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 > Solar, Charging Systems, Batteries and Electrical
Click Here to Login

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 01-14-2018, 07:32 AM   #1
powerhaulic
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: piseco
Posts: 258
M.O.C. #20884
Generator install

Wondering who has installed gen sets in prepped units?
Ours has gen prep and is a Legacy so the BCM is capable of control, but would really like to use a Yamaha instead of an Onan.
The Yamaha is an inverter 220v, vs 120v and is half the money and a better unit.
 
__________________
2020 AT4 3500 SRW Duramax SB
2018 Denali Duramax crew (traded)
2018.5 Montana 3811MS Legacy
Lippert AirRide pinbox / PullRite SuperLight hitch
powerhaulic is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-14-2018, 09:05 AM   #2
mlh
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Salem
Posts: 7,528
M.O.C. #2283
The Yamaha is a better generator no doubt. I have an Onan, it’s junk. You can’t use 220 volts. You will need to get the exhaust out. This may not be as easy as you would like.
For my HC I set the generator in the truck and run a cable to the front of the camper where I have a plug in.
Lynwood
mlh is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-14-2018, 09:08 AM   #3
powerhaulic
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: piseco
Posts: 258
M.O.C. #20884
Why don't you think 220 is usable?

As for the exhaust, I am a very good welder and should be able to get some routing.
__________________
2020 AT4 3500 SRW Duramax SB
2018 Denali Duramax crew (traded)
2018.5 Montana 3811MS Legacy
Lippert AirRide pinbox / PullRite SuperLight hitch
powerhaulic is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-14-2018, 07:49 PM   #4
scottz
Site Team
 
scottz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Colorado Rockies
Posts: 1,910
M.O.C. #19755
What do you plan to do with 240VAC?
__________________
Scott & Alta
2017 Montana 3160RL, Legacy, Onan 5.5Kw, Solar
2022 F-450 Lariat Ultimate
scottz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-14-2018, 08:45 PM   #5
Kenw
Established Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Concord
Posts: 49
M.O.C. #19636
I cannot help you on the make question. I have a 2017 HC370BR with the Onan generator with no problems so far. 220 volt is 2-110 volt circuits, you will need 220 volts to run 100% of your electrical panel, 110 volt will run 50%.
Kenw is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-14-2018, 10:20 PM   #6
scottz
Site Team
 
scottz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Colorado Rockies
Posts: 1,910
M.O.C. #19755
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kenw View Post
I cannot help you on the make question. I have a 2017 HC370BR with the Onan generator with no problems so far. 220 volt is 2-110 volt circuits, you will need 220 volts to run 100% of your electrical panel, 110 volt will run 50%.
No, you need two 120V legs at 50A each; that is not the same as 240V. In our units there is nothing that runs on 240V.

PS: 120/240 is the correct nominal voltage. 110/220 has not been used for many years.
__________________
Scott & Alta
2017 Montana 3160RL, Legacy, Onan 5.5Kw, Solar
2022 F-450 Lariat Ultimate
scottz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2018, 05:36 AM   #7
powerhaulic
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: piseco
Posts: 258
M.O.C. #20884
240 is two 120 legs, and as stated the unit uses two 120 legs to run the entire panel.
__________________
2020 AT4 3500 SRW Duramax SB
2018 Denali Duramax crew (traded)
2018.5 Montana 3811MS Legacy
Lippert AirRide pinbox / PullRite SuperLight hitch
powerhaulic is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2018, 06:57 AM   #8
gkonney
Seasoned Camper
 
gkonney's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Charlotte
Posts: 72
M.O.C. #19870
When they say the Rig has the "Generator Prep" what does that actually mean? I am installing one in the Spring. Did your Rig come with an Inverter and/or Auto Switch? Our Legacy Edition only came with the "Solar Prep"...which will come in handy for trickle charging when boon docking
__________________
Greg & Cindy Konney
2016 3000RE Legacy Edition
2017 Ford F250 Platinum
You can follow us at: https://campingkonneys.wordpress.com/
gkonney is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2018, 07:09 AM   #9
mlh
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Salem
Posts: 7,528
M.O.C. #2283
[QUOTE=scottz;1084834]No, you need two 120V legs at 50A each; that is not the same as 240V. In our units there is nothing that runs on 240V.

This is what I did for emergency power for my home. Only in reverse. My Honda 3000 IS has 2 110 volt circuits. I made a power cord with 2 110 circuits into 1 30 amp 220 circuts. Now I’m powering both sides of my fuse panel with 110 power. I just haft to be careful and cut off all of 220 circuits. Works great.
Lynwood
mlh is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2018, 08:50 AM   #10
scottz
Site Team
 
scottz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Colorado Rockies
Posts: 1,910
M.O.C. #19755
[QUOTE=mlh;1084846]
Quote:
Originally Posted by scottz View Post
No, you need two 120V legs at 50A each; that is not the same as 240V. In our units there is nothing that runs on 240V.

This is what I did for emergency power for my home. Only in reverse. My Honda 3000 IS has 2 110 volt circuits. I made a power cord with 2 110 circuits into 1 30 amp 220 circuts. Now I’m powering both sides of my fuse panel with 110 power. I just haft to be careful and cut off all of 220 circuits. Works great.
Lynwood
That is a good idea. I tried to do the same with my Honda 5k gernerator. I made a cord to feed my house panel in reverse through the dryer outlet (of course disconnecting from purchase power first) but the GFCI breaker on the generator trips. I need to figure out why. For now I'll just use the generator and extension cords to power essential devices at the house.

