Since you’re toyhauler did not come with a generator you have been hauling around a portable. These work good but some models eat up valuable loading space and may require more tie-downs, not to mention extra gas cans to deal with. So what are you waiting for? It is time to upgrade to an on-board generator for your ever- faithful home away from home. Looking for the easiest, least expensive way to add this up-grade, we went to the good folks at Generac Generators. After telling them what type of trailer we had and what kind of power we were going to require, they suggested their new model QP40LP. There were several reasons for this selection including size but, the first and most important being that we would not have to add a fuel cell to provide gas for the new power plant. We would simply tap into the existing propane lines for the fuel source. Generac also sent out their top R&D technician Craig Johnson to over see the installation, which was taking place at Charlie Echols RV Center in Surprise, Arizona.
The Install
We always try to rate our install features from 1-10 on the difficulty scale. With all things considered we rate this one at a solid 10 and we would recommend having a certified Generac dealer install the generator for you. If you are adding a generator to a rig that did not have one from the factory, you will need to do some fabricating to the new location. Federal standards (and common sense) require that a vapor wall be installed in any compartment housing a system that creates carbon dioxide or the potential for fire. This is for the protection of the occupants. It was this process that gives this install the high difficulty rating. You will have to take pieces of 26 gauge, galvanized sheet metal and fabricate a complete enclosure inside the new compartment. All seams will need to be filled with a high- grade silicone to ensure no leakage occurs to the inside of the rig. The floor will need to be removed for ventilation, while leaving the frame behind to support the new generator. In some cases a vent may need to be added to the compartment door.
This install will require that you “map out” where exhaust, wiring and switches will be placed before you begin. The process will also test your electrical skills if you want to add the automatic transfer switch system to your trailer. This will allow you to use all outlets directly with no need to go outside each time to plug the trailer into the generator when you arrive at your destination.
Since the fuel source for the generator is your LP system (liquid propane), some modifications will need to be completed on the existing lines to provide the gas. We used a gas rated T-joint to provide our hook-up point. One other thing you may need is a bigger regulator to provide enough gas to run all items at the same time. You will need to be a very well rounded technician to complete all phases on this up-grade. With all that said...it was worth every penny!
The Results
CHA-CHING! Our new propane generator was just the ticket we needed. No more portable to deal with, which gave us more floor space in the truck and trailer. We don’t have to go outside and start tugging on the old one to see if it wants to start or not. When we want power it is there at the touch of a button. We have plenty of juice to run the A/C and any other option we want all together and best of all it’s VERY quiet. But here is the unbelievable part, our $3600, which included the complete installation, added about $5000 to the value of the rig. If you have decided to add a generator to your toyhauler and would like more information on the complete line of Generac generators you can call 888-Generac or visit www.guardiangenerators.com.
-THM
