Do we need a generator?

[goreds2]

My B does not have a generator but the girlfriend's B+ does. We have only used it to exercise due to lack of use. I would imagine it will be great to have if there was a power outage at the house etc.

[Mike]

Originally Posted by hbn7hj

Just an opinion but yes, nothing can match the chemical energy contained in gasoline and propane, even with the poor efficiency of a generator and a furnace. I put my efforts in keeping the generator running (Onan) and if it doesn't, I put my money there.
Harry 2003 C190P

X2. Simple (like a lawn mower), convenient (remote start, and came with the Roadtrek), and fairly reliable (has required service once in 8 years).

[booster]

Originally Posted by Mike

X2. Simple (like a lawn mower), convenient (remote start, and came with the Roadtrek), and fairly reliable (has required service once in 8 years).

If folks are comfortable with the maintenance required with an Onan (which is less with the older ones, it appears) they are are a good way to go, especially if you need air conditioning. For others, like us, we were tired of maintaining a rarely used item and opted for a bigger inverter and batteries, and some wiring. We can run anything the Onan could, except AC, off the batteries, and if we need AC (highly unlikely) we can run the van dash AC.

That is why there are options, so everyone can chose how they want to do things

[Mike]

Originally Posted by booster

If folks are comfortable with the maintenance required with an Onan (which is less with the older ones, it appears) they are are a good way to go, especially if you need air conditioning. For others, like us, we were tired of maintaining a rarely used item and opted for a bigger inverter and batteries, and some wiring. We can run anything the Onan could, except AC, off the batteries, and if we need AC (highly unlikely) we can run the van dash AC.

That is why there are options, so everyone can chose how they want to do things

Agreed. We have a smaller battery bank and smaller inverters that run most of our smaller draw stuff. Or, we can use the generator or shore power to run everything. I'm a fan of redundancy when it comes to power sources. Call it career conditioned muscle memory.

[avanti]

I'm half way between Mike and Booster: I have a large inverter, and upgraded to a big battery and a second engine alternator. I haven't used the Onan since, but I am having trouble bringing myself to rip it out due to a taste for redundancy.

I suspect I will eventually be pushed to doing so when I get around to installing a 12VDC undercount split A/C. I'll probably need the room.