You guys are correct, two 120VAC circuits will power a 240VAC device. I was just pointing out that there is nothing in my Montana that runs on 240.

Happy trails.
__________________
Scott & Alta
2017 Montana 3160RL, Legacy, Onan 5.5Kw, Solar
2022 F-450 Lariat Ultimate
scottz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2018, 08:59 AM   #11
scottz
Site Team
 
scottz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Colorado Rockies
Posts: 1,910
M.O.C. #19755
Quote:
Originally Posted by gkonney View Post
When they say the Rig has the "Generator Prep" what does that actually mean? I am installing one in the Spring. Did your Rig come with an Inverter and/or Auto Switch? Our Legacy Edition only came with the "Solar Prep"...which will come in handy for trickle charging when boon docking
I can't really say; mine came with the generator installed. On mine, there is a panel in the basement storage area opposite the interior stairs that lead to the bedroom. Remove this panel (few screws) and that is where my ATS is; yours (if you have one) might be in the same place. Mine did not come with an inverter; I installed one. The second photo shows my transfer switch (cover removed).
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Inverter -2.jpg
Views:	224
Size:	1.57 MB
ID:	981   Click image for larger version

Name:	Generator Transfer Sw 5 -2.jpg
Views:	474
Size:	1.28 MB
ID:	983  
__________________
Scott & Alta
2017 Montana 3160RL, Legacy, Onan 5.5Kw, Solar
2022 F-450 Lariat Ultimate
scottz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-17-2018, 05:46 PM   #12
Kenw
Established Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Concord
Posts: 49
M.O.C. #19636
On the question of what the prep package contains I was told that it is everything EXCEPT the generator. I ASSUME that includes the inverter and switch.
Kenw is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-17-2018, 08:06 PM   #13
Dam Worker
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: West Richland
Posts: 1,253
M.O.C. #17164
As far as I know generator prep does not include an inverter. It should include the sheet metal compartment, some wiring including a transfer switch and possibly a remote start mounted somewhere in your rig. I would imagine at the end towards the generator location it would have a junction box mounted. Should only have to install the generator and wiring from genset to junction box. Depends on type of unit on which fuel (gas or propane) you will have to run to your genset.

Tom Marty
__________________
Dam Worker is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-17-2018, 08:26 PM   #14
mtlakejim
Montana Master
 
mtlakejim's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Bee Branch
Posts: 2,620
M.O.C. #20693
Quote:
Originally Posted by powerhaulic View Post
Why don't you think 220 is usable?

As for the exhaust, I am a very good welder and should be able to get some routing.
They make some hose more or less for this purpose that you can have swivel ends installed on. I have used it on trucks in the oilfield in the past. All you have to do is weld a hose fitting on the gen exhaust and to a hard pipe leading out of your unit (be sure to get the pipe up and away from your living area might look at someone elses factory install to check for routing). The flex of the hose compensates nicely for engine vibration and makes the install a relative snap for competent welder (I weld a bit myself).
__________________
James & Irene Wilson
Bee Branch, AR.
2017 Ram 1 ton diesel duallyCrew Cab/Long Bed
2018 Montana High Country 381TH Garage Full of Toys
mtlakejim is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-17-2018, 10:00 PM   #15
scottz
Site Team
 
scottz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Colorado Rockies
Posts: 1,910
M.O.C. #19755
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dam Worker View Post
As far as I know generator prep does not include an inverter. It should include the sheet metal compartment, some wiring including a transfer switch and possibly a remote start mounted somewhere in your rig. I would imagine at the end towards the generator location it would have a junction box mounted. Should only have to install the generator and wiring from genset to junction box. Depends on type of unit on which fuel (gas or propane) you will have to run to your genset.

Tom Marty
I think you are correct. An inverter doesn't have anything to do with a generator.
__________________
Scott & Alta
2017 Montana 3160RL, Legacy, Onan 5.5Kw, Solar
2022 F-450 Lariat Ultimate
scottz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-18-2018, 02:29 AM   #16
Phil P
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Okeechobee
Posts: 2,150
M.O.C. #11206

Hi

On our 2009 the generator prep contained no hardware or switching apparatus just the sealed compartment with wires from the area behind the basement aft wall to the sealed compartment. Nothing else.

Phil P
__________________
2009 Montana 3665RE
2009 Duramax 3500 DRW quad cab
personal web page https://www.sallyscoffees.com
If you get a page not available then remove the "s" after HTTP
Phil P is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-18-2018, 09:47 AM   #17
mtlakejim
Montana Master
 
mtlakejim's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Bee Branch
Posts: 2,620
M.O.C. #20693
Our new unit is "generator prepped" and it has the so called sealed compartment (really shoddy looking metal work I might add) and some wires that appear to be the remote start. There is a remote start switch if I recall (unit currently in shop) in the kitchen. I plan to completely redo the metal work to make the space useable as a storage area since the metal work does not allow you to use the full area of the storage and we don't plan to ever put a generator in the space but I want the option if we change our minds.
__________________
James & Irene Wilson
Bee Branch, AR.
2017 Ram 1 ton diesel duallyCrew Cab/Long Bed
2018 Montana High Country 381TH Garage Full of Toys
mtlakejim 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

» 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 10:24 AM.


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