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Topic: Is there a place to add a generator in a 1988 22' LD? (Read 2124 times) previous topic - next topic
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Is there a place to add a generator in a 1988 22' LD?
Hi all,

I was just wondering if there was a place in a 1988 22' LD to install a generator if it didn't come with one from the factory.

Thank you.

Mimi
Save a life.
Adopting a pet is the closest a human
will ever come to choosing a relative.
hsus.org  aspca.org
1992 Lazy Daze T/K  23.5' Ford 460 c.i.d./7.6 liter V8 engine, electronic fuel injection, E4OD 4-speed auto transmission
Full time 6/2017
Re: Is there a place to add a generator in a 1988 22' LD?
Reply #1 –
Quote from: Opuntia  - 
I was just wondering if there was a place in a 1988 22' LD to install a generator if it didn't come with one from the factory.

Yes but it is going to be very expensive $$$$.
Mounting trays are not available for your rig anymore, so you will need to find a used one or have one made.
It's huge job. If you want a generator, find an LD with one.
You can thank me later.
And if you think that maybe a small portable generator will do the trick, they have all sorts of problems too.
Such as where to store the gas and how to keep the generator from disappearing, even when chained to a mean dog .

Searching any of the topics that you have as newbie will provide you with a wealth of information.
The LD Companion too is great place to send some quality time, learning about LDs.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Is there a place to add a generator in a 1988 22' LD?
Reply #2 –
Quote from: Larry Wade  - 
Yes but it is going to be very expensive $$$$.
Searching any of the topics that you have as newbie will provide you with a wealth of information.
The LD Companion too is great place to send some quality time, learning about LDs.

Larry

Well, you don't have to hit -me- over the head with a hammer.:-)  I think I'll let that little LD I saw just pass me by:-)  Yes, I'll start studying the the LD Companion, immediately.:-)  Thanks.

...chained to a mean dog rofl

Mimi
Save a life.
Adopting a pet is the closest a human
will ever come to choosing a relative.
hsus.org  aspca.org
1992 Lazy Daze T/K  23.5' Ford 460 c.i.d./7.6 liter V8 engine, electronic fuel injection, E4OD 4-speed auto transmission
Full time 6/2017
Re: Is there a place to add a generator in a 1988 22' LD?
Reply #3 –
In the older LDs with generators watch your GVWR closely. Those things are heavy, and the E350 chassis don't have a lot of excess capacity, especially the 26-1/2 model.
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: Is there a place to add a generator in a 1988 22' LD?
Reply #4 –
Quote from: paul banbury  - 
In the older LDs with generators watch your GVWR closely. Those things are heavy, and the E350 chassis don't have a lot of excess capacity, especially the 26-1/2 model.

I do want to tow my Honda Element, so I was concerned about this. I did read about other people with LD's from the 80's towing cars without any problem, but I was a little leery about it.  Maybe a V-10 is the minimum I should look at since I'm towing?  I don't need to go fast, but I don't want to have problems getting out of the way if need be.
Save a life.
Adopting a pet is the closest a human
will ever come to choosing a relative.
hsus.org  aspca.org
1992 Lazy Daze T/K  23.5' Ford 460 c.i.d./7.6 liter V8 engine, electronic fuel injection, E4OD 4-speed auto transmission
Full time 6/2017
Re: Is there a place to add a generator in a 1988 22' LD?
Reply #5 –
Guys might look at it differently, but if I wanted to tow, I would DEFINITELY not consider less than a V-10.  This means a newer model year, with the accompanying improvements.  I've had a 1985 TK and now a 2005 RB - there are lots of differences in those twenty years.

The price of an older rig may seem attractive, but you will "pay" with almost certainly required extra maintenance and fix-ups to bring it up to a safe and reliable standard.  If at all possible, buy in the 2000's model years.  You will be glad you did.


   Virtual hugs,

   Judie
2015 Leisure Travel Unity (Sally Forth) - 2024 -
2009 Pleasure-Way Excel TS (Joyce) - 2019 - 2024
2018 Sportsmobile - (Hopper) 2023 - 2024
2005 RB (Dorrie Anne) - 2009-2022, 1985 TK (Gertie) - 1991-2001
1999 Mountain Aire (Francine) - 2001 - 2009
Re: Is there a place to add a generator in a 1988 22' LD?
Reply #6 –
Two other opinions, worth exactly what you've paid:

1.  I see many cable-TV vans (Chevy work vans's, for instance) with an Onan tucked between the frame rails, where the spare tire usually hangs.  If that chassis has room there, at least you know that there exists a mounting solution that is road-worthy and pre-engineered.  Whether you can find and buy one is another matter, of course.  And the wiring/inverter/switcher issue remains as well.

