Installation Instructions for an RV Generator
The term recreational vehicle, or RV, is used to describe A-, B- or C-Class motorhomes and some towed travel trailers. They will typically have a manufacturer-fitted generator or a cargo bay preconfigured to accept one as an option. Generac-Guardian, Powermate and Cummins-Onan are the RV industry's usual generator suppliers. "RV generator" is a loose term used to describe units which run at comparatively high revolutions per minute (RPM) while creating a comparatively low volume of operational noise. Installing a generator into a generator-ready bay, or a bay which has previously held a generator, is a complicated project.
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Things You'll Need
- Generator
- Fuel line
- Exhaust/muffler system
- Wire
- Terminal connectors
- Rocker switch
- Lawnmower battery
- Battery tray and securing strap
- 30- or 50-amp outlet
- Manufacturer's literature
- Automotive toolkit
- Wire cutters
- Wire strippers
Instructions
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1
Determine the best location for the RV generator to be installed. Ideally use the cargo bay from which a previous generator has been removed, or a generator-ready location as described by your RV manufacturer. These places will have pre-installed wiring harnesses and a capped-off fuel supply line, and may even have an exhaust/muffler system.
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2
Install a wiring harness, or check a preexisting wiring harness. You may chose to operate the generator using the switch on the generator's integral control panel, or to incorporate a remote switch which starts and stops the generator from inside the vehicle. If you want a remote switch run a 14-gauge twin-core wire to the location of the remote switch from the generator bay, then follow the switch manufacturer's instructions to wire a rocker switch, properly called a "momentary push" switch, and protected the positive side with an inline 5-amp fuse.
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3
Fit a dedicated starter battery to serve the generator, siting it in a battery tray with a securing strap or clasp. Observe the generator manufacturer's literature concerning the wiring of the battery to the control panel so the generator will charge it when running, like the RV engine's alternator charges the chassis battery. The generator manufacturer's manual should also give specifics on required battery capacity; a riding lawnmower battery is usually adequate.
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4
Run a black six-gauge wire between the negative terminal of the battery to ground, and run six-gauge red wire between the location of the battery to the location of the generator.
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5
Install the generator into the cargo bay. Ensure the mounts are bushed with vibration control inserts to reduce the transfer of vibration from the running generator to the RV. A generator's ground is usually made through the chassis mounts, so ensure contacts are clean and firm. Use all the fasteners supplied with the generator and observe the manufacturer's detailed instructions.
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6
Connect the pre-installed exhaust/muffler system, if fitted. Mating the generator's exhaust port with the exhaust/muffler system inlet may require the insertion of a length of proprietary exhaust hose available from any auto parts store. Exhaust/muffler manufacture is a specialist skill, so if no system is pre-installed have a muffler shop fabricate and install one for you.
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7
Connect the remote starter wires -- if fitted -- to the terminals marked for that purpose, typically located on the generator's control panel. Connect the six-gauge red wire to the battery's positive terminal and to the terminal on the generator marked "live feed" -- or similar. The terminal can usually be found close to the starter motor. Fuel pump, electric choke and starter disconnect controls will typically be automatic, and a fuse panel should also be built in to the unit.
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8
Run three-core type-UF wire rated for the generator's peak amperage from the generator to the cargo bay where the land power cord is stored. Connect the black or red wire to the generator's power outlet, usually close to the cylindrical windings housing or on the control panel. Connect the white negative wire and the green ground wires to their respective terminals as clearly marked by the generator manufacturer.
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9
Connect the wire in the cargo bay to either a 30- or 50-amp outlet as appropriate to your RV, observing all instructions regarding polarity and insulation.
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10
Uncap the preexisting fuel line and connect it to the generator's inlet pipe, which will be located near the carburetor or fuel injection control port. Fuel line manufacture and installation is a potentially dangerous project requiring expertise, so if no line is pre-installed have a specialist shop fabricate and install one for you.
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Tips & Warnings
Protect your wiring from accidental contact and heat damage by encasing it in insulated trunking as sold by autoparts stores and in the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioner (HVAC) aisles of home improvement warehouses.
Generators are heavy. Have an assistant help you lift the generator into the cargo bay.
Hazards are present in this project from electricity, flammable liquids and the corrosive fluid in the battery. Exercise all appropriate cautions and wear protective clothing.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit motorcoach,motorhome,rv image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
