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Old 11-10-2006, 04:22 AM   #1
bsmeaton
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Generator Overkill

I just removed the Onan 5500 from our 03 2955RL as it has been sold. In doing so, I noticed the original generator prep from Kestone only had one circuit connection provided to the generator. It had a 30A overload breaker, and was connected to the 30A breaker on the generator.

The Onan 5500 has a 30A and 20A breaker to supply the full 50A capability, however the 20A breaker on the generator was never connected to anything, nor could it be given the prep wiring. Our 2003 Montana was the older style 50A (30A+20A) service, with the 20A only servicing the optional 2nd AC (never installed). Realistically, we never had anything but a 30A service in the Monty.

We were sold on the 5500LP by the Dealer as the latest and greatest given the raised basement in the new 03 models. However, looking back it was a complete waste and I could have gotten by with the 3600LP model for a lot less money.

Although our 5500LP will work well in our new Monty with the twin 50A service - I really feel like I was misled and RIPPED off at our original purchase.
 
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Old 11-10-2006, 04:48 AM   #2
txkrumm
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Sucks to feel like you have been swindled, sorry you feel that way Brad. Just think about how awesome that Onan will be in the new Monty! And how good the new Monty will smell...and how clean it will be...and the shiny gelcoat...and the all the improved stereo system....life will be good!
t
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Old 11-10-2006, 04:57 AM   #3
bsmeaton
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Now stop that Tara , having a hard enough time concentrating on work!
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Old 11-10-2006, 05:39 AM   #4
bruiser
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Brad, the timing of your post is perfect. We have an 07 3500RL and are considering installing the Onan Marquis Platinum 5500LP. Having a pemanently mounted generator that can handle any power needs for the Montana just seems to make sense to me. I have just talked to the Cummins office here in Calgary and he will be getting back to me with pricing. Our Montana doesn't have the generator prep but Cummins says they can do it.

Any feedback from you (or anyone else)?
Questions to ask Cummins about generator prep?
How quiet is this generator?
How much will I notice noise and/or vibration?
Pros & cons - permanent mount or portable.

Bruce
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Old 11-10-2006, 06:10 AM   #5
bsmeaton
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Bruce,

It's unfortunate that you don't have the prep, as Keystone does a nice job and it's much easier at the factory. It will get a little pricey to have it installed after the fact (access to the breaker panel, locating remote start) but I'm sure cummings will get-er-done!

As far as noise and vibration - you won't even know its running unless you step outside. They are extremely quiet and vibration free. In fact, I have a hard time hearing it to confirm it started. Not to sound like a hypocrite on my overkill topic, but since your starting new and your 3500RL has a twin 50A service (true 100A service @ 110VAC or 50A @ 240VAC) you might consider the Onan 7000 if you have the 2nd AC or plan to run heaters in the winter. I have no idea of the additional cost vs benefit.

Brad
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Old 11-10-2006, 06:38 AM   #6
bruiser
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Brad

Thanks for the info. Right after I posted the last message I did a search for previous postings on generators. Lots of good information.

You are right about the pricey generator prep. They want to see the Montana to give me an accurate quote but his guess was that it would be about $2,000.00 (20 hours @ $100)

I will check on the 7000 price. I don't have a second AC - yet. If I'm going to spend this much already, what's a little more to upgrade the generator.

Just as a side note, when we made our deal on the Montana - we bought one off the lot - I asked about a permanently mounted generator and he recommended against it so we never pursued it the time.

Bruce
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Old 11-10-2006, 06:47 AM   #7
LonnieB
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Hornswoggled!! Man, I hate when that happens, especially when it takes a few years to figure it out.

Brad, are you sure it's that quiet? Just wondering if maybe your ears were as good as your eyes .

Lord, I apologize.........
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Old 11-10-2006, 07:14 AM   #8
bsmeaton
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Bruce,

I'm sure there is controversy either way. The dealers here order the prep on all stock models. I prefer it onboard because I can use it immediately - even just to warm up a cup of coffee at the rest stop.

Lonnie! WHAT? I can't hear you - got this damn generator running in the background to power my laptop!!

Brad
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Old 11-10-2006, 07:27 AM   #9
bruiser
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Thanks Brad

After reading through the many posts on this subject I've decided to go with the built in Onan. Just a matter of getting pricing now and getting it done. Thanks for your input. I've also ordered a new 45 gallon gas tank from Transfer Flow to replace the 26 gallon tank in the GM. Boy, this RVing is getting expensive.

Bruce
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Old 11-10-2006, 09:55 AM   #10
scattershot
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Just curious, what kind of prices are you finding on the 3600LP? We had ours prepped for the generator, and are just thinking about having one installed.
Thanks
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Old 11-10-2006, 11:43 AM   #11
bruiser
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I have only checked prices on the Onan Marquis Gold 5500LP - 45.8 amps ($4,000.00) and the 6500LP - 54.2 amps ($5,500.00) Canadian Funds. These prices are from the Cummins office here in Calgary. I'm still not sure which one I'm going to buy. I'm leaning towards the 6500 - better to have excess capacity than not enough.

I only have 1 AC unit for now but either of these will also run a second AC unit with power to spare. According to Onan specs, the 3600 - 33 amps - will only run i AC unit. When I talk to the Cummins rep on Monday, I will ask what their price is for the 3600.
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Old 11-10-2006, 04:16 PM   #12
scattershot
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Thanks, Bruiser.
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Old 11-14-2006, 06:26 AM   #13
bruiser
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Update on pricing from Cummins

Onan 3600 - $3,800.00 Canadian.

I talked to the service departments at both Keystone & Onan this morning. Both said the Marquis 5500 will be more than adequate to run anything in the coach.

The service rep at Onan (Travis Burkehead) also said that it should take no longer than 5 - 6 hours to do the generator prep - not 20 hours as estimated by Cummins here in Calgary. I've now got 3 dealers pricing this for me. Hopefully someone up here knows what they are doing.
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