Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Montana Owners Club - Keystone Montana 5th Wheel Forum > GENERAL DISCUSSIONS > General Discussions about our Montanas
Click Here to Login

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 10-09-2021, 05:27 AM   #1
snowmanfx4
Montana Fan
 
snowmanfx4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Moline
Posts: 166
M.O.C. #21279
Onan generator

I have a new 3931fb with generator prep and the in command. Cummins dealer here got my new onan in and I'm going to have the install it.
My question is. Its going to run on LP. Does it have to have its own regulator or can it just use the one on the LP tank?
They are telling me it will take 18 hrs to install it.
 
__________________
Dennis and Rickey
2021 3931fb
2017 F350 Dually
snowmanfx4 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-09-2021, 07:47 AM   #2
bshgto
Montana Master
 
bshgto's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Hagerstown
Posts: 861
M.O.C. #16013
18 hours and you have the generator prep? Friend had one of these he said the 30lb tanks ran out to quickly with both A/C`s running and changed them out for 40 lb tanks. A little heavy to lift in place and had to lower the seat the bottles sat on a little. I asked him he said it ran off the campers regulator and was satisfied how it powered the camper. 18 hours huh.
__________________
2018.5 3791 Rear Den Montana, on the lake no 3rd A/C, Mini Split, just do it
Electric Brakes ..... Disk Brakes, it`s the only way
F350 Ford Dually 4:10`s w/bags (payload 5595 lbs) Sumo Springs 63 gal aux tank
Reese Goosebox Mor/Ryde SRE 4000 X Factors Monroe shocks.... real smooth ride
bshgto is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-09-2021, 11:25 AM   #3
432bartman
Montana Master
 
432bartman's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2020
Location: UPLAND
Posts: 1,250
M.O.C. #26190
Holy cow 18 hours......sounds like the factory "Prep" could use more prepping.
__________________
2019 Keystone Montana 3560RL, 2020 Chevy 2500 HD, Firestone airbags, Air Lift wireless compressor, Curt gooseneck, 20K Reese Goosebox, TST-507, USMC combat vet & retired LEO. Robert, Anika, Breanna, Dylan (daughter-in-law Stephanie). & our Great Pyrenees Layla
432bartman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-09-2021, 11:28 AM   #4
mlh
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Salem
Posts: 7,528
M.O.C. #2283
These Onan or any generator likes or should I say loves propane.
Lynwood
__________________
www.harrellsprec.com
Lynwood Harrell
323 RL HC 2008 F250
mlh is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-09-2021, 12:16 PM   #5
ctwebb
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Murfreesboro
Posts: 163
M.O.C. #13637
We run our Onan on propane with one A.C . One 40 Lb bottle last us at least 12 hours.
ctwebb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-09-2021, 01:56 PM   #6
Hblick48
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Folsom, California
Posts: 551
M.O.C. #21903
That's why I like my Onan gas generator. Have 3 gal marine tank in frame of rig. If boon docking, I have a 6 gallon marine tank and a 6 gallon gas tote. Easier to find and transport gas than propane.
__________________
'05 F250 6.0 Bullet Proofed - Sold
'17 F350 6.7 Lariet
'02 Montana 3280RL Upgraded a bunch.
Hblick48 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-09-2021, 02:30 PM   #7
bshgto
Montana Master
 
bshgto's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Hagerstown
Posts: 861
M.O.C. #16013
I have 2 4500 watt gens in the back of the truck to run both gens if I need to and any thing else I want to run at the same time. I must admit they do suck a lot of propane running. But what price comfort, besides it keeps the wife happy and we all know the benefits of that.
__________________
2018.5 3791 Rear Den Montana, on the lake no 3rd A/C, Mini Split, just do it
Electric Brakes ..... Disk Brakes, it`s the only way
F350 Ford Dually 4:10`s w/bags (payload 5595 lbs) Sumo Springs 63 gal aux tank
Reese Goosebox Mor/Ryde SRE 4000 X Factors Monroe shocks.... real smooth ride
bshgto is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-09-2021, 03:48 PM   #8
mhs4771
Montana Master
 
