 50 amp service. You can use the $1300 you save to buy other goodies. Fred
dyna_rider98 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-10-2007, 11:15 PM   #6
Fjkiss
Seasoned Camper
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Palm Bay
Posts: 50
M.O.C. #6278
John look at what you want to run with it, then the cost of fuel to run it. We have the 5500 LP and it works fine for us.
Fjkiss is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-11-2007, 04:36 AM   #7
skypilot
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Manhattan
Posts: 1,144
M.O.C. #1846
My 2 cents but my two circuits are pretty much divided evenly; if I run the one on 20A I won't be able to use the w/d or front AC at the same time as I can using 50A (or 2 30 amp circuits). Guess what I'm trying to say is to see what is on the circuit that would get the 20 amp line; if that will carry the load then save the money.
skypilot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-11-2007, 04:59 AM   #8
bsmeaton
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Lone Tree
Posts: 5,615
M.O.C. #6109
Skypilot -

That's exactly what I had to do with my 5500. After install I ended up overloading the 20A side on our first use. No idea what caused the overload, as the generator prep breaker trips before the Monty circuit breakers. I ended up swapping the outputs from the generator. Seems to work fine now, but I know one side is only going to give me 20A.


I wouldn't have the same issue if I had the 6500.
bsmeaton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-11-2007, 06:03 AM   #9
Delaine and Lindy
Montana Master
 
Delaine and Lindy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Lobelville
Posts: 2,128
M.O.C. #6650
We have the Onan 5500LP and have used it a few times and haven't had any problems. I really don't think we will ever buy a on board Generator if we ever trade for another 5er. We just don't use the Generator that much. We never boondock, so we very seldom use the Onan. However I wouldn't pay that much more just for the 6500. Good Luck on your choice... GBY....
Delaine and Lindy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-11-2007, 07:15 AM   #10
D and M On The Road
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Orangevale
Posts: 2,341
M.O.C. #49
We boondock quite abit and our current generator is an Onan 3600 propane with the control panel inside near the stairs up to the bedroom.

I wish we had a larger generator as I hate having to turn something off so I can turn something else on. I know I am spoiled, but I feel if we have put out all the money for a nice RV loaded with equipment, why not be able to use all of that equipment at the same time.

Don't make our mistake, get a generator that can handle the demands of the rig, we will next time.

D and M On The Road is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Onan 5500 Gold Generator Information vbbigsky General Discussions about our Montanas 11 04-25-2015 07:59 AM
Onan 5500 generator propane problems kencol Montana Problems, Problem Solving & Technical Help 19 04-16-2012 12:05 PM
onan 5500 lp install pappy65 Montana Problems, Problem Solving & Technical Help 11 08-07-2011 01:02 PM
Onan 5500 limitations camper4 Boon-docking 8 10-29-2010 02:31 PM
4000 kw Onan or 5500 kw Help ! Montana_669 General Discussions about our Montanas 0 11-26-2003 06:38 AM

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Montana RV, Keystone RV Company or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 06:21 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.