Best generator for 5th wheel 36RE

[a20345]

Does anyone have any info on the best fuel type generator for a 2014 REDWOOD, 36 ft 5th wheel ?? I have been told that there is a high risk of carbon monoxide getting into the bedroom above the generator, can anyone elaborate on this ? How bad is a 6.5KW generator on propane ? If I use GAS for fuel I would have to find a generator that has a gas tank built on it, but with propane I could use out of my on-board propane tanks. My 5th wheel has a predesignated area that is prewired for a generator but was wondering if I should use it or mount it on the rear in the 2" receiver to take precaution of carbon monoxide.

Any info on this would be greatly appreciated,

[atom ant]

I've always just stuck with the propane because a) the rigs on-board fuel is propane, b) it's cleaner to run and store, and c) I don't get the issues with stale fuel or gunk during winter storage.

I've had the same 5500 in 3 fifth wheels now and it's pushing 11 years old. It's a little undersized for the Redwood.

My exhaust just goes straight out the curb side under the bedroom slide as you can see in my signature pic. The factory actually routes them back to a discharge point between the slides. I'm sure that is code, but I'm not sure it is that critical of an issue, as I think the way the factory does it puts it too close to the large low slide which to me is more vulnerable to trap exhaust in a slight breeze, and exhaust doesn't always go straight up. Regardless, we don't sleep with it running anyway.

Happy shopping!

[johnboytoo]

Good answer as usual by AA...

And if exhaust is a concern -->

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBPDpMHVWVg

[mhs4771]

If concerned about Carbon Monoxide you can buy a Stack sold by CW and most other RV Supply houses. A stack is actually required at many functions such a GS Rallies where you're very close to your neighbor. Mounts easily when needed and directs the exhaust up above the roof.
We have used our on-board Propane a few times and never got any exhaust inside, but we've never left it running over night. Usually a few hours in the AM to charge the batteries and a few hours in the evening to power the ACs to lower the temp inside.

[mhs4771]

You beat me to in JB

[Shane Wood]

All I currently have a 6500 Onan in my RL and it works both ac's domestic fridge and everything else we throw at it. A buddy is looking at the 5500 for his RL and I was wondering if anyone that has one has any problem running fridge 2 ac's and lights at the same time with there's

[Dave&Ginny]

When I ordered my trailer it was supposed to have came with a 30 gallon fuel cell however the factory said they wouldn't do it.

The good thing about propane is the exhaust but the bad part is getting the LP tanks filled. I can burn through a tank of propane within a few days.

The gas generators can be more easily filled but they have an exhaust issue and the fuel can turn bad if you don't use it enough.

There are 2 manufactures that I know of that are putting diesel and gas generators in some of theirs units.

[atom ant]

Originally Posted by Shane Wood

All I currently have a 6500 Onan in my RL and it works both ac's domestic fridge and everything else we throw at it. A buddy is looking at the 5500 for his RL and I was wondering if anyone that has one has any problem running fridge 2 ac's and lights at the same time with there's

Shane, I can run both ACs and most everything I need with the 5500. (my fridge is the Norcold, so can't answer for the Residential). I do switch HW and fridge to propane only

What you have to be careful on with the 5500 is there is one 30A output, and one 20A. If you have trouble tripping the 20A, you may have to swap the outputs between the 30A and 20A, and if that doesn't work you have to start finding out what side of the buss the ACs, microwave, fridge, etc are on and swap some to the other side of the buss as well. The favorable balance is to have one AC + microwave on the 30, and the other AC on the 20.

Bottom line, if it's not a lot of money to go with the 6500, that is really what these need.

[Shane Wood]

Thanks A A
The reason Hess looking at the 5500 is it is 1000.00 cheaper

[spindrift]

Originally Posted by mhs4771

If concerned about Carbon Monoxide you can buy a Stack sold by CW and most other RV Supply houses. A stack is actually required at many functions such a GS Rallies where you're very close to your neighbor. Mounts easily when needed and directs the exhaust up above the roof.
We have used our on-board Propane a few times and never got any exhaust inside, but we've never left it running over night. Usually a few hours in the AM to charge the batteries and a few hours in the evening to power the ACs to lower the temp inside.

M/A...When you say, "Stack", do you mean the Gen-Turi?

[atom ant]

Originally Posted by Shane Wood

Thanks A A
The reason Hess looking at the 5500 is it is 1000.00 cheaper

Ya that is a chunk of change to consider I would probably have to think about that for a while too.

Mine still has a propane stove/oven and fridge. If I had the residential package with electric cooktop and fridge, I would really have to analyze how I would be using the gen, as the 5500 probably couldn't keep up with it all, but could do 1 AC and the cooktop for instance.

[mhs4771]

Yep, Stack or Gen-Turi. Some have made their own.
Brad, not all 5500's have a 20 and 30 amp breaker, ours has dual 30's.

[atom ant]

Hmm - wonder how they do that when it only produces less than 5500 watts?

Oh well, mine is old as well. It's the black Marquis Gold version. Maybe they changed the design.


ON Edit - Interesting M&A. I did some research in the specs and in both the gas and LP 5500 models, they make a 30A/30A output model, and a 30A/20A HACR output. Nearest I can tell that refers to the pre-2005 NRC rating for breakers to serve motors for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HACR). I wonder if the 20A breaker is derated to serve and meet the HACR rating. The Onan spec still offers each model.

[a20345]

Thanks to everyone for all the input on this subject. I had no idea that I would get so many replys.

Albert