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 > GENERAL DISCUSSIONS > Boon-docking
Click Here to Login

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 09-06-2006, 12:54 AM   #1
Redrover98
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Keystone Heights
Posts: 164
M.O.C. #3433
Generators

Just got our 07 3475 RL which I ordered generator ready. I am trying to decide which generator to use. I have info on the Onan 4000w unit and the Generac Quietpac. The best info is from the people that have the product. I would appreciate some feedback from MOC members who have generators,especially the Generac unit. Things like ease of installation,noise levels,adaptablity to Onan remote starter switch,etc.
I presently have a Yamaha 2800ie which I have been using since 2002 and has worked out fine. I just think that something a little more permanent would be better. The Yamaha runs 1 a/c and two tvs,and satellite receivers just fine.
This is another step closer to fulltiming.

Dee "Born to be retired"
2004 3255Rl
1998 Dodge Cummins
3500 Quad Cab DRW
Pac Brake
4" MBRP Exhaust
AFE Air System
Banks Diesel Tuner
Westach Pyro,Boost,Fuel Pressure,Trans Temp







 
Redrover98 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-09-2006, 08:30 AM   #2
boat391
Montana Master
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Ronan
Posts: 513
M.O.C. #5756
you posted just before I did on this subject so I'll join In too needing info for a gen. we have a honda 5500ex that we use now and it as good as it gets but I have to load it and unload it all the time so we are now looking at installing a gen. to our 3400 not concerned with the wireing or any of that just what size of gen do I need and how much propane does it use use rate is a concern as we do a lot of boondocking the space to install it will probably have something to do with the size of gen. we can have I know there are many of you out there with gen's so please give us a hand in getting this right thanks for your help

tim ford
boat391 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-09-2006, 10:10 AM   #3
adelmoll
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Silver Springs
Posts: 2,873
M.O.C. #2716
We have the Honda 2000 and it works just right for the little bit of boondocking we do. We will add a second one if and when we find we do a lot more or if we had to stay in a real hot area for any length of time. We do see a lot of the Honda's and Yamahas out there. I have found that the most important thing is to be sure you get one of the quiet ones. Trust me on this.

Helen

To follow our journey please click: Bill and Helen's Journey
2005 Montana 3475 pulled by our 2005 Ford 350 Power Stroke Diesel
adelmoll is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-09-2006, 07:18 PM   #4
D and M On The Road
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Orangevale
Posts: 2,341
M.O.C. #49
We boondock alot and have an Onan propane generator installed with a on/off control panel inside the coach so we don't have to go out in rotten weather or night time to turn it on/off.

We did look at Generac but they were too noisy at the time. Now mind you this was in 2001 and I am sure they have done some noise control on all makes of generators since then.

We do like the propane powered generator as it draws off our propane tanks and we don't have to carry an additional fuel.

Probably the best thing is decide if you are going to boondock enough to warrant the cost of buying the generator and having it installed, then reseach the noise levels on the ones you are considering. We also bought our coach "generator ready" and at the time it didn't mean much more than having a punch-out panel in the floor of the front compartment for ventilation for the generator. Lot$ more to do when installing a generator.

If we buy a new coach again and want a generator, we'll order the coach with the generator already installed.



Doug & Margee
Davis,California
MOC-49
"On the Road Again.."
"Just Can't Wait to Get on the Road Again..."
2000 Dodge Ram SB 2500 4x4 Quad Turbo Cummings
2002 Montana 3295RK
2001 Onan 3600 (propane)

"The MOC isn't just a group of people, they're family".

D and M On The Road is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2006, 02:44 AM   #5
BillyRay
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Malta
Posts: 3,075
M.O.C. #607
We have the marquis gold 5500 lp. We also wanted lp as I don't want to be carrying gasoline around. In our old unit, I had the portable honda eu2001's, but we ordered this new and wanted the permanent unit as well. I absolutely love it! It's quiet and quick to use without having to take the portables out and plug them in.