mhs4771's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Sebring
Posts: 3,657
M.O.C. #9969
I don't think that is even takes 18 hours to build a Montana.
I would ask for an itemized list of the cost on that 18 hour job. The hardest part of the job is getting the Onan into the front storage, the rest is simple hookups.
I would guess it shouldn't take more than a half day at most, unless they're building the Onan for a DIY kit.
__________________
Michelle & Ann
2018 Chevy 3500HD High Country DRW 4X4 Crew Cab w/Duramax/Allison, Formally 2010 Montana 2955RL, Now Loaded 2016 SOB, Mor/ryde IS, Disc Brakes & Pin Box, Comfort Ride Hitch, Sailun 17.5 Tires.
mhs4771 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-09-2021, 08:13 PM   #9
mlh
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Salem
Posts: 7,528
M.O.C. #2283
The reason a generator uses so much propane is it has 91,000 BTUs per gallon and gasoline has 116,000. So to accomplish the same as a gasoline unit it must burn more fuel.
Lynwood
__________________
www.harrellsprec.com
Lynwood Harrell
323 RL HC 2008 F250
mlh is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-09-2021, 09:33 PM   #10
Montana Man
Montana Master
 
Montana Man's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Carson City
Posts: 2,017
M.O.C. #21963
I could see 18 hours if they had to construct the metal enclosure that the generator resides in within the enclosure, maybe. If it is gen ready that enclosure should already be in place along with the wiring and start switch.
__________________
2016 3160, Legacy, Sailuns, Splendide 2100 xc vented, 1 1/2" axle lift blocks, disk brakes. 2014 Ram 3500 SRW SWB 4X4 6.7 Aisin Mega Cab, EBC slotted disks and brakes, Titan fuel tank.
Montana Man is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-13-2021, 03:04 PM   #11
firestation12
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Mesa
Posts: 277
M.O.C. #24588
More suggestions

1- Recalculate your pin weight. That generator will add just under 300 lbs.
1-2 The Onan 5500 ingests and exhausts cooling/heated air below itself. This results in hot air being ingested back into the cooling intake. In warmer climates, the generator runs very hot due to re-ingesting the heated air into the cooling side. In each of my past generators, I had my metal shop build an elbow which channeled the hot air to the driver’s side of the camper. My present 2019 3700FL, came with a factory installed Onan 5500 (sold it). I removed the containment shroud and installed 560 amp hours of Lithium batteries, which serves more than 90% of the time. When ac is anticipated, 1 or two Honda 2200’s (which is rare) keeps things cool. The 640 watts of panels have proven more than adequate to keep the 12 volts topped off by noon each day. The weight saved and storage area reclaimed was worth the effort.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	404A203C-5273-48CF-86D4-CE88D59093E5.jpg
Views:	57
Size:	232.1 KB
ID:	10347  
firestation12 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-13-2021, 04:35 PM   #12
Last2Die
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Menifee
Posts: 1,109
M.O.C. #22986
I went with the 6500lp slightly more efficient l, worth the extra cost? Who knows but I like having the extra power. At some point I want to remove one of the propane tanks and switch it over to gas like some did here. The wife was a little nervous about that so I just went propane for now.

I was not gen prepped and installed everything myself in 1/2 the time. 18 hours is ridiculous


Tony
__________________
2018 3920fb 2020 GMC Denali 3500 4x4 Duramax, 10 speed Allison. LB SRW, Firestone air bags with Airlift wireless onboard compressor. Anderson Ultimate Hitch. MX4 folding cover. 50gal titan in bed transfer tank. Onan 6500 lp genset installed by me ! Had: 2 HF 3500 Inverters with Parallel Kit
Last2Die is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-13-2021, 07:39 PM   #13
snowmanfx4
Montana Fan
 
snowmanfx4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Moline
Posts: 166
M.O.C. #21279
I installed the generator. Didn't take to Cummins. Did it in 7 hrs.
__________________
Dennis and Rickey
2021 3931fb
2017 F350 Dually
snowmanfx4 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-13-2021, 07:43 PM   #14
snowmanfx4
Montana Fan
 