2.  If the LD has a 'continental kit' for the spare tire, you could move the spare to below the vehicle (like a Suburban or pickup) and install a couple Honda 2000 eu inverter generators in a rack within that cavity, and plumb a 10/12 gal fuel cell as backup gas storage, underneath as well.  Surgery still involved, but they would be hidden from the casual observer, and extra gas storage would be pretty safe in a fuel cell.  Wiring would be easiest via standard input, and you'd probably have to remove them from the rack for use. 

Finding one with an installed generator is always the easier solution, of course.

Chip
2000 Front Lounge
Re: Is there a place to add a generator in a 1988 22' LD?
Reply #7 –
Dissenting view on the V10. I do and would not hesitate to tow with a 460 Ford. Plenty of torque and HP. Tranny is not bullet proof but can be made stronger and is adequate. Only issue is the GVWR on the old E350.
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: Is there a place to add a generator in a 1988 22' LD?
Reply #8 –
Quote from: Chip Chester  - 
1.  I see many cable-TV vans (Chevy work vans's, for instance) with an Onan tucked between the frame rails, where the spare tire usually hangs.   Whether you can find and buy one is another matter, of course.  And the wiring/inverter/switcher issue remains as well.
2.  If the LD has a 'continental kit' for the spare tire, you could move the spare to below the vehicle (like a Suburban or pickup) and install a couple Honda 2000 eu inverter generators in a rack within that cavity, and plumb a 10/12 gal fuel cell as backup gas storage, underneath as well. 
Each LD has a particular spot for the generator, no matter if it's there or not.
They are engineered for a particular generator, based upon the available carrier mount.
These mounts are no longer available and generic mounts, such as what service truck use either will not fit or will need modification.  The older LDs were designed to fit Onan Emerald generators, which are no longer available.
A later model generator can used but will require extensive work to make it fit.
This is going to be a big job, meaning a big bill, unless the owner has the technical ability to do it themselves.

As for storing two Honda 2000s in the spare tire area, there isn't enough height available plus that's where the spare tire is mounted in most LDs.  Most LDs have a holding tank under the rear end and do not have room available to hang a spare tire.
Installing a fuel cell is also going to be a big deal, especially figuring out how to fuel it safely.

This topic been beat to death on the forum, over the last 15 years. There isn't an easy way to add a generator
Most purchasers of older LDs usually do not have the several thousand dollars needed to properly install a generator, if they did, they probably would wise up and buy a newer rig, that already has a generator.
That said, many of us owned older  LDs and lived without generators, even when solar systems were limited in size.
With several solar panels, you can have most of the power you need, as long as if A/C isn't a necessity .

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Is there a place to add a generator in a 1988 22' LD?
Reply #9 –
Quote from: paul banbury  - 
Dissenting view on the V10. I do and would not hesitate to tow with a 460 Ford. Plenty of torque and HP. Tranny is not bullet proof but can be made stronger and is adequate. Only issue is the GVWR on the old E350.
The  460 V8 and E4OD transmission are OK but the later 6.8-L V10s and 4L100 transmissions are better, in both performance and longevity. 
The E4OD wasn't known for it's longevity but it was redesigned, resulting in the 4L100 transmission.
Next generation drivetrains usually have significant upgrades.
If buying rig with a 460 V8, do have the exhaust manifolds inspected for warping and/or leakage.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Is there a place to add a generator in a 1988 22' LD?
Reply #10 –
Quote from: Judie Ashford  - 
Guys might look at it differently, but if I wanted to tow, I would DEFINITELY not consider less than a V-10.  This means a newer model year, with the accompanying improvements.  I've had a 1985 TK and now a 2005 RB - there are lots of differences in those twenty years.

The price of an older rig may seem attractive, but you will "pay" with almost certainly required extra maintenance and fix-ups to bring it up to a safe and reliable standard.  If at all possible, buy in the 2000's model years.  You will be glad you did.


   Virtual hugs,

   Judie
Well Judie, I'm with you there.  I'd like to have 400hp in my LD whether I use it or not!:-)  I'd like to have 400hp in my Element!  I do like the idea of having too much power vs too little power, but I just don't want to spend that much money on my rig.  I'm looking for a good, solid LD, the best I can find, from the early 90's.  I know I'll have to put money into it but, I was planning on that anyway so, I'll just have to give it a try and see what happens!:-)

Thanks...

Mimi
Save a life.
Adopting a pet is the closest a human
will ever come to choosing a relative.
hsus.org  aspca.org
1992 Lazy Daze T/K  23.5' Ford 460 c.i.d./7.6 liter V8 engine, electronic fuel injection, E4OD 4-speed auto transmission
Full time 6/2017
Re: Is there a place to add a generator in a 1988 22' LD?
Reply #11 –
Quote from: Chip Chester  - 
Two other opinions, worth exactly what you've paid:

1.  I see many cable-TV vans (Chevy work vans's, for instance) with an Onan tucked between the frame rails...

Finding one with an installed generator is always the easier solution, of course.

