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Topic: Backup Generator (Read 892 times) previous topic - next topic

Backup Generator

 Has anybody used  their motorhome generator as a back up For their storage garage heat?  If so how did you vent the exhaust out of the garage?
Linda & Randy Kemink
1996 ForeTravel U295 CAI
Build #4845
MC #17912
2017 Chevy Silverado High Country

Re: Backup Generator

Reply #1 –

I use an 11 ft 2x1/2" exhaust hose.  It is a bigger diameter than the exhaust pipe from the generator so I cut off about 4" and threaded it into the 2-1/2" end which made a smaller opening.  I use a hose clamp to make it snug.  It runs out of the coach house through a 4" hole in the wall (covered up when not being used).  It works very well.  When it is new and the exhaust heats it up it will smell a but like hot rubber for a short while.

I also have a 4" hose with a 4"-5" adapter for the main engine exhaust. I use it anytime the engine is running in the coach house (barn) whether the doors are open or not.

Garage Exhaust Flare-Lok Rubber Duct Hose, Black, 2.5" ID, 11' Length:...



This is mainly for running the generator once a month in the winter.  When running it charges batteries and heats the Aqua Hot and the coach. If you are heating the barn with electric heat or your heater needs electricity the generator might work, I think the biggest circuit is 20 amps.

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Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Backup Generator

Reply #2 –
If you mean by using gen as backup electric power, we ran a 50-amp 'buddy' plug from our main breaker box on spare new breakers.

Re: Backup Generator

Reply #3 –
Hi Barry,

So a 50 amp circuit from the main panel with a new breaker to an RV style 50 amp receptacle that you can plug in a 50 amp RV cord with the right plugs.

Where did you put the 50 amp receptacle?  How did you route the 50 amp cable to that location.

I want to add a feed into the house for some circuits in the event of a long power outage.

Thanks,

We hope you folks are doing well.

Roger
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN
 

Re: Backup Generator

Reply #4 –
Roger,  I did not have a specific need for the buddy plug, but wanted to be prepared.  Also wanted to have outlet weather proof and did not want the outlet in the way, as it may never be used.

Several years ago, our generator radiator failed in Quartzsite and a couple of neighbor Foretravelers allowed us to plug into them so we could stay and have power when they ran their gen, so we wanted to be prepared if someone had a similar need.  BTW, the only outlet we could use on one coach was their block heater outlet.

We wanted a SO-type cable and a molded outlet, so we purchased a short 50-amp extension, cut off and discarded the male plug.  Drilled hole in engine side of under-bed electrical area, near curb side through insulation.  Inserted cable cut off end into electrical area and then into main panel to a new double 220-volt breaker inserted into an open position.  We decided to use a lower than 50-amp breaker as we did not want another load to use all our current.  We keep breaker off.

Our coach has start battery bank located in the traditional location behind rear tires on curb side behind small compartment door.  We located the molded female 50-amp outlet just above the start batteries, wrapped in a plastic bag to help weather proof the outlet.  Cable ties secured the cable end, which will be removed to use cables.

This was a straight forward installation, with biggest 'problem' routing cable into main breaker panel rear cutout.  So far we have not used this outlet, but understand that it will be a BIG lifesaver for your home.  But the next step is where to connect into your home power, but we will not go there as many are not happy with non-standard connections.

We are both fine, just left 12-days at Quartzsite are now in Yuma for few days, and plan to be in San Diego's Mission Bay/Pacific Beach for a couple of months.