Rancher,

I can't speak to the issue of the solar system, but if you look under the "Site Map" button of Howard and Linda's website, you can find a LOT of information regarding electrical, including their setup for solar.  In addition, it seems that there was a forum participant that had experience with solar.  However, since I frequent 3 different RV forums, I may be thinking of one of the other two.

As for a generator, Jo and I have a Honda 3000EU that works fine for our 26 foot fifth wheel, since it only has one air conditioner.  In our case, we've used it with a Ford F250.  We set it in the front of the bed with cables and locks to lock it to each side of the bed to the tie-down loops.  One of those cables also runs through the handles of the 2 five gallon gasoline cans we carry so those don't walk off as well.

To use it, we bought an extra "extension" 30 amp power cord which allows the cable to reach from the rear of the fifth wheel up to the generator in the pickup.  I never have to unload it.  However, since it is a gasoline engine, I take tools and extra spark plugs along.  When we go to the mountains, the mixture gets too rich and the plugs foul.

With the Honda 3000EU, it weighs about 150 pounds.  If I do everything right I can lift it up and in the bed by myself.  If I want to do it safely, I get someone to help.  If one is considering the Hondas, one can get the Honda 2000 model.  It weighs less than 50 pounds.  If you were to get 2 of the 2000's, you can tie them together with a "parallel kit" that lets you double the wattage and amperage enough to run an air conditioner.

From what I have read on forums, I think the Honda's are the quietest of the generators, although by only a couple of decibels.  They are equipped with an "Eco" switch and you can stand next to them while running and have a conversation in a normal volume of voice.

Also, welcome to the forum.  You have definitely found a friendly place with very helpful and knowledgeable people.

Just don't ask me about cooking.

Terry

We don't have solar on our TT.  We purchased a Yamaha 3000ise w/eco mode and a Honda EU 2000i for trips that don't require air conditioning.  We had space for 2 batteries on the tongue of our trailer so I hooked up two 12 volt deep cycle batteries for boondocking.  The batteries have been on the TT for 8 1/2 years now with no problems.  We use the truck bed for additional storage & the generators....might even put a camper shell on in the future.  I like the 5th wheel trailers but I prefer to have the bed of my truck full of firewood etc. when we camp.  Good luck!

Rancher,

Some of the toyhauler TT come with generators plus fuel filling station for any toys you may bring along. The garage space can be converted into a large living area once the toys have been unloaded Or configure the space to meet your needs if you don't plan on hauling toys.

I had an Onan generator and fuel tank installed in my 5th wheel by the factory. When the generator died, we bought two Honda 2000 generators that I carry in the cross bed toolbox in my truck. These generators can be connected together using a parallel kit option so I can run the A/C or just use one if no A/C is needed.

I like the flexibility of the portable generator(s), I can use them wherever I need them. With the Onan, I would have to bring the 5th wheel along just to use the generator.

-- Edited by thebearII on Friday 12th of February 2010 03:38:15 PM