2003 Chinook Premier - no factory generator

[sraab928]

Thanks for all the tips- main use for the generator would be for running the ac going down the road for the rear passengers. It gets quite hot here in Florida and this will be a day trip vehicle. I have looked at the yeti potable power stations as an option with some solar panels on the roof - but not sure if thats the right route or now - we are also considering adding a honda generator with an exhaust kit - but once again not committed to any one direction yet. I feel happy with the $25k that I paid for this rig regardless of the generator situation.

[chin_k]

That's right, Blue, it does not have to be automatic, but some kind of transfer switch (manual, or ATS) must be installed if you have more than one source of AC to make sure no one in the campsite fixing the electric outage will get electrocuted by your genset.

sraab928, are you saying there is no solar panel on your rig?

[Blue~Go]

You may already realize this, but a Chinook doesn't really have safe passenger accomodations (beyond the cab). Sure, there are seatbelts, but they are pretty token (lap belts, you are facing sideways or a hard table, furniture is not built like actual seating for a vehicle, no head cushions, etc.). I wouldn't have bought my Chinook if I were planning to have passengers in the rear. That's a personal decision, obviously, but I wanted to bring it up at least.

If I were going to be using an RV for passengers (beyond the cab), I would look at something like a Sportsmobile (certain layouts), or a Sprinter or similar based vehicle that has actual vehicle seats, shoulder belts, etc. in the rear. They may also have "dash" air that reaches the rear area. Some of the Euro type layout have the rear passenger seating right behind the cab which would be nice for conversation. Real seats, facing forward, shoulder belts, head support, etc.

[Blue~Go]

That's right, Blue, it does not have to be automatic, but some kind of transfer switch (manual, or ATS) must be installed if you have more than one source of AC to make sure no one in the campsite fixing the electric outage will get electrocuted by your genset.

Exactly. The outcome is that you want to only be able to select one source for "shore" type power, whether it be generator, power post, etc. Manual selectors have various ways (knob you can only turn to one position at a time, guard you have to slide so only one can be on, etc.) to do so, or there is an automatic switch such as that built into the brown box. They are a component that can be replaced (you have to pull the brown box out as it's on the rearish portion). Boats usually use manual select, so I was more familiar with that from pre-Chinook days.

[Scott]

That's right, Blue, it does not have to be automatic, but some kind of transfer switch (manual, or ATS) must be installed...

You actually don't need a switch. Just wire a TT30 outlet directly to the generator and plug the shore cord into that.

[chin_k]

You actually don't need a switch. Just wire a TT30 outlet directly to the generator and plug the shore cord into that.

True, but I think that is kind of difficult if you do not want to stop the rig, and try to start the genset while in motion. My understand is that the OP wants to be close to what we have from Trail Wagon. Remember he is thinking about putting an exhaust kit on a Honda?

[Scott]

True, but I think that is kind of difficult if you do not want to stop the rig, and try to start the genset while in motion.

Put the outlet in the shore cord storage compartment and just leave it plugged in ....

[sraab928]

As an update - here are pics - it appears the factory prewired and prepped for it including gas line - the build sheet confirmed it came without one -

[sraab928]

[chin_k]

That is good news. How about wiring for the remote switch near the driver seat, wiring for the remote by the closet near the smoke detector? The one by the driver seat can be a pain to fish the wire if Trail Wagons did not have the wiring there already.