snowmanfx4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Moline
Posts: 166
M.O.C. #21279
Quote:
Originally Posted by firestation12 View Post
1- Recalculate your pin weight. That generator will add just under 300 lbs.
1-2 The Onan 5500 ingests and exhausts cooling/heated air below itself. This results in hot air being ingested back into the cooling intake. In warmer climates, the generator runs very hot due to re-ingesting the heated air into the cooling side. In each of my past generators, I had my metal shop build an elbow which channeled the hot air to the driver’s side of the camper. My present 2019 3700FL, came with a factory installed Onan 5500 (sold it). I removed the containment shroud and installed 560 amp hours of Lithium batteries, which serves more than 90% of the time. When ac is anticipated, 1 or two Honda 2200’s (which is rare) keeps things cool. The 640 watts of panels have proven more than adequate to keep the 12 volts topped off by noon each day. The weight saved and storage area reclaimed was worth the effort.
You have any pictures what you guy did to your generator area?
__________________
Dennis and Rickey
2021 3931fb
2017 F350 Dually
snowmanfx4 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-13-2021, 08:13 PM   #15
firestation12
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Mesa
Posts: 277
M.O.C. #24588
Generator compartment

Quote:
Originally Posted by snowmanfx4 View Post
You have any pictures what you guy did to your generator area?

Removing the generator containment shroud created a full width storage area in the front overhang of the 5th wheel. The picture where the solar battery group resides, occupies less than 1/4 of the front storage. The batteries were formally under the hydraulic pump located on the RF compartment, which now is used for fresh water hose.
firestation12 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-13-2021, 10:38 PM   #16
pitman44
Seasoned Camper
 
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Dryden
Posts: 90
M.O.C. #25471
Quote:
Originally Posted by snowmanfx4 View Post
I installed the generator. Didn't take to Cummins. Did it in 7 hrs.
Did the generator come with all the parts and pieces needed to install it? I'm assuming you started with a gen prepped RV.
pitman44 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2021, 03:54 AM   #17
snowmanfx4
Montana Fan
 
snowmanfx4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Moline
Posts: 166
M.O.C. #21279
Quote:
Originally Posted by pitman44 View Post
Did the generator come with all the parts and pieces needed to install it? I'm assuming you started with a gen prepped RV.
Yes everything came with the generator. And yes the new rv came generator prep, sort of. The generator sat on a heavy frame. There is a heavy tin floor below in about 5 inching that we had to cut holes in so we could bolt it down. Bigger hole to get to the oil filter. Used a hole saw. And a hole for the exhaust pipe. After 7 hrs it was done.
__________________
Dennis and Rickey
2021 3931fb
2017 F350 Dually
snowmanfx4 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2021, 12:30 PM   #18
Sharko
Established Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Parker
Posts: 30
M.O.C. #26528
Propane

I love the propane generator Onan 5500. No carrying extra gas, no smell, no winterizing.
I carry extra tanks for my propane firepit. Havent needed to use yet.. my trips haven't been longer than 4-5 summer days.will last 2 trips. will run a few hours a day to charge.. It might be more expensive but these outweighs negatives for me.
Sharko is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2021, 01:45 PM   #19
snowmanfx4
Montana Fan
 
snowmanfx4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Moline
Posts: 166
M.O.C. #21279
Thanks
__________________
Dennis and Rickey
2021 3931fb
2017 F350 Dually
snowmanfx4 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-07-2021, 12:47 PM   #20
meagle
Established Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2020
Location: Mcminnville
Posts: 32
M.O.C. #27563
I put my own Onan 5.5KW generator in myself on a Landmark fifth wheel. It took me about 3 hours. The installation included running the propane line, cables to the batteries, and hooking up the electrical lines. I pulled the generator out before I sold it to use in my new Montana. The removal took about an hour. Due to a shoulder issue I had the dealer install my generator in the new Montana. Labor, new exhaust, etc. came to about $700. I would run, not walk, from anyone claiming that it takes 30 hours to install a generator in a RV that has the prep in place.
meagle is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Montana RV, Keystone RV Company or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 02:43 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.