Chip

Chip, that all sounds so scary to me.:-)  I can picture dropping my generator on the freeway as I'm driving because I picked the wrong guy to do the work! lol  You are far more astute at these mechanical things than I am so, I will probably try to find one with a generator because things will certainly get messed up if I'm left to handle this myself! :-)

Thank you...:-)<---laughing at my acute lack of mechanical understanding and ability>

Mimi
Save a life.
Adopting a pet is the closest a human
will ever come to choosing a relative.
hsus.org  aspca.org
1992 Lazy Daze T/K  23.5' Ford 460 c.i.d./7.6 liter V8 engine, electronic fuel injection, E4OD 4-speed auto transmission
Full time 6/2017
Re: Is there a place to add a generator in a 1988 22' LD?
Reply #12 –
Quote from: paul banbury  - 
Dissenting view on the V10. I do and would not hesitate to tow with a 460 Ford. Plenty of torque and HP. Tranny is not bullet proof but can be made stronger and is adequate. Only issue is the GVWR on the old E350.
Is there a reference document in the forum that would help me determine whether or not a 460 Ford can pull my Element?  I don't want to sell it if I can avoid it. If I love my LD, then I'll do what's necessary to bolster things so I can keep my car.

Thanks...

Mimi
Save a life.
Adopting a pet is the closest a human
will ever come to choosing a relative.
hsus.org  aspca.org
1992 Lazy Daze T/K  23.5' Ford 460 c.i.d./7.6 liter V8 engine, electronic fuel injection, E4OD 4-speed auto transmission
Full time 6/2017
Re: Is there a place to add a generator in a 1988 22' LD?
Reply #13 –
Quote from: Larry Wade  - 
The  460 V8 and E4OD transmission are OK but the later 6.8-L V10s and 4L100 transmissions are better, in both performance and longevity.
If buying rig with a 460 V8, do have the exhaust manifolds inspected for warping and/or leakage.

Larry
Okay and should the transmission be tested as well?  Who does these kinds of inspections?  How do you find someone who is qualified to work on an older 460 Ford?

Thanks...

Mimi
Save a life.
Adopting a pet is the closest a human
will ever come to choosing a relative.
hsus.org  aspca.org
1992 Lazy Daze T/K  23.5' Ford 460 c.i.d./7.6 liter V8 engine, electronic fuel injection, E4OD 4-speed auto transmission
Full time 6/2017
Re: Is there a place to add a generator in a 1988 22' LD?
Reply #14 –
Mimi I have found transmission shops to work on various vehicles by asking local antique and show car owners at club meetings, which are often held at local Walmarts, banks, dealers. Then I visit the shop and inquire how many of my model trans they have worked on, and for referrals to fleet businesses like ambulances, logging companies. This has worked out great for me.

I have no problem with our local Ford dealer, and a couple of small shops who work on, again, logger's trucks.  I like to patronize clean, organized shops with techs who are not pissed off at work. Experienced ones who don't rely on the computer for their analysis of a problem.
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: Is there a place to add a generator in a 1988 22' LD?
Reply #15 –
Opuntia, no shame in wanting to shy away.

But as a data point, here's what Onan considers highway-safe for one of their other generators:
Cummins Onan Underfloor Mounting Kit Microlite KV - Norwall PowerSystems

4 bolts (in shear) to the generator bottom plate, 4 bolts (in tension) thru floor, presumably with washers/plates to distribute the load somewhat, and two diagonal braces to minimize oscillation.  The prevention of small movements is important, as it guards against metal fatigue, hardening, and subsequent cracking.  Were I to engineer something myself, I think I would go a little further than their offering, basically for control of the item in the event of a crash.  Lots of inertia in that item.  I would tend to mimic commercial frame mount trailer hitches.  I would tend not to mimic LD's frame extension techniques.

Here's a brochure outlining other mounting options, including slide-out mounts for full service access.  Won't work thru a standard LD access hole, of course, but it gives you an idea of what's possible if you, or your service professional, choose to go down that path. 

Note that there are similar undercoach frame-rail mounting systems for coach batteries, too, that would allow you to bulk up on battery capacity for longer genny-free operation.  Service access is not as convenient, and they are still heavy, so you have to consider that. 

And, since it's been noted that the topic has been done to death, a search of previous posts should show both successful and unsuccessful approaches to the problem.  How much stuff is packed beneath the coach varies from model to model.  There's still a surprising amount of room beneath my shorty 2000 FL. 

Chip
2000 Front Lounge
Re: Is there a place to add a generator in a 1988 22' LD?
Reply #16 –
Quote from: Chip Chester  - 
Opuntia, no shame in wanting to shy away.

