Adding a Generator to a 4905

[PastorBlaster]

I'm looking at a 4905 on Monday for a potential first bus. The current owner only had it set up for 50A shore power. What are my best (reasonable and affordable) options for adding a generator as I'd really like to be able to have options to boondock.

This isn't for full timing but mainly for making the most of the time with our kids before they all move out of the house.

[DoubleEagle]

You simply need to add up the wattage of all the components that you will run simultaneously while going down the road, and then get a generator that will fit that can handle it. Remember, one A/C might keep you cool while parked, but you might need 3 or 4 while on the road on a hot summer day. Some people also get battery banks and inverters to supplement. The insulation level of your coach and how many appliances you have will make a difference. Some people use gas for heat and cooking, but most stick with all electric for convenience and safety. Check the archives and the Bus Conversion Magazine, there is a wealth of information out there. I seriously considered getting a 4905 twenty years ago, but it was sitting next to a Silvereagle, and the rest is history.

[eagle19952]

it's not quite that simple...cooling and fuel type, $$'s and perhaps a medium sized battery bank and inverter/charger might/should be factored in.

many/most boondock sites won't appreciate 24/7 gen ops...

a battery bank will often sustain those periods...

more ideas/thoughts will be along soon.

[TomC]

It is entirely possible to set up a Diesel Generator to be nearly silent. I was walking past a 4905 and felt warm air on my leg-and it was the exhaust for the generator that was running and could not hear it. I put my ear on the bus and then just a little bit of vibration.
Look at the Powertech 8000. Really net compact generator. But for 50 amp, you'll need a 12kw. I have a 12kw for my truck and it is set up as straight 120. Meaning I can have a full 100amps when the generator is running, but only 50 amps on the power pole since everything is wired together. Good Luck, TomC

[Utahclaimjumper]

 I do not agree with Tom,,a 7500 quiet diesel will do just fine,,and also Tom,if your coach is wired for 50 amp,,,you actually have 100 amps total..>>>Dan (50 each side of neutral)

[Beesme]

My Newell has a 12.5kw very quiet with hushbox ...I run it in state parks and no one knows it's on! The pd4106 that's another story lol that has a kabota 8 kw very nice generator but loud!i even run the exhaust the length of coach and up over the roof.

[PastorBlaster]

I know there's no single clear answer as to what's best. Currently the bus has the original ac intact so driving down the road won't necessarily require the overheads (I assume that's right) but obviously keeping the food in the fridge cold and other power needs will be there. It does have a Prosine 1800 inverter currently but I'm assuming that's to switch from the stock 24v to 12v?  I would love a quiet diesel generator but what else would I need with it (hookups/battery banks/etc) to give me the opportunity to run things without land power?

[DoubleEagle]

Cost might be your deciding factor if you are considering a diesel generator, but since you have working coach air, even a small inverter can power a refrigerator to keep things cold since you do not need a bigger generator to power several A/C's. Some people even use smaller gasoline powered generators, such as the quiet Honda's. You have more options at lower cost with working coach A/C.

[Oonrahnjay]

I know there's no single clear answer as to what's best. Currently the bus has the original ac intact so driving down the road won't necessarily require the overheads (I assume that's right) but obviously keeping the food in the fridge cold and other power needs will be there. It does have a Prosine 1800 inverter currently but I'm assuming that's to switch from the stock 24v to 12v?  I would love a quiet diesel generator but what else would I need with it (hookups/battery banks/etc) to give me the opportunity to run things without land power? 

     OK, assuming that you're happy to only having A/C available with the engine running, you're good on that.  At times when you want power boondocking and can run a generator, you're fine -- just fire up the generator and you're set.  If you are sure that you'll never want enough power for A/C when the engine isn't running, a small generator like a Honda 2000 or Honda 3000 Inverter should fill your needs.  (Whether you're prepared to install a gasoline tank and fuel system may be another issue.) 
     Assuming that you'll want to have 120V power for coffee maker, microwave, you can make do on the Prosine inverter.   It will convert from battery power (you're sure that the prosine is 24V input, right?) to 120V to power the 120V items.  The only problem is that 1800 watts isn't a lot.  You'd have to turn all the other items off to run coffee maker or microwave on 1800 watts, then when you're finished using the big appliances, you can turn the other items back on again.  Obviously, while possible, this is fiddly and may be hard to do with a family of young people on board.  Also, how many watts does your refrigerator draw?  You may need to switch that off, too, while you're using the larger-draw appliances. 
      For running boondocking operations off the inverter without the generator on, you'll also need a battery bank and other items such as a transfer switch, breaker boxes, etc.
      How is the Prosine set up?  Does it draw power from your starter-batteries (i.e. the batteries that are charged by the engine running and power the starter, engine, lights, etc.)

[TomC]

My bus is wired straight 120vac 2 wire. Meaning-if I hook up a 50 amp straight through, I'll get 240vac and blow everything out. Hence, my generator is wired 4 wire 50amp (2 positive, 2 common) but all the same frequency. I do have a 50 amp plug, but only use one side to keep with straight 120vac wiring. It makes life so much simpler not having to worry about "balancing" the load out-especially when running the generator. Good Luck, TomC