Anyone have a on board generator for a FL model? If so what size and type of fuel? We are thinking about getting one installed you can reply to coljdm60@gmail.com
Thanks, John

I think the standard prep by Redwood fits up to a 6500 Onan, unless the FL is drastically different (which they are on many things).

John, our good Friends have an Onan 5500 Propane Genny in their '15 FL. That's the standard installed by RW if you order any model with a Genny.

I installed our 5500 Onan in our 36RL myself and it worked fine, but if I were buying new I would do the 6500.

Wattage basics: P = I x E

120V x 50A = 6,000 Watts

Will you run all 50 Amps?

See the charts attached and estimate your usage.

If you run all 50A's, you'll overload a 5,550 W generator. With a 6,500, you'll run at 93% (excluding heat and higher elevation factors).

Higher elevations and heat result in lower efficiencies.

Here is the Onan Generator Handbook. It contains a lot of valuable information:

https://power.cummins.com/sites/default/files/literature/rv/F-1123-EN.pdf

Don't forget to think about fuel usage...Propane versus gas versus diesel...

If you use a generator a lot, propane will get expensive.

Gas models can gum up if you don't apply proper maintenance.

Diesel units are heavier but if you have an auxiliary fuel tank, you can run a long time. Weight is a big factor and modifications are required.

Fuel Consumption charts:

.

And if you are interested in battery recharge times, see the following:

You might also consider solar panels??? A whole separate topic on it's own...

Battery Charging Info:

And to charge batteries faster (than using your on-board battery charger), consider using a rapid charge automotive or golf cart battery charger plugged into a 120V source (such as your generator or shore power).

I had the 6500 W Onan Gold propane installed in our 36RL. With a dishwasher, dryer, washer, two A/C's and more, a 5500 W gen could be easily overloaded. A good rule for best gen performance is to not load the gen more than 80% of it's rated capacity. There needs to be reserve capacity for starting inductive loads, such as A/C's. We have teo 40# propane bottles.

I had the 6500 W Onan Gold propane installed in our 36RL. With a dishwasher, dryer, washer, two A/C's and more, a 5500 W gen could be easily overloaded. A good rule for best gen performance is to not load the gen more than 80% of it's rated capacity. There needs to be reserve capacity for starting inductive loads, such as A/C's. We have teo 40# propane bottles.

With the loads you mention above, its the reason we are considering the 8000W unit. More capacity even at higher elevations or hotter temperatures. The only issue (so far) is weight. I'll beef up the structure underneath. It will also add pin weight but we have plenty of room there. We're getting so close to pulling out. we just want to wait until just before we leave...May never use at full load but it will be there if we need it.

The Redwood opening for the generator is:

37.5 W x 23.6 H (at opening - more inside) x 24 D

The Onan 6500 dimensions are:

33.6 W x 16.75 H x 22.18 D
299 lbs

The Onan 8000 dimensions are:
36.3 W x 23.6 H x 22.3 D
420 lbs

So, in theory, it should work fine.

And with a diesel unit, we'll have plenty of fuel and won't have to worry about LP running out. We'll be running at 1/2 or less with typical loads. We are also entertaining the thought of solar panels but need to do some more research there.

Are the interior dimensions for the generator different on the FL, MB, RL or RE?

Gipc
6500 is way more than you will ever need. A 5500 would work as well. 8000 is way overkill but it's your dime

I do not know. On my 36RL the 6500 W gen is a very tight fit. The top clearance is at least 6". Having repaired both diesel and gas driven gen's up to 60,000 watts, in my military days I personally would not want wrestle with a diesel gen for a RV application. Their maintenance requirements are seriously involved in order to maintain a precise line frequency which is important for electronics. Many Class A's have diesel gen's so keeping the PM up on them could be a non issue.

I hear you but if it will work in there, I may try it. It's just a couple of grand more...

I do not know. On my 36RL the 6500 W gen is a very tight fit. The top clearance is at least 6". Having repaired both diesel and gas driven gen's up to 60,000 watts, in my military days I personally would not want wrestle with a diesel gen for a RV application. Their maintenance requirements are seriously involved in order to maintain a precise line frequency which is important for electronics. Many Class A's have diesel gen's so keeping the PM up on them could be a non issue.

We have diesel generators at W _ _ _. I have responsibility for the maintenance thereof. I really have to see how tight this might be. Obviously, I will take it to someone and have them do it if it will work. It does appear that the generator "box" inserted could be modified (larger) if it had to be. I'll have to watch the battery compartment. I'll be installing 6V Golf Cart batteries as well.

I've got time to fool with this adventure a little later. Right now, I'm focused on the next item...A roof...Armor Roof coming soon.

It would scare the hell out of me to put 420lbs on that flimsy floor without some serious bracing which adds more to the weight on the truck, you better order the Ram 5500.