Bighorn - Generator

[Kekidd]

I want to add a generator to my 2013 Bighorn 3570RS. What size generator do I need to run everything ie. two AC, microwave, ref.

Also if I was to go with two Honda eu2000i would they provide enough power to run 30 amp. Only 1 AC plus the other items.

Thanks
Kim Kidd

 

[dbbls59]

The two Honda's will provide 3200 watts continuous and 4000 watts short time. 30 amp service is 3600 watts. The factory puts 5500 watt generators in the 50 amp trailers. A 3600 watt Onan will provide the same power that a 30 amp service provides and will use less fuel than a 5500 watt gen. Are you ever going to need both generators when off the grid? If I did I would stay in a park.

 

[Kekidd]

Thanks for the information. My wife and I like to stay in Nationoal parks periodically and a lot of them are dry camps. I like having the flexibility of a generator if I need it. If I put an Onan in, is that something I cannot do myself or is that a really big job? I may have to stick to parks that at least have power.

Kk

 

[meagle]

I have a Landmark that is prepped for an Onan 5.5KW LP generator. I ordered the exhaust kit from Heartland today and ordering the generator from Norwell. If your unit is prepped for a generator it should be an easy installation. If not you will have to add several items e.g., appropriate transfer switch, mounting foundation, control lines, and LP lines. I am installing the generator that the RV was designed for myself. There are a few threads in the forums that speak to the installation. I can share the model numbers if you want to go with the same items that the factory uses for their installation.

 

[Jim.Allison]

If your rig is gen prepped, then it is truly plug and play! I did it......The only thing I had to figure out is how to get 275 lbs into the garage of my BC. After much observation and planning I was able to put it right in. Less than 20 minutes I was ready to go. I did over look one thing that was important and delayed my completion. Advice. If you are gen prepped then, be sure you track down all your lines and make sure they are connected correctly. My transfer switch had a yellow lockout on the transfer switch that caused my transfer switch to burn out. Other than that it was all plug and play.

 

[meagle]

Thank you for the information. I found the transfer switch and will examine the switch to make sure that if it has a lockout it is removed/put in the right position. How do you like your generator? We do very little dry camping but like to stop and explore, have lunch in our RV, etc. We also have a couple of small dogs that we will put in the RV if we decide to stop and look at something and will have to use the AC. We are going to use the generator as a nice convenience to give us more options while we travel. I want to have a clean installation and install the generator the coach was designed for. I did not want to pull a portable generator out of storage, hook it up, and then worry about someone stealing it. With your experience and expertise have you found it to be a valuable accessory?

 

[Kekidd]

All, thanks for the information. I haven't decided if I'm going with the smaller Hondas or an Onan. My wife and I like to be able to stay at National Parks some, and a lot of times all you can get is dry camps. I also don't believe my RV is prepped for a generator even though they told me it was when I bought it. Look forward to meeting some of you down the road at some point in time.

 

[Jim.Allison]

Thank you for the information. I found the transfer switch and will examine the switch to make sure that if it has a lockout it is removed/put in the right position. How do you like your generator? We do very little dry camping but like to stop and explore, have lunch in our RV, etc. We also have a couple of small dogs that we will put in the RV if we decide to stop and look at something and will have to use the AC. We are going to use the generator as a nice convenience to give us more options while we travel. I want to have a clean installation and install the generator the coach was designed for. I did not want to pull a portable generator out of storage, hook it up, and then worry about someone stealing it. With your experience and expertise have you found it to be a valuable accessory?

I have a complete solar array and a generator. I put in the ONAN 5500 LP. I love it. I also bought an auto genstart, mine is made by Xantrex, BUT Onan has a really nice auto gen start that can be set to observe quiet time, or start when the A/C starts, or to bulk charge the batts if needed. You can also set them to exercise your generator if you want. However I reserve exercising the genset manually. If you buy from a discount dealer you can get everything you need you just have to do a little reading, you should be able to download the ONAN catalog to find all the components you need. The ONAN with auto gen start possibilities are enormous. Good luck.

 

[maddog]

small hondas are great and quiet,,,also use as backup for house if power outage ...

 

[avvidclif]

small hondas are great and quiet,,,also use as backup for house if power outage ...

Extension cord from the RV to the house and I keep 30 gal of gas in the rv.