Generator Prep Wiring

[Rexerito]

I know that this topic has come up before but I cant find the answer I am looking for when searching. I have a 2021 Montana Legacy with Generator Prep. I am looking to add a portable gas generator (Onan 4500i) with this slide out tray

in the generator prep bay. My question is... Does anybody have the wiring to the generator prep box in the basement? I need to understand how to wire it up to a 50 amp or 30 amp wall outlet, so I can plug in the generator. (I dont want to use the shore power plug. Want this to look clean. Thanks in advance!

[dieselguy]

Can't answer your question, but I have one for you. Assuming you will mount the tray in the front storage area when the genny prep is and assuming you're just going to pull out the tray and let the genny run in place ... what's your thoughts on exhaust fumes long term?

[Rexerito]

Because the tray can extend out, not worried about the fumes because it will be under the pin box, we currently set the generator under the pin box to keep it out of the rain and haven't had an issue.

[mlh]

You can get a CO detector that plugs into a 120 volt plugin with a digital readout that displays the exact amount of CO.
My motor home has a generator with the exhaust directly under a window. I have used the CO detector in the camper without a problem.
Lynwood

[twindman]

I have no real knowledge about the Onan and installation, but I thought I read that they barely fit in the front compartment from the factory. I assume you have measured everything carefully. Don't mean to be disrespectful, but just wondered.

[Foldbak]

I have a 4KW LPG Onan in the gen compartment. No slide. The area is sealed with a metal enclosure. As far as the wiring, there is a 50 amp transfer switch that shore and gen connect to.

[Mikendebbie]

There has been several threads discussing the pull out tray idea but I have no idea how to provide links to the threads on this iPad - sorry. But here is a screen shot from one of them…maybe search “route66rambler generator” to find those threads.

[wed]

I have it I’m sure montana will supply it to you . I had affinity install ours.
It works great

[twindman]

If the green thing in Foldbak's post is the Onan, it is much smaller than I thought!

[firestation12]

You may have a transfer switch included with the prep package. If so it'll be mounted above the sheet metal generator enclosure. It'll have a 6/3 Romex wire entering and exiting the transfer switch box. If the transfer switch is there, your installation will be fairly easy.

[Foldbak]

Originally Posted by twindman

If the green thing in Foldbak's post is the Onan, it is much smaller than I thought!

The green thing is a Onan 4000KW LPG. It's in my trailer. Works great! NO 5500KW LPG was available at time of purchase. 12 month wait

[Rexerito]

Ended up getting a tray and mounting a 50 amp box.

[Mikendebbie]

Rexirito - can you provide the model/size of the tray you used?
My unit does not have generator prep installed.
I need to figure out how to anchor the tray.

What is the plywood bottom anchored to in your pics?

[firestation12]

The problem with this arrangement is that the male end whether it's on the cord end or the box, is going to be exposed while energized creating an electrocution hazard. A transfer switch is needed to make this transition.

[Rexerito]

Originally Posted by firestation12

The problem with this arrangement is that the male end whether it's on the cord end or the box, is going to be exposed while energized creating an electrocution hazard. A transfer switch is needed to make this transition.

I have transfer switch. Just didn’t show it.

[Mikendebbie]

Originally Posted by firestation12

The problem with this arrangement is that the male end whether it's on the cord end or the box, is going to be exposed while energized creating an electrocution hazard. A transfer switch is needed to make this transition.

I am not an electrician and don’t understand the statement.
My cord and male end is similarly “exposed” whether it is plugged into the campground pedestal or a generator sitting next to the pedestal (or in the bed of the truck). In the photos in post #12 - my generator will be on the slideout tray - not sitting on the ground.

I always assumed that transfer switches were needed for permanent genny installs like Foldback shows in post #7.

[Mark7]

Originally Posted by Rexerito

Ended up getting a tray and mounting a 50 amp box.

It looks like the plug on the box with the cover is a male plug, correct? (Not a suicide cord)

What is the other end of that run hooked to after the plug with the cover? Your transfer switch?

Clean install BTW!

[jelders25]

I have a 2020 3121RL Legacy and did the same set up. I ran my 30A cord through the equipment bay bulkhead. It's wired to the transfer switch electrical box and works great! One thing to note, the generator will take priority over the shore power. Great job!!

[eearlington@hotmail.com]

Originally Posted by Rexerito

Ended up getting a tray and mounting a 50 amp box.

Hello. I'm very interested in the generator modification you made on your camper. Are you able to remote start via the command system or does it have to be manually started by hand or the remote start? Also, can you provide me with specs on the slide tray? I very much appreciate.

[Mikendebbie]

Go to YouTube and search for the I LOVE RV LIFE channel.
Jerry owns a Montana and made a video of his slide tray installation…see screen shot. He is also very good at responding to questions via email…watch the video and ask him questions.

This tray is on my list also but I have no welding experience.