Installing a Propane 5.5K LP Generator
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- čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
- In this video I install a new 5.5K Onan generator in a Kountry Aire 5th wheel built by Newmar in 2000. This was much more difficult than I had thought and just getting the generator from my supplier was the most frustrating task. The compartment had to be heavily modified to fit the generator. Generally, the mount is the easiest part of a new install. However, I did get it done and I'm fairly happy with the results. Thanks!
Yep, I agree......A master RV technication at his best. They are hard to find and don't come easy. Great Job
Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I try to improve my skills everyday to varied results.
We all can tell you didn’t want to do that job!😂
By the way, you have a doppelgänger in upstate New York.
I have a friend, Jim from work that you look and sound just like him. I showed him your videos, and he was astounded. Lol.
Just wanted let you know that I enjoy your videos and have learned a lot from them.
Great job! Precise, to the point and great attention to detail. Thank you for the inspiration. I am a newbie in the RV Tech industry.
Glad it was helpful! Thank you!
Wish all rv techs cared as much as you do to do the job right. Hope a have the honor of using your services in the future. Thanks for all the great videos. 👍🏻
Much appreciated!
Dual wheels on the front axle!! I just noticed that at 19:00 and had to pause to look more closely. Great, inspiring video! We're moving from TT to 5th wheel and love our Honda in the back of the pickup...but that looks really convenient!
yeah, newmar made fifth wheels with dualies for a few years
Very nice. Thanks for the video. Happy trails!
Thanks for watching!
Truly nice work James, better than the Kountry Aire at Power RV for certain. Spot on about the CO monitors. No need to die quietly as you sleep.
Thank you so much....I really misquoted this job and it stressed me out quite a bit.
Great Job!! Very impressive indeed! I have a North Point 377RLBH and the genny is on the short list. You’ve given me the courage to proceed forward. Welll done! 👍🏻
Im happy to hear it motivated you. Good Luck!!!
Did you end up installing yourself? We’re getting the 377RLBH and I’m trying to figure out what we want to do for a generator.
James, that's a really, really nice install. I'm with you though on going with an external genny. My rationale: Much less expensive to buy a more powerful, easier to service, gasoline genny that could also easily service other external needs.
But hey, I also love the clean install and it sounds very quiet from the inside. Also burns clean, but from my boating days, I'm always wary of co2. (a couple died from co2 inhalation on my same boat model) Will also help with the value of the trailer in a big way. Just keep fresh batteries in those gas detectors! 👌
A clean install does look nice and it is great not having to lug a generator around. Thanks!
As always, sit back, relax and watch the master at work.
I’m curious. I believe you have your own shop, but you are also on call to area rv dealers who require your expertise. Am I correct? You seem to know a lot about rv’s. Have you worked in the industry your entire career?
Thank you very much for the support. I have been in this industry for 20 years now which I guess would be my whole career. I do have my own shop for the past 6 years and although I have my own customers, a great number of local dealers call on me for support for all types of work. Truthfully, I might give a more in depth bio in the future, but I really only started my own shop to tinker with vintage RVs but I guess that doesn't pay the bills as well as I had hoped. Thanks!
Good job and video. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
It’s alive 😊
what a huge job....glad im not paying that bill...very well done
I did not quote the job well at all and lost money doing it.
@@AZExpert been there and done that..sure it wasnt the first time and probably not the last..just part of the job
Great job as usual.
Thank you!
Nice install but I'm not understanding how the genset Operates correctly on low pressure system when is required for high pressure liquid system Might run OK in the summer but when the temperature drops the propane freezes and the Genset runs and stops do to lack of fule.???
You worry about my safety without a CO detector, yet you ride a huge dog recklessly, and with no helmet.
😂😂😂
Good day James you connect the earth off the generator to chase of the van. What will happen if an appliance sort will it trip the breaker reason the van seats on wheels and not earthing to the ground .and are earth and neutral hooked on the same bar? Thanks in advance James..
Greetings James,
How long would it take to install an Onan 5.5 propane in a 2020 Grand Design 3740 BH with Gen Prep already installed? What would be a typical labor price? Thank you for your assistance. Rob
Difficult to say exactly, but in a perfect world with the box, transfer switch, remote wiring, and 120vac wiring already installed, I'd say 4-6 hours.
What transfer switch did you use?
