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06-10-2007, 05:38 AM
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#1
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2003
Location: New Bern
Posts: 4,294
M.O.C. #311
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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
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06-10-2007, 05:47 AM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Cooper
Posts: 1,230
M.O.C. #3029
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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
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06-10-2007, 06:46 AM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Lone Tree
Posts: 5,615
M.O.C. #6109
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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.
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06-10-2007, 03:00 PM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Paola
Posts: 5,739
M.O.C. #4961
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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
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06-10-2007, 03:26 PM
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#5
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Established Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Rigby
Posts: 35
M.O.C. #3071
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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
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06-10-2007, 11:15 PM
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#6
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Palm Bay
Posts: 50
M.O.C. #6278
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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.
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06-11-2007, 04:36 AM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Manhattan
Posts: 1,144
M.O.C. #1846
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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.
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06-11-2007, 04:59 AM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Lone Tree
Posts: 5,615
M.O.C. #6109
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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.
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06-11-2007, 06:03 AM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Lobelville
Posts: 2,128
M.O.C. #6650
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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....
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06-11-2007, 07:15 AM
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#10
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Orangevale
Posts: 2,341
M.O.C. #49
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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.
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