Generator Better Than ONAN?

[Michael Dixon]

Onan and Cummings power generation are under the same parent company, Onan is gas or propane and Cummings is diesel. If you buy portables make sure they can do altitude, most can't. My onboard Onan in my 21G is altitude rated and you have to dial the carb to match the altitude you are at. I like this and the brand as Cummings is top in the industry in power generation. No matter what brand you choose, you will lose usable wattage as you go up in altitude. Experience as an electrician and boondock camping in the Colorado mountains.

[We R BOB]

I have the onan which is the run on propane option. Really like it.

Thanks, LanerC. Did you have it converted to propane? If so, how much did it cost?

[We R BOB]

We have a 320G with the Onan. I too had a portable 3100w generator I carried with my travel trailer. Something to consider. When we stop for the night to boondock it’s nice to throw the switch and be done. No cords to need with. Also keep in mind that factory install includes tour transfer switch an internal wiring. Real PIA to do aftermarket wiring. Also you’re getting a dual purpose fuel tank on the toy haulers. When I hit the truck stops to fuel the truck I can top off the gas tank on the trailer after boondocked a couple days. I think of the cost similar to my diesel upgrade on my truck, I’ll get that back someday At Lear that’s what I tell myself to feel better.

As far as only being 5500w with three AC units, I called GD customer service r and they told me the units roll 2 at time if the power draw tops out. Not tried it yet.



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Thanks, MooManChu. Great points to remember.

[LanerC]

Thanks, LanerC. Did you have it converted to propane? If so, how much did it cost?

Before covid you could order it that way from Grand design. But ive heard that was the first option to to be not available. However I believe a gasoline powered cummins/onan generator can be converted to propane, at least at a cummims/onan service center or probably a knowledgeable small engine mechanic.

[We R BOB]

Before covid you could order it that way from Grand design. But ive heard that was the first option to to be not available. However I believe a gasoline powered cummins/onan generator can be converted to propane, at least at a cummims/onan service center or probably a knowledgeable small engine mechanic.

I like the propane conversion idea. However, 2 questions come to mind..1) How do you feed propane to the generator and, 2) What do you do with the extra 30 gals in the fuel station?

[LanerC]

I like the propane conversion idea. However, 2 questions come to mind..1) How do you feed propane to the generator and, 2) What do you do with the extra 30 gals in the fuel station?

The generator is plumbed in to the line that feeds the rest of the 5th wheel so you will go through more propane when you are using the generator. We carry an extra 3oLB tank either strapped in the pickup bed or in the basement of the 5th wheel.