Another gizmo!

[Steve H]

Afternoon folks!
Well, Ann enabled me this time! The fifth wheel we bought doesn't have a generator. Or has the prep kit installed for one. I did some research. And getting one installed is close to 8K. Um. Nope!
Anns concern is mainly for me. I use a APAP. Though, she also wants some creature comfort if we loose power while at camp. So, I got this.

Inverter generator. RV ready with 30 amp plug on it. The fifth wheel has a 50 amp hook up. So, I got a 50 to 30 adapter plug. That way. We can power just about everything except the second AC.
I wanted the dual fuel because I didn't want the hassle of gas. I can hook up directly to the campers propane system. Or 20 pound tanks. And it'll store neatly in the front bay when not in use. Not very heavy at 58 pounds either.

 

[cpaysonc]

Dual fuel is the way to go! No gummed up carb! I've never used regular gas in ours and hope to never have to! Fine choice!

 

[Steve H]

Dual fuel is the way to go! No gummed up carb! I've never used regular gas in ours and hope to never have to! Fine choice!

Thanks! Which one do you have?

 

[SmokinEdge]

That’s pretty slick Steve. But it reminds of something. Last year we bought the wife a new F-150. It is a Hybrid. So in this case it actually has a full on generator that is bolted between the back of engine and transmission. The truck will generate its own electricity. It runs on that part of the time but with restart the engine to generate more. No plug in for the truck itself. However, the pretty cool thing is that we have 4500w of generator power in the plugins in the bed of the truck. Now you have to have the engine running to use that but it’s always there. They also make a contractor grade version that has 7200w available in the bed. Continuous duty cycle as long as the engine runs. I’m sure GM and Chrysler make something similar.

 

[Steve H]

That’s pretty slick Steve. But it reminds of something. Last year we bought the wife a new F-150. It is a Hybrid. So in this case it actually has a full on generator that is bolted between the back of engine and transmission. The truck will generate its own electricity. It runs on that part of the time but with restart the engine to generate more. No plug in for the truck itself. However, the pretty cool thing is that we have 4500w of generator power in the plugins in the bed of the truck. Now you have to have the engine running to use that but it’s always there. They also make a contractor grade version that has 7200w available in the bed. Continuous duty cycle as long as the engine runs. I’m sure GM and Chrysler make something similar.

I'm pretty sure that costs a bit more than what I want to spend!

 

[cpaysonc]

Thanks! Which one do you have?

It's a Wen 4750. Installed a plug for the generator outside with appropriate outlets inside the house. Can't recall what the plug setup is called but it's mighty convenient.

 

[sandyut]

good call, gotta have power!

 

[Chris_in_SoCal]

Definitely only use propane and use gas as a last resort. I have had a Westinghouse 4500 for years and it can sit for months without any attention but works when needed by only using the propane.

I have had gas ones before that and unless you give them lots of maintenance you can't expect them to perform on command.

 

[Steve H]

Definitely only use propane and use gas as a last resort. I have had a Westinghouse 4500 for years and it can sit for months without any attention but works when needed by only using the propane.

I have had gas ones before that and unless you give them lots of maintenance you can't expect them to perform on command.

Yeah. Here's my duh moment. I should have thought about the dual fuel one sooner.
Bought this about 6 weeks ago.

Gas only one. Still brand new. Haven't put oil in it yet! I have it posted on FB market yesterday. I think it'll be sold this week. I got it off the exchange for 480.00 They go for 650.00 at home Depot. I posted it for 500.00 Just want to break even.

 

[DRKsmoking]

That is a great idea for the RV Steve.
And always hope to never have to use it . BUT it is there if you do.
And with a propane choice, perfect. Always have those on hand while camping

Ann's a keeper for sure

David

 

[JckDanls 07]

Good idea...

A few things though... First, if your going to run propane then it will lose about 3% of it's power for every 1,000' of elavation... If you do have to use it and run the AC I suggest switching the water heater to propane instead of electric and do not use the microwave when AC is running... It's not big enough to run everything at once, especially on propane...

 

[civilsmoker]

I have a smaller gas one and the trick to keeping it running is use stabilized fuel (not additive but can stabilized - yes very $$$$) and you drain the bowl (there is a drain screw on most units) and run it till it stops....It starts up every time..... I learned this after NOT doing the above and 3 hours work later on the carb to get the jets clear of gum.....never doing that again...

 

[Steve H]

Good idea...

A few things though... First, if your going to run propane then it will lose about 3% of it's power for every 1,000' of elavation... If you do have to use it and run the AC I suggest switching the water heater to propane instead of electric and do not use the microwave when AC is running... It's not big enough to run everything at once, especially on propane...

Thanks for the tip! That's something I'm familiar with from my other RV. I have the Hughs surge protector for both rigs so I can watch the current draw.

 

[sawhorseray]

I JUST SAW THAT ON YOUTUBE LAST NIGHT, RATED THE BEST. I'LL GET ONE WHEN WE GET THE TT LATER THIS YEAR, LOVE THE IDEA OF PROPANE. ALWAYS USED GAS HONDA WHEN I HAD MY CABOVER. STILL GOT ALL THE 30AMP SURGE PROTECER STUFF TO FIT THAT, EVEN THE 50AMP ADAPTER. RAY

 

[JckDanls 07]

I have a smaller gas one and the trick to keeping it running is use stabilized fuel (not additive but can stabilized - yes very $$$$) and you drain the bowl (there is a drain screw on most units) and run it till it stops....It starts up every time..... I learned this after NOT doing the above and 3 hours work later on the carb to get the jets clear of gum.....never doing that again...

I drain both, the carb and the tank, and then let it set open for a day or so for anything left to evaporate... Never a problem...

 

[Winterrider]

Another little tip if needed to operate AC, after AC startup turn your thermostat to on instead of auto so it doesn't keep cycling the draw. We were able to run two different campers AC units this way with my 5000 watt gas unit

 

[Fueling Around]

Nice buy. I hope it gathers cobwebs and your park site has reliable power.
My brother carried a pair of Honda units in his TT. They used a combo of solar and the genny's as they mostly camped in BLM.
I was in a RV park many years ago on a very hot day and the heavy draw from A/C units killed power in half the sites. A lot of pissed off people walked by our site to hear the A/C running.

 

[JckDanls 07]

Another little tip if needed to operate AC, after AC startup turn your thermostat to on instead of auto so it doesn't keep cycling the draw. We were able to run two different campers AC units this way with my 5000 watt gas unit

ON (not auto) only keeps the fan running all the time.. The compressor still kicks in and out creating a big draw when it kicks on... When in auto the fan comes on first and runs for a minute and then the compressor kicks in afterwards... So it kinda creates the same scenario... No ??

 

[Chris_in_SoCal]

I thought Westinghouse had sold out to Generac for their smaller generators but it looks to be an ugly political thing.

I was searching since my model is no longer available. best I found was a simular 5000 Inverter model. If it fits in your RV storage space I would highly recommend it.

Here is mine powering the house except for the HVAC. Electric start was the best feature. No pulling cords.

The best thing it is so quiet you cant even here it with the back door shut.

 

[radioguy]

Do yourself a favor and install soft start kits in both AC units. I have a HF 3500 watt inverter /gen and can run both AC units at the same time. Soft starts will safe the life of your AC compressors. Also I use nothing but ethanol free gasoline in all my gas equipment.

RG