Generator

[Redwood2011]

I have purchased a new Redwood 34SK and am expecting to receive it in mid to late January. I purchased the generator option with the unit, along with the washer/dryer, 2nd A/C with heat pump, and fireplace. Has anyone had any experience with the 5.5kw generator option and any limitations about what equipment can run without overloading the generator?

[hoosierguy]

I am not an expert on the generator option. I have seen on other forums that folks use generators in the range of 4000 to 7000 watts. I can tell you that you won't be able to run many loads simultaneously especially the larger loads like an air condition or the fireplace heater. Some simple calculations will give you a rough idea, for example a 13,500 BTU/Hr A/C converts to line watts of approximately 4395 watts at 90% efficiency and a 15000 BTU/Hr A/C converts to line watts of approximately 4900 watts at 90% efficiency.A 5.5 KW generator should allow you to run either one of those loads plus a few lights.

[Redwood2011]

Thanks for the input.I will do some testing when I get my RV to determine the limits, especially on equipemnt startups demands from motors.

[redwood5er]

I am surprised at the high watts, since the FLA on most 15000 BTU AC's is approx 3300 Watts and they run on a 20 amp circuit. I would suggest you ask the salesman to get you the FLA from the boiler plate on the AC. A 5.5K Genset will be more than enough. I know several owners that are using 3 to 3.5K Gensets without any issue.

Tony

[Redwood2011]

I will test the loading with an Amp meter when I get my 34SK in January while running on supplied electrical outlet. I should be able to determine individual AC equipment loading demands and wattage requirement.

[Palladin]

A 5500 watt generator will easily run two air conditioners with power to spare. Most modern RV a/c's run a peak startup of less than 20 amps and steadily operate at less than 15 amps. Even 20 amps at 120 volts is only 2400 watts.

[Fjkiss]

We have a 5.5 and have no problem with 2 a/c's running in Fl. hot sumer

[Dave&Ginny]

I NEED INFORMATION! My dealer is telling me I may have to switch from a gas 5.5 generator to a LP. How long does a 40# LP tank last while running a generator?

They originally said they could install a 20 gallon gas tank but now they aren't so sure.

[KR2011]

Look on the Onan website you should be able to find the info there. I will guess at mid level output 1 tank might last 24 hrs or so running non stop.

[h2oman]

I have a buddy how has a propane 6500 watt gen. When it is running 1 ac it burns .65 gallons per hr. A 40 lb tank is 9.25 gallons.

I have a 5500 watt gas gen. It will burn .6 gallons per hr.

[KR2011]

That sounds right I had a 5500 watt with a 6 gallon tank and undwer full load it would run between 10 and 12 hours on a tank of fuel.

[Dave&Ginny]

Well I'm disappointed but I guess the dealer was wrong when he said he could put a gas generator in my Redwood. He said he thought he could because he'd done it before in Montanas. They said that in the Montana they would remove the under belly and stick a 20 gallon fuel cell in there somehow but Redwood didn't like the idea and there could be a warranty issue if something went wrong. He also thought he could put a small fuel cell next to the generator but Redwood strongly recommended against that idea too.

So I'm stuck with an LP generator. I've already ordered the 40# LP tanks and they are going to put a spare 40# LP tank in the basement mounted so it won't move.

Anyway thanks to all of you that sent me information on this.

[KR2011]

Not to burst your bubble but you cant mount the spare tank in the belly, it would have to be in a compartment that is sealed off from the belly and living space because of the possibility of a leak and that compartment must have ventalation out of the bottom because lp gasis heaver than air so if there is a leak it can escape to the outside safely. I think I would question the dealer on this because it is not safe or legal, there are many state and federal laws about the transporting of lp gas.

[Flyfisher]

I was thinking that if my experience calls for spare propane I might carry a 40# lb bottle, well secured, in the back of our tow vehicle. I have heard that propane bottles should be hauled in their upright position. I have a little gas grill that takes those small screw in portable bottles that will also go into the back of the truck in case of a leak. I thought about using the hitch on the back of our 36re and rigging a carrier there but the cost goes up and I'm not sure how safe that would be in the event of a rear end fender bender. I agree whole heatedly with kr2011 that bottles should not be hauled in the basement.

[lillyputz]

Check, if there is room for a horizonal mount propane tank above were the gen will be installed.



Lillyputz

[lillyputz]

For those with the factory installed gen. what type of remote start is supplied.



Thanks

Lillyputz

[KR2011]

When you say remote start are you talking about the start/stop switch inside or a hand held remote?

[Dave&Ginny]

Originally Posted by lillyputz

For those with the factory installed gen. what type of remote start is supplied.



Thanks

Lillyputz

I was told that the controls for the generator will be in the closet by the door.

[Dave&Ginny]

I wonder if there is room by the battery boxes...How about some of you folks that already have these trailers, is there room up front for an extra bottle?

[KR2011]

Lillyputz they are on the same panel as the tank monitor.