rick.b
Flower Mound, TX
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We have 2007 30' Cougar and I have thought several times about mounting a propane ran generator in the front where the landing gear and battier is. Has any one else done this? Or have any pros or con on this.
Thanks
Happy Trails
Rick
1997 Ford F250HD
Keystone Cougar 291EFS
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SoCalDesertRider
SanDiego, CA, USA
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I don't see any reason why it couldn't be done as long as there is sufficient clearance there so the generator doesn't hit the truck bumper when turning. You would want to rubber mount it so it doesn't vibrate the trailer too much, since presumably you will be trying to sleep right above it.
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thomasinnv
where ever i stop
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i mounted a propane guardian in the front compartment of my 2000 wildwood 5th wheel. the important thing is to ensure that you have adequate airflow into and out of the unit. i had to cut a section out of the floor of the compartment, then ran an exhaust pipe to the outside edge of the side of the trailer. people who have seen it thought it was a professional install. just take your time and do it right the first time.
2000 F-350 Extra Cab SD 4X4 7.3 PSD w/custom tuned chip
2010 Sundance 3300RLB 36' 5'er loaded w/ options
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thomasinnv
where ever i stop
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SoCalDesertRider wrote:I don't see any reason why it couldn't be done as long as there is sufficient clearance there so the generator doesn't hit the truck bumper when turning. You would want to rubber mount it so it doesn't vibrate the trailer too much, since presumably you will be trying to sleep right above it.
i do believe he is talking about putting it in the front storage compartment of the fifth wheel.
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rick.b
Flower Mound, TX
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Yes I meant in the front storage compartment.
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farmer_boots
Weirsdale, Fl
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I am working on that very same thing right now. The biggest problem for me is sealing it air tight so no exhaust gasses get into the camper and to protect from possible fire. I am working on a three part aluminum housing. There is a base (part 1) about 2 inches tall all around the bottom of the generator and then kind of a clam shell two part top. The idea is when the generator requires service you open the top ½ of the clam shell facing forward. If more service is required the back ½ can be removed. All ventilation is through the bottom of the storage box. I am planning to line the inside of the box with 1/8 inch aluminum with overlapping seams. At the top back half I am planning to add thermal switches. The idea is if there is a fire the heat will be concentrated up at the top of the box where the thermal switches are located. When a switch trips because of over heat it will shut down 12v power to the generator. This will cause the fuel pump and engine to stop. If I can get the equipment together I am planning to have a CO2 bottle with a solenoid valve connected such that when a thermal switch trips (detecting fire) it will flood the generator box with CO2 in an attempt to put out the fire.
In most 5th wheels the forward compartment is below and between the bed room and the door. So I want all the protection I can get.
Additionally I have found some fire resistant insulation that I plan to wrap around the outside of the generator cover. This will reduce noise and heat from the generator.
My electrical service is located at the driver side rear of the camper. To connect to the generator I am going to run EMT conduit from the existing service location to the front storage box. Paint it black to match everything else and I don’t think anyone will notice.
I purchased one of those remote car starters from Bullydog so I don’t have to run wires inside the camper. The bullydog uses a clicker much like what we use to unlock the doors in our cars today. I like this approach because on a long hall if I know I am going to stop somewhere (for whatever the reason) I can start the generator while driving down the road from the cab of my truck. With everything set up rite the generator will start, after a short time delay the AC will turn on and the camper will be getting cool while I drive down the road.
Not bad for a Redneck farmer.
HTRN
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rjsurfer
North Carolina
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Rick, Old Redneck might be a farmer but he know what he is talking about. Be very carefull with the exhaust fumes ! Like everyone has said it's right under your bedroom.
I had thought about doing the same thing but I would not even consider it without using both an intake and exhaust fan. But then I got to thinking what if the fans go out, etc.
People have died even when the generator is OUTSIDE, exhaust fumes got driven into the camper vis air currents.
Ron W.
P.S. If you go for it get a C02 detector with a digital readout you can then at least monitor if any is getting in.
03 Dodge 2500 SRW,SB,EC
2008 Keystone Cougar 245RKS 5th Wheel
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dbbls
Missouri
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That's where mine is. You will need a enclosed compartment with a vented door. The bottom will be cut out in the storage compartment to allow air to the bottom of the generator. The door will need at least 144 square inches of opening. This is done a lot.
1999 F250 Superduty, V10 with Banks Power Pack
2004 Colorado 29RL 5th wheel with 3600 watt Onan
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1100Sabre
Missouri
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Our Onan Marquis Gold 5500LP is mounted in the front storage space in our KZ 33P. The nice thing about the Onan is it is in a cabinet that has some very cool features.
First, the cabinet is the cooling system, as air flows into and out of the cabinet cooling not only the unit but the exhaust system too.
Second, the generator is mounted into the cabinet on springs allowing for shock and vibration dampening.
3rd, With it being in a cabinet, the cooling fan not only blows out the heat from the motor but also, any exhaust fumes trapped inside the cabinet.
Be sure to mark a template into the floor of the compartment to cut out for air flow. Also, I can change my oil with the unit in the compartment. Also, install a remote switch inside and you are set to go!!
Oh, I saw on the Onan website a wireless remote for starting the generator!!! That would be sweet!!
Not a very good picture but here is ours:
2009 4X4 Chevrolet Duramax/Allison 3500HD Crew Cab DRW
2007 Sportsman Sportster KZ 33P Toy Hauler
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crrroger
Spring Creek, Nevada/Rainbow Acres, Arizona
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Mine is in the front as you suggest. Came from the factory that way.
In addition to the precautions about venting and exhaust as others have mentioned, be aware that a generator in that location will add several hundred pounds directly to the pin weight of the 5th wheel.
Some folks,for various reasons, are critical about LP powered generators but that is about the only option on a trailer. I like mine just fine.
2001 F550,PSD,Crew Cab,JW4R100,4.88,Royal Sport Bed,GearVendor,Cyclone Fan,Banks Power Elbow,110 gal.fuel,TireSentry, Pulling 35SRV toyhauler with a HD RoadKing or a Polaris RZR in the "garage".
2001 Triple E Regal class C with a 1990 Daihatsu Rocky toad.
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