But as a data point, here's what Onan considers highway-safe for one of their other generators:
Cummins Onan Underfloor Mounting Kit Microlite KV - Norwall PowerSystems

...And, since it's been noted that the topic has been done to death, a search of previous posts should show both successful and unsuccessful approaches to the problem.  How much stuff is packed beneath the coach varies from model to model.  There's still a surprising amount of room beneath my shorty 2000 FL. 

Chip
I've always worried about modifying factory installed equipment because, unlike you, I don't have the expertise to insure it's done correctly or, whether it should even be done at all.  From everything I've read, it seems feasible, but do I want to add strain to a transmission and engine that is already taxed by towing a car?  I think I might be asking for trouble and I truly to try to avoid that these days.:-)  I am ashamedly backing away.:-)

Thanks....

Mimi
Save a life.
Adopting a pet is the closest a human
will ever come to choosing a relative.
hsus.org  aspca.org
1992 Lazy Daze T/K  23.5' Ford 460 c.i.d./7.6 liter V8 engine, electronic fuel injection, E4OD 4-speed auto transmission
Full time 6/2017
Re: Is there a place to add a generator in a 1988 22' LD?
Reply #17 –
Mimi,
I'm not in love with on-board generators, although I have two.  I did remove a generator from an RV because it was a PITA and replaced it with a portable.  I turned the generator space into storage and discovered that portable is the way to go for me.

Honda makes a couple of really nice portable generators.  The EU2000 is one of the most reliable generators I have owned.  The EU300 is even nicer and is super quiet.  It is really nice to be able to drop the generator at a lawnmower shop for a tune up vs. having to drop the entire RV at a RV mechanic for a generator tune up.

The only things I use a generator for are the microwave and the AC.  Often, we take trips and don't use the generator at all.  Putting a portable on a trailer hitch mounted carrier is really easy as long as you lock it down. Very simple solution.

That's my .02.

Harold

2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life
Re: Is there a place to add a generator in a 1988 22' LD?
Reply #18 –
Quote from: Blueox25  - 
Mimi,
I did remove a generator from an RV because it was a PITA and replaced it with a portable.  I turned the generator space into storage and discovered that portable is the way to go for me. Putting a portable on a trailer hitch mounted carrier is really easy as long as you lock it down. Very simple solution.
Back to the question, where do your carry a sufficient amount of gasoline safely?
You don't want to store it in the exterior storage compartments, in case a can leaks. A gas can on the rear bumper is like a having a bomb sitting there,  waiting for someone to tail end you.
Same goes for storing the gas cans in a toad, leaks happen. A gasoline soaked interior will stink for many months, not to mention the fire or explosion factor.

As to locking a portable down, generators are equal to cash and folks will go a long way to steal them, especially Hondas.
A simple lock can be cut in seconds, with a pair of bolt cutters. Even high-tech cable locks can be removed easily, if you know how.
Ask Andy how long he owned his chained and locked Honda 2000.

Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Is there a place to add a generator in a 1988 22' LD?
Reply #19 –
Larry,
All good points.

We rarely carry more gasoline than just a full tank in the generator since we are not compulsive (frequent) generator users. When it gets low, we fill it at a gas station.

As far as theft is concerned, I agree that it is a very real problem for many.  I put a steel bracket inside the red plastic cover and then cable it down.  No problem yet in 34 years with two generators.  It might be important that the German Shepherd inside is a good alarm for people lurking around our rig and woke us once when we were being robbed in Mexico.  Our Mexican nocturnal visitors were VERY unhappy to meet the dog when I let him out and beat a hasty retreat.  Seven Shepherds have been our companions for 34 years on almost all of our travels.  Our boats, fifth wheel, campers and Lazy Daze wouldn't feel right without a coating of dog hair.

Portable still works the best for me.

Harold
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life
Re: Is there a place to add a generator in a 1988 22' LD?
Reply #20 –
There is likely an easier generator to steal.  Toby likes his generator.
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life
Re: Is there a place to add a generator in a 1988 22' LD?
Reply #21 –
Loved the picture of "Toby"! If he doesn't bite the perp I see that he has other tools as well.   ;D
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Is there a place to add a generator in a 1988 22' LD?
Reply #22 –
"Ask Andy how long he owned his chained and locked Honda 2000."

Six hours. :-(
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Is there a place to add a generator in a 1988 22' LD?
Reply #23 –
That must be a record!
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life
Re: Is there a place to add a generator in a 1988 22' LD?
Reply #24 –
One wonders of the non-genny-equipped LD chassis would have the generator-supply dip tube installed in the vehicle fuel tank, whether or not the generator was installed...  If so, access to the coach fuel supply may be possible with an auxiliary pump.  Quick disconnect or a fuel spigot of some sort (highway approved, of course) would make generator gas storage nearly as safe as vehicle fuel storage.

Regarding security of portable generator --- 6 hours?  Ouch.  So that's a bit over $100/hour, then.

Chip
2000 Front Lounge