What is "generator ready"? - RV-Dreams Community Forum

gypsy97 · RV-Dreams Family Member

What is "generator ready"?

TheBobGuy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi Gypsy!

Nope, Fivers rarely come with a generator, and when they do, it's with a LP (propane) genset, which is not the most efficient, and you'll be burning a lot of LP running it.
Normally, if you add a genset, you then need to go outside and 1) start it up, and 2) keep it full of gasoline.   You usually have to add the inverter and battery set-up to fivers (other than the high-end units) also, to be able use any solar/battery.   If it says "equipped for genset" it probably has the LP tank hook-up already there, for a propane genset, and perhaps you can start it remotely inside the rig??? Maybe someone who has this set up can answer this question better. Research might be a good thing to see what it offers.

In a MH, you'll have a push to start button in several places, usually in front of the driver's seat, near the kitchen area, and by the bed in the BR. Just push the button to fire it up and it runs off your rig's fuel tank, be it gas or diesel.  No need to go out in the cold or rain to set up a generator when your batteries need charging.   It makes for easy overnighting in a parking lot when traveling or otherwise boondocking.

Hope this helps a little bit!
Molly

Luvglass · RV-Dreams Family Member

Generator ready means that some preliminary wiring is installed when the unit is built to permit you to add a generator with minimum fuss and expense. The same thing is often done for a second air conditioner in the bedroom.

Probably one of the things you should ask yourself first is do you see going off by yourself in the woods where there aren't any services like electricity, water or sewerage? Or do you see yourself spending your time traveling around to RV parks. If your going to be in RV parks most of the time, it doesn't make much sense to get a built in generator. When the need arises, just buy a small portable one.

I foolishly invested $5000 on a large built in generator and it turns out we spend 99& of the time in RV parks. I could have save tons of money if I had waited.

Good luck,

Fred

JudyUK · RV-Dreams Community Member

We did not buy our unit "generator prepped." We felt we'd rather buy a small portable generator (probably the Honda EU2000) when we start our travels. The smaller generators weigh under 50 lbs. and cost approx. $900 from online suppliers. We couldn't justify the additional expense of $4000-5000 without knowing how much we'll use it. If we find the 2000 is not enough.....then we'll buy another 2000 and connect it with a parallel cable.
The downside......generator will be placed probably in the bed of the pick-up when using as it would emit dangerous fumes into the unit if left in the basement area and it has to be manually started (not by me, of course, but by my husband;)

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

Gypsy97,

Our fifth wheel was prepped for a generator while being built at the factory. We ordered an Onan generator at the time we placed the order for the RV.

The factory added all the needed wiring, pushbutton start and monitor panel, a 7 gallon gas tank (not propane) and the generator in the front (under the hitch area) storage compartment. A filler hose and cap was mounted flush on the side of the 5th wheel and the hose connected to the gas tank. It's a very nice, factory looking installation and works well. It's a 7000watt generator so it will run the A/C and washer or dryer and all of the other stuff.

A simple push of the start button located on our bathroom sink cabinet and the generator comes to life. It's quiet enough to sit near the exhaust and have a conversation. We get about 8 hours of heavy use on 5 gallons of gas.

However, if I was buying the 5th wheel today, I would spend the money to get a solar panel setup and a couple of 2000 watt Honda generators with the parallel kit so we could run the A/C & washer while boondocking.

We tend to stay at full hookup campgrounds so the generator is rarely used.

With the portable Honda generators you have more flexibility. Wherever you need power you can use one or both of the Honda generators.

travelinbob · RV-Dreams Family Member

On of the biggest things about being "gen preped" is there is a enclosure that the genset will fit into. Just like your propane bottles are in a seperate compartment lined with sheet metal, your genset will be in one of the same type compartments. Your compartment can be used for other things if you never do get the genset.
Bob

ahoweth · RV-Dreams Family Member

When a Fifth wheel manufacturer states that the unit is "Generator ready" it means different things to different manufacturers. You need to do some research to determine what the manufacturer includes when generator ready is put in.

It could mean that a compartment is built to house a generator, that the electrical system is wired to directly hook up a generator, that there is a transfer switch to switch the electrical system of the unit to generator, That there is a prewired switch to remotely start the gnerator, that there is a converter that is ready to handle a genertor input versus shore power, That the fiver is preplumbed to provide propane to the generator compartment, that the generator compartment is built to provide adequate air for cooling and for the removal of exhaust gasses safely. Unfortunately very few manufacturers if any will do all the above in preparation for a generator. You just have to do your homework and find out for yourself just how much they did for you and how much you will have to do for yourself. Then make a decision as to just how much you will use a generator. Hey, then you are ready to go.

JMO