BillyRay


2002 3500 Chevy D/W 4x4 C/C Diesel
2004 3685FL
BillyRay is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2006, 07:55 PM   #6
snfexpress
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: South
Posts: 2,499
M.O.C. #5140
We just purchased 2 Honda 2000 watt generators with the parallel kit for $2300 and they give us 30 amps - enough to run our 2 A/C's and TV, satellite and lights.

They are really quiet, but it does require us to keep gasoline on hand. Cheaper than an Onan permanently installed, and about 200 pounds lighter.

Just my 2 cents worth.


Michael & Kathy
2006 3400RL
2006 GMC 3500 Ext Cab LB 4x4 Duramax

snfexpress is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-14-2006, 01:26 PM   #7
HamRad
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Bakersfield
Posts: 5,316
M.O.C. #15
The most important thing about a generator (besides being of good mechanical quality) is quietness. Both you and your neighbors will appreciate a quiet machine.

The Generacs are not noted for low noise.

I have a Honda 2000i. It is not enough to run an AC but it does everything else we want. And it is VERY quiet.

I would love to have a built in generator. If we ever trade our rig in I will get one pre-installed. It will probably be an Onan.

Good luck.

HamRad

Mary Kay & Dennis with Roscoe (little Doxie)

Where are we? -->Ham Radio locator beacon.

PictureTrail -->Various pictures of our adventures.

Montana 3295RK, 2002
Towing with 2002 Ford PSD(7.3) 450SD, Crew Cab with long bed.

HamRad is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-14-2006, 01:46 PM   #8
bsmeaton
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Lone Tree
Posts: 5,615
M.O.C. #6109
We have the Onan 5500 Gold LP - No problems - super quiet - no gas - easy start - easy in place maintenance - no hassle with exhaust, etc. Fits snug as a bug in the egen ready box up front and was installed with a autotransfer switch from shore power to egen, and circuit overload protection relay.



Brad & Dory


[img]http://banners.wunderground.com/weathersticker/bigtemp/language/www/US/CO/Littleton.gif"border=0
alt="Click for Littleton, Colorado Forecast" height=94 width=185[/img]


Visit Our Photo Site

2003 2955RL - 5.5KW LP Gen - great for the lake!
2006 F350 Stroker Lariat towmoter - love the trans shift and integrated brake controller.
'95 SeaRay 200BR named Dam-It - occassional tow buddy

I ain't as good as I once was - but I'm as good once as I always was - Toby Keith
bsmeaton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-14-2006, 03:32 PM   #9
boat391
Montana Master
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Ronan
Posts: 513
M.O.C. #5756
ok how about lp gas use how long can the onan5500 gold run say if we are out 5 days would we need propane if we use it like being hooked to shore power? I have the big super quiet honda 5500 but it weighs 350 pounds and I have to load it in the truck and unload it and it uses alot of gas for 5 days out camping I use about 25 gallons of gas if it's fowl weather and stay inside alot good weather we use alot less but I believe lp is the better option and I'll never have to load it again
boat391 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-14-2006, 03:40 PM   #10
bsmeaton
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Lone Tree
Posts: 5,615
M.O.C. #6109
I have not run ours continuous long enough to be able to answer the consumption question. Not even sure I would run mine continous for 5-days - rather just long enough to charge batteries or to operate 110V equipment when needed. The onan specifications may give you an idea of fuel consumption that can be calculated across the two on board tanks.
bsmeaton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-14-2006, 04:03 PM   #11
boat391
Montana Master
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Ronan
Posts: 513
M.O.C. #5756
I never figured to run all the time but the granddaughters do love to watch movies the wife and I would use much less I'm sure but the little ones are a very demanding bunch lol I'll look up onan's web site and see if there is some info thank you for your reply
boat391 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-14-2006, 04:53 PM   #12
bsmeaton
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Lone Tree
Posts: 5,615
M.O.C. #6109
Tim,
You got me curious so I dug out my manual. The 5500 Gold consumption is based on electrical load as follows:

No load 1.8 lbs/hr
Half Load 3.3 lbs/hr
Full Load 4.6 lbs/hr

Whereas:
2 full 30lb tanks on board:
60lbs / 3.3 lbs/hr half load = 18.18 hrs
60lbs / 4.6 lbs/hr full load = 13.04 hrs

5,500 Watts / 120VAC = 46Amps Full Load OR 23Amps Half Load

Whereas:
1,500 Btuh AC @ ~18Amps + TV @ ~6Amps = ~24Amps or ~Half Load

Considering you are running your rooftop AC and TV you would be a little over half load and would consume both tanks in ~16 hrs conservatively. AC off would most likely extend the time to 20 or so hours run time. Running a second AC would be considered Full Load with a max run time of 13 hrs.