The gauge on my 50lb propane tank doesn't work. Is there a way to replace gauge? For 1995 Safari Serengeti, with 6.3kw Onan Emerald generator.
Are these Onan 5500 units 220v? 2 legs of 110?
@@CHRISINMCNEILL yes
This was a great video. I learned something today. Thanks for sharing.
Glad it was helpful!
Love Onan motor. Hate the wiring harness and electronics.
Honestly, these have been pretty solid since 2011. The biggest problems are the carbs on gasoline units not being serviced and being clogged. The LP don't have this issue. Thanks for watching!
Glad you are having good luck with them. Like the channel. always good to get ideas from a different perspective for my personal RV
@@uhighsmith I did recommend a portable unit, but as far as built-in these are the only real game in town. I am really glad you are enjoying hte channel. Thanks!
@@AZExpert Try this for fuel issue. Solves the problem. No ethanol if you can get it too. Been running this product since 2007 in all gas stuff. Works awesome in motorcycles that sit for extended periods. They always start even after a year. www.amazon.com/Star-Tron-Enzyme-Fuel-Treatment/dp/B00D3IEIFO/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=KBMD4F9LA655&keywords=starbright+fuel+additive&qid=1581166493&sprefix=starbright+fuel%2Caps%2C175&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyQ1Y2WDNCSFY1Wjc1JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTMyNzExMTJGQjBIVjE2TUI1NSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMTg3ODUwMTdEMzU4T1MyWFRPNCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
i have an onan LP 3600 that is giving me running issues. i am considering swapping a Champion dual fuel permanently because i have read countless problems with Onan. can it be done and should i do it?
Hi. Great install. I have the same problem as mention on here that the Gen starts and runs but no power in my Redwood 5th wheel. After over a minute running the transfer switch does not kick on for the Gen. Looking at the Gen wiring on your install I see there is a red wire coming into the Gen side of the ATS. I don't have a red wire. Only a black, a black w green stripe, 2 whites and a green wire for the ground. Been trying to trouble shoot before having to replace w new ATS.
I'd recommend using a multimeter to check for power at the transfer switch to make sure your generator is putting out power and make sure the generator circuit breakers are on
Wouldn’t a lit match be a better way to test for a propane leak ? You will definitely know if there’s a leak. Kidding!
Great Video as usual. !
One question, I plan on getting a Navion 24 D
My driveway is at a 8% slope. Do you recommend creating a ramp of sorts to level the rig. I will getting self leveling system. My driveway slopes away from the house. I live in the Northeast. Do you think I’m looking for trouble ? Based on my calculations the rise is approximately 20 + inches.
That's a pretty good slope. I'd be concerned about the engineering of a stable ramp. The biggest concern would be the refrigerator. RV refrigerators need to be close to level when operating or you can damage them.
@@AZExpert
Thanks
I meant 8 degrees not 8%
Still quite a bit.
Do you have an onan generator used for sell ir fo you know where i can get one please?
Awesome video! Thanks!
You're welcome...thank you!
Amazing, what did you do for exhaust?
How much was the bill for all this
Sorry I never list prices on here
Great job ... huge pain in the ass. I can only hope you charged “ appropriately “. I think you and I can agree that good ain’t cheep and cheep ain’t good!
It was a pain and I did not quote the job well. But it's nice to hear someone else agree that it was difficult. I cannot say I would do the job again. Thanks!
awesome job!!!
thank you very much!
I know this is an older post. I would like to know how hard is it to install a generator in a unit that has been "factory prepped"?
Not too bad at all maybe a days work
@@AZExpert So if it has been "factory prepped" does the factory do all that needs to be done to install a generator? Or is there still allot to do? Riverstone Legacy. I know it can be ordered with one installed when they are available. Is it necessary to have a 5500 size? Or will a smaller one be fine since water heater is propane on demand, and keep it at one ac unit. Not doing boondocks. Thanks.
Nice video..
Thanks
Another job done well is there a difference in the noise between a gas generator diesel generatorAnd propane generator
yes, technically LP has less BTUs so the engine has less power but there will be little performance difference unless running in extreme cold for hours as the LP tank could start to freeze
also the generator will be slightly quieter than a gasoline but not a diesel, but the exhaust is much cleaner
Was this worth all the time, $, & trouble? This generator is only 120 V, not even 240, & 5.5 KW is not very much power. If you would only run this generator when parked, then of course a non RV generator could give you much more power for much less expense. The main advantages I can think of for using a built in generator would be 1) you don't need a rain shelter for your external generator & 2) the fuel tank in the RV is likely to be much bigger than a built in tank on an external generator (or a portable tank w/ propane).
