Portable generator

[milsutter]

Bought a new Onan 4500i portable generator @ Camping World today for less than the price of the Honda 2200. The 2200’s are currently being recalled for some issue and not for sale.
Have had Onan on board generators before, so this should be a reliable one.
Did not want to get a Predator because of some of the problems others experienced.

[BUBBA-NONNIE]

Do you run the generator in the back of your tow vehicle? If so, do you exhaust it into the bed?

[Rondo]

Following!

[BUBBA-NONNIE]

Ok. I bought a 4500i,. I need to exhaust the generator out of the bed.

[Creeker]

Do you have a cover over your bed?

I've ran our Honda in the bed of truck for hours upon hours without problem.
I simply turn the genny where the exhaust is not close to or blowing directly on side walls of bed.

I do not have a cover though. Open bed.

[DadsHemi]

Originally Posted by milsutter

Bought a new Onan 4500i portable generator @ Camping World today for less than the price of the Honda 2200. The 2200’s are currently being recalled for some issue and not for sale.
Have had Onan on board generators before, so this should be a reliable one.
Did not want to get a Predator because of some of the problems others experienced.

Please elaborate on the issues with the Predator you mention from others.

[mlh]

I think this making a mountain out of a mole hill. My MH has the generator exhaust running out 3 feet under the bedroom window. There have been tens of thousands built this way and there isn’t a problem with it. Campers aren’t filled with dead bodies in the morning.
Lynwood

[Cobra13]

How loud is that Onan?

[mlh]

The 4000 microquiet, I think that is what it’s called, I my Motor Home isn’t as loud as a regular generator but is much louder than my Honda 3000 inverter and vibrates the whole camper.
Lynwood

[PSFORD99]

Originally Posted by mlh

I think this making a mountain out of a mole hill. My MH has the generator exhaust running out 3 feet under the bedroom window. There have been tens of thousands built this way and there isn’t a problem with it. Campers aren’t filled with dead bodies in the morning.
Lynwood

Yup, 12 years with my previous fifth wheel with the Onan 5500LP with the exhaust out the side of the fifth wheel. I am still here

[PSFORD99]

Originally Posted by Cobra13

How loud is that Onan?

52 DBA, 15 hours on 50% load . The Honda 2000 is 48, so thats pretty quiet for a 4500 watt generator .

[mlh]

Originally Posted by PSFORD99

Yup, 12 years with my previous fifth wheel with the Onan 5500LP with the exhaust out the side of the fifth wheel. I am still here

We’re just lucky I guess.
Lynwood

[BUBBA-NONNIE]

I have a cover on my pickup bed, but it is open when I travel. I am not sure what to do with the exhaust when the generator is running, and I am not sure how to secure it so deter anyone from stealing it.

[PSFORD99]

Originally Posted by BUBBA-NONNIE

I have a cover on my pickup bed, but it is open when I travel. I am not sure what to do with the exhaust when the generator is running, and I am not sure how to secure it so deter anyone from stealing it.

As far as the exhaust in the back of the truck , not sure there is a concern, as long as it pointed where its not going to melt or burn something. I don't imagine it needs a lot of clearance. As far securing it ,a cable ,and padlock in one of the tie down rings would sure slow someone down, unless they carry bolt cutters .

[BUBBA-NONNIE]

I am new at carrying a generator. I generally close my pickup bed cover when disconnected from my 5th Wheel. The cover will not close now because the top the generator is above the cover. I do not want to get it stolen, and I do not want to take it in and out of the bed.

[DutchmenSport]

Originally Posted by milsutter

Bought a new Onan 4500i portable generator ...
Have had Onan on board generators before, so this should be a reliable one.
...

Congrats on your new purchase. We purchased 2 of them this last Summer and have used them at home on the camper, but not in any campgrounds yet or on the road. We got 2 of them so we can have 50 amp service. I'm keeping them plugged in with the little charger all the time, since they don't get used that much. But I have burned a couple tanks of gas through them now. Even running two side-by-side, you can still carry on a normal conversation standing right beside them running and not have to yell to be heard. They run very quiet.

I've experimented with them in the bed of my truck, transporting them with the camper. Things have to get shuffled around, but the bed rails of the truck are about a half inch taller than the generators. So, with my cover, I can completely close the cover when the generators are not in use.

I studied out generators for 2 years before purchasing these, both the on-board types and the portables. I think my research paid off.

These are really nice generators. You made an excellent purchase. They are quiet, fuel efficient, run for an easy 12 hours, when paired run both A/C's and the microwave and the electric water heater with no issues at all.. So far, ours have been flawless. I'm very, very, very happy with mine. I'm positive, you'll be extremely happy with yours too.

[AZ Traveler]

Use a cable to lock it in the bed. Theft in RV parks is relatively rare. It is not going to be that easy for someone to pick it up and run off with it. Cover it up if parked in a sketchy area.

[BUBBA-NONNIE]

Thank you for the information. I have a Ford F250 and the pickup bed rails are about 1 1/2" lower than the top of generator. I need to find out if there is someway I can raise the cover.
You have been a big help. I am glad you like the unit. It gives me some confidence. Do you exhaust the generators in the bed of your pickup/

[DutchmenSport]

I did run them in the bed of the truck to see how and if it could be done. My cover has 4 panels that flip on top of each other. What works is to unhitch the trailer, but do not pull the trailer out completely from the front over hang. Position the generators so the exhaust is facing each other in the center of the truck. The hitch pin is between the fifth wheel hitch and the tail gait. Close 3 of the panels which makes the last one actually under the front overhang of the trailer. Leave the last one open. Power up generators, plug in and lock the tail gate. There's enough ventilation I didn't experience any fumes inside the camper.

There's no way anyone can possibly steal the generators. There's only 6 inch clearance between the truck bed rails and the bottom of the overhang. The cover is actually under the over hang, and the tail gate, locked, is also under the overhang.

It seemed it work just fine. No issues when I did that, they ran just fine!

[BUBBA-NONNIE]

Thank you for your comments they have helped me. I appreciate it. God bless! Hope you have a great Christmas.