Alternately - the gasoline model consumes 0.6 gal/hr Half Load which would consume 9.6 gallons of gas for the same 16 hrs of use, or 0.95 gal/hr Full Load which would consume 15.2 gallons of gas for the same 16 hrs of use.

Looks like for the Onan 5500, you'll run for about 16 hrs on both LP tanks (10 gal gasoline equivalent).

Brad
bsmeaton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-15-2006, 02:06 PM   #13
boat391
Montana Master
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Ronan
Posts: 513
M.O.C. #5756
well thats the info I needed thank you so much for putting in the time for me I sure want to go to the built in onan just for the loading unloading thing I mentioned before but I already own the big honda hmmm better give this alot of thought thanks again for you research if there is anything I can be of help just ask away
boat391 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-15-2006, 02:09 PM   #14
boat391
Montana Master
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Ronan
Posts: 513
M.O.C. #5756
well thats the info I needed thank you so much for putting in the time for me I sure want to go to the built in onan just for the loading unloading thing I mentioned before but I already own the big honda hmmm better give this alot of thought thanks again for you research if there is anything I can be of help just ask away
boat391 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-15-2006, 05:13 PM   #15
William H. Collier
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Machesney Park
Posts: 534
M.O.C. #798
Brad,
Duo Therm rates their 15k air cond. at 14.7 amps and I dont think a tv would use more that a couple of amps. I have two eu2000 hondas, each will run 16 hrs 1/4 load on 1 gallon. Just over half load, enought to run air, tv and lights, they will run about 7hrs. I have an 18 gal. aux. tank mounted on the slideout tray so if the air was to run constant it will give me between 70 and 80 hrs.
Bill
William H. Collier is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-15-2006, 06:09 PM   #16
dsprik
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Fort Myers
Posts: 5,933
M.O.C. #4282
I have a Kipor 3000ti. 9 hrs on full tank of 3.5 gals at rated load. This tested true when our CG lost power during a storm in our heat wave this summer. Extreme heat dictated that we have our main A/C running constantly. in 4 hrs I used a little less than 1/2 tank at close to full load.

Last night, just on light load, it ran a full tank in 15 hrs. Kept a TV going and our furnace/fridge most of that time. The 3000ti weighs 132#. 3.5 gals of fuel adds ~25#.
dsprik is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-16-2006, 08:30 AM   #17
bsmeaton
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Lone Tree
Posts: 5,615
M.O.C. #6109
Bill & Dave,
I may have been too conservative on the AC and TV (no specs in front of me), but I also didn't account for other ancillary equipment such as the converter, fridge, any AC lighting, DVD, etc.

I have absolutely no doubt that your smaller KW gasoline generators are more fuel efficient, but the question posed was the Onan 5500 LP which is a large displacement twin (653cc) engine, as big as some motorcycles. Given the no load consumption of 1.8 lbs, the best possible duration would be 33 hrs across both LP tanks assuming nothing is on and no additional appliances are using LP. Realistically I think 16 to 20 hours would be about it for the 5500. The LP egens are not as efficient as the gasoline either, whereas the LP system consumes 0.79 gal/hr half load and the same generator gasoline model consumes 0.60 gal/hr.

Brad
bsmeaton 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
Generators Ruth General Discussions about our Montanas 15 05-16-2008 05:17 PM
generators Montana_3420 General Discussions about our Montanas 22 04-05-2005 11:51 AM
Generators lasater General Discussions about our Montanas 7 01-19-2005 12:45 PM
Generators cargary General Discussions about our Montanas 0 03-12-2004 04:13 PM
Generators William H. Collier General Discussions about our Montanas 0 02-12-2004 02:05 PM

» 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 06:45 PM.


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