I did my best to convince the owner to buy a yamaha or some other portable unit. He seemed happy with the $ and trouble. RV's do not use 240vac and 5.5kw is the limitation on LPG but is the standard on all new towables. Toy haulers generally have a onboard gasoline tank/fuel station so they get a 6500/7000watt unit. However, it's nice not to have to drag gasoline cans around too.
@@AZExpert So, I found your channel because I was considering putting an Onan LPG generator in our 89 Avion 34XB when we go full time with lots of boondocking. Thanks so much for the video, you obviously know what you're doing, and now I'm reconsidering that plan. Our tow vehicle is a 2003 diesel excursion. Any recommendations on a portable generator that will run 30/20 amp circuits on either diesel or LP? Really would like to avoid carrying gas just for occasional generator use. Thanks for any tips!
@@bobby603were you able to find a suitable propane or diesel generator?
Where are you?
What size LP hose do I need to tap into my onboard propane tanks? I have a 5th wheel camper with generator prep and just ordered a Cummins onan 6500w LP unit.
1/2 inch is best. Thanks
AZ Expert did you ground the generator to the chassis?
@@gbailey0800 yes it was grounded with each mounting bolt to the chassis, I and the rv manufacturers haven't really found the chassis bonding stud to be any better, just a 6th ground. Thanks
AZ Expert I’m a little confused that there’s a hole with no bolt underneath that says B negative,and one by the positive terminal with a bolt that says ground. So I need to find a bolt and run the B negative to the battery negative and just leave the ground alone?
@@gbailey0800 of course you can add a ground strap to the stud underneath. In general the cable would run straight to the frame for chassis ground. But of your mounting bolts are going to the framework already, you've already grounded the generator
Was pretty loud for an Onan
Building and asphalt reflectivity makes it seem louder and so does a phone mic. They are pretty quiet. Not Honda inverter quiet but close.
Which one is better, gas or Lp generator. What model would be the top one for a 42 feet long 5th wheel?
gasoline has about 1kW more in the same size(just more power in gas than LP). However, unless you have a toy hauler with a built in gasoline fuel tank/station, than you have to drag marine gas tanks around with you which is miserable so most people opt for LP for that reason. This is the "top" one for towables. Bigger Onans require diesel. Thanks!
As he noted in the video and I have found in my research, LP generators operate at an 80% efficiency, 80% less power, as opposed to gasoline generators.
How you connected the cables
the 120 vac wiring goes to the transfer switch and the remote harness is a plug in. The positive battery cable just gets bolted to the positive stud.
hello i have the same generator it runs fine but doesn't make power any thoughts?
If it's running fine, I would suspect its tripped breakers or a transfer switch. Generally, the generator controller has to see correct power to run so I would suspect something after the controller.
@@AZExpert thanks brother
Have you ever installed a harbor freight 9500 generator on a class A?
No
@@AZExpert do you think that would be a decent option to be cost effective?
@@badasskombucha2193 a couple issues off the top of my head. the onan runs at 2400 rpm and belt drives the generator at the necessary 3600rpm, which helps it run quieter and with less heat and vibration. the onan also is a 2 cylinder which provides more low end grunt and smoother exhaust note. most importantly, a portable generator is designed to be run in open air, not in a mostly confined space. to sum it up, significantly more noise and heat.
How much gas used for hours
rule of thumb is about .5 gallon at idle and .7 gallons under load.
Can we hire you to install ours?
I'm not currently taking any new jobs but thank you, a local service center could definitely help you
what is the noise level ?
The engine noise does stay the same as the gasoline as the engine is the same, but the exhaust is much better. Thanks!
Hey AZ, I have a 1997 Pleaser-way camper van and it has a gas generator on it an the moment but my plan is to change it to a propane generator. My question is are you able to do that and would you like the job/project. Let me know and I’ll send you my contact information through your email. ~Daniel
I really appreciate that. I do not this I would be able to do that unfortunately. This year is turning into a difficult one.
@@AZExpert no worries, I appreciate the response. If anything changes this year please let me know. Thank you.
@@nard4637 I would never switch to LP unless you hardly ever use it. The generator will burn through LP like nobody's business.