Generator?

starflyte1 · 10-25-2006, 08:36 AM

We are new to the TT, having had MHs over the last 30+ years. I just assumed that TTs had generators. Am I wrong? Now, I think I am. If TTs don't come with a gererator, is there a place made for one?

Thanks.

Pat

swebster · 10-25-2006, 08:42 AM

They typically do not have onboard generators (except fro some of the really high end toy haulers and 5th wheels)

Many TT people purchase external generators (Honda, Yamaha) connected to their shore power connection.

thecatsandi · 10-25-2006, 08:46 AM

typically no.
Honda 2000 and 3000 series as well as Yamaha are popular choices.

fastrob · 10-25-2006, 08:53 AM

Travel Trailers (TT) tend to be cheaper, smaller, and more flexable, some would say have fewer comforts, than Motor Homes (MH). There are TT's with built in generators but I would say a very small minority. A majority of MH's have generators from what I have seen. TT Boondockers tend to have generators. We are boondockers and have a generator even though we do not move very much. That is why I say it depends. Most generators I have seen are portable. Our generator is 600lbs, I would not mount it on my 25 footer. It goes in the pickup.
Robert

starflyte1 · 10-25-2006, 08:53 AM

Is there a place built in the A/S for a generator?

Pat

thecatsandi · 10-25-2006, 08:54 AM

Not on the airstreams. mine rides in the truck.

fastrob · 10-25-2006, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by starflyte1

Is there a place built in the A/S for a generator?

Pat

There are some slick installations by Airstream with views on this Forum, see Search.
I thought about installing one, a Honda, off the propane tanks, half in the belly area with a side acess door.
In my opinion the costs do not justify the benifits. Just chain a Honda to the bumper, fill it up, plug it in and start it up. Quiet, cheap and theft resistant.
R

**CanoeStream** · 10-25-2006, 10:32 AM

Hi Starflyte1 -- If pulling with a truck I'd suggest putting it in the pickup bed. Don't know that you want the gasoline inside an SUV with you, which makes the propane conversion even nicer. My 40# Honda eu2000i is not up to powering the A/C but I accept the compromise with more shady sites and our cooler weather up here. I don't like to lift it up and down a lot, but won't leave it sitting out if I'm gone from the campground for a while -- that's nearly $1000 sitting there with a 'Free' sign on it. It depends somewhat on whether people in neighboring sites are going to be around or are friendly (remember, we're the millionaires!).

40# isn't a huge weight but I can lift it readily enough. I'd have to adopt a different approach for the larger generators necessary to run an A/C. I wouldn't cut into the shell of an Airstream to mount a generator -- that could drag down resale later on. This whole issue really depends on whether you are camping at non-electric sites or are boondocking. I have found that most often I leave the generator at home. Reserving and planning ahead allows me to have an electric site about every time I go out -- then there's no issue about running the air conditioner.

Gen Disarray · 10-25-2006, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canoe stream

-- If pulling with a truck I'd suggest putting it in the pickup bed.

You know I was just thinking about this, what does everyone think about puting a mount in for the generator and propane tank in the bed of a pickup with a shell. If the door or window was open it should get enough air. Is this a bad plan?

peegreen · 10-25-2006, 11:07 AM

I know a few people run their portable propane powered gensets in their P/U beds with the lift gate open. As optional equipment, Airstreams in the '70's were available with a factory installed generator. I think the capacity was only large enough to recharge the batteries. Solar would also be an option as long as there's sun.

ticki2 · 10-25-2006, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gen Disarray

You know I was just thinking about this, what does everyone think about puting a mount in for the generator and propane tank in the bed of a pickup with a shell. If the door or window was open it should get enough air. Is this a bad plan?

That's how I run mine ( honda 2000 ) , no problem that I have seen .

starflyte1 · 10-25-2006, 11:22 AM

We just bought a Surburban, so can't put it in the back. But, hope to figure out a way to carry and use a generator that is easy to use. We like to stop and have lunch or go into a place to eat and need the a/c for our Yorkies. I guess the most important use of the generator is for our Yorkies.
Living in South Florida makes a/c really necessary.

I am sure that something can be worked out. Thanks for all the replies and information!

Pat

**CanoeStream** · 10-25-2006, 11:39 AM

Rodney -- I've read about that being done fairly often. I would have to use my RV extension cord to reach. Sure makes more sense to me than having genset exhaust onboard an RV, within close distance of windows, etc. The imposition of noise and vibration on the trailer also would bug me, even with newer, quieter gensets like Honda or Yamaha.

**CanoeStream** · 10-25-2006, 11:42 AM

starflyte1 -- You've maybe read, but A/C startup load requires 30 amps (actually more like 24, but...). The compressor struggles and gradually destroys itself on startups if the amperage isn't there. You have to size your generator accordingly. My Honda eu2000i was selected with the understanding that it could not power an A/C unit.