post id: 7639178266
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rz

there's a onan microlite 2800? for sale on craigs list? chico ca.? looks the same as mine- $1200
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rz

On Wed, Jul 19, 2023 at 11:09 AM, wme013 wrote:

Now days most Toys are over max weight

Right, so seems like adding frame reinforcement will just make things worse.

And they keep on going even being overweight..

Rob
vwrobb@...

If you are concerned about weight. remember a Toyota Winnebago with a factory generator install, you could not get a microwave AND a spare tire.? Only one or the other.
It was a CYA thing
Now days most Toys are over max weight?

On Tue, Jul 18, 2023 at 12:04 PM, Buzz Lightyear wrote:

RE:? I have a rack that goes in the trailer hitch, that has a platform and a bike rack. I had my frame extensions reinforced.
I have a Wen 2350watt generator


This, I think, is probably the easiest solution to implement.

For those of you who have done this... how much weight did the frame extensions reinforcement add to the vehicle empty weight?

These things are close to their rated gross weight when empty, as is.? Do we really want to add more weight?

On my Granville it had a large extended platform on the rear welded to the frame so the Honda fit perfectly on the platform. Not many Toy Homes have that option. Most Toy bumpers are flimsy and Not welded to the frame! I would highly recommend a weld and not just bolts. There is a lot of bouncing around back there. The Honda ran my AC and refrigerator while driving with No Problems!

RE:? I have a rack that goes in the trailer hitch, that has a platform and a bike rack. I had my frame extensions reinforced.
I have a Wen 2350watt generator


This, I think, is probably the easiest solution to implement. As I recall, getting a tow hitch receiver welded to the frame rails was a few hundred dollars.
Harbor Freight sells hitch cargo carriers for relatively cheap. The wiring is a few tens of dollars in parts and minimal labor.

No alternator modifications (or replacement of the secondary air pump with another alternator, as described elsewhere here, which is technically
a violation of emissions laws and will cause a smog test failure in any state that does visual inspection). No need for ridiculously thick (and expensive
at $10 per linear foot) wiring. No need to engineer connections between the thick wires and components designed to accommodate much smaller
wire sizes. Plus you have a portable generator which can be used in other situations where electric power is required (make sure you keep it
secure, generator theft is a common problem in camping situations).

Buzz L.
Phoenix, AZ

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About $1500.00:?

My truck AC works great, but on hot days the kids in the coach would still get warm, especially in the cab over. Whoever was in the front seats needed to wear sweatshirts...ha. So, this is what I ended up with after years of tweaking.?I have a rack that goes in the trailer hitch, that has a platform and a bike rack. I had my frame extensions reinforced.
I have a Wen 2350watt generator. I went with it over the Honda just due to the weight...the price helped too. The Wen only weighs 39lbs. I cut the wire going from the inverter to the AC located under the couch, and installed heavy duty male-female connectors. Then I fished another, same gauge wire, back behind the sink & furnace and drilled a hole next to where the propane line exits the coach. I put a male plug on the end that plugs into the generator and a female plug on the other end under the couch. When we are camping, we just connect the male & female of the original wire that we cut. When they are plugged together, its just like the original setup. When we are going down the road we just unplug the original setup and plug the female end of the wire that runs from the generator into the male that goes to the AC. The generator runs ONLY the AC, it does not run the invertor or anything else in the coach. I also installed a soft start to the AC unit. Everything works nicely together.

The Wen only holds about 1 gallon of fuel. The rack that houses the generator has a place for my 1 gallon gas can. That 1 gallon lasts longer than the fuel stop interval of the motorhome. When we stop for fuel, I fill the generator back up with the gas can, then I refill the motorhome & gas can at the same time. It is the least inconvenient way that we have thought of so far. Like I said, we have been tweaking our setup over the years. Not saying its the best way, but it is the best way that my little pee brain has come up with.....so far. Ha

I can send pix if it will help anyone.
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JohnJab01

On Mon, Jul 17, 2023 at 09:54 AM, Buzz Lightyear wrote:

1) The "bumper" mounted on the back is not a strong structure, so putting substantial extra weight on it risks damaging it. This is
not an issue if the structure supporting the load (e.g. a tow hitch) is welded to the frame itself.

On my Warrior (1991 V6), the rear bumper is a square steel pipe that also carries the holding tank drain hose.? I can imagine LOTS of things that will break long before that length of steel pipe does.? What seems to be of the most concern (around here and elsewhere) are the frame extensions that support the rear end of the house.? Those things aren't very sturdy-looking and the thought is that it won't take much extra weight to bend them or break the weld to the main frame.? I don't recall running into anyone who has actually had that happen, though.

I think concerns about putting moderate additoinal weight at the far rear of a Toyhome is somewhat overblown. In terms of the additional burden
on the frame/chassis, it's little different than having a 200-lb passenger sitting in the rearmost interior space (e.g. my Dolphin was a rear dinette
setup, so people could sit right next to the rear coach wall). Nobody raises a fuss about passenger placement.

Yeah, but you're probably not going to have anyone sitting back there when underway, right?? Besides being illegal in most so-called "click-it-or-ticket" jurisdictions (nanny seat belt laws) unless you have approved seat belts installed back there, my guess is it's probably not recommended by the manufacturer for the same reason towing a trailer is not recommended.? Again, probably something that lots of folks tell you not to do but no one has had any first-hand knowledge of any problems that resulted from doing it.

Re: Mounting generator to the bumper

I misspoke. When I thought of "mounting it to the bumper", I was thnking of my old Dolphin where I had a tow hitch welded to the frame upon which
I installed a mesh metal platform. I used that to haul my bicycle (and occaional odds and ends). My bicycle was about 25 lbs. A 2000W generator
is probably in the range of 40-60 lbs., so I think it would be OK in such a setup.

There are two separate issues with respect to putting additional weight on the back of Toyhomes or using them for towing:

1) The "bumper" mounted on the back is not a strong structure, so putting substantial extra weight on it risks damaging it. This is
not an issue if the structure supporting the load (e.g. a tow hitch) is welded to the frame itself.

2) Toyhomes are very near the chassis' maximum design weight limit even when unladen. Adding a trailer usually means exceeding that limit, so the
engine, transmission, brakes, etc. are dealing with an excessive load. Despite that, many Toyhome owners do tow small trailers with their units and
report they encounter minimal issues.

I think concerns about putting moderate additoinal weight at the far rear of a Toyhome is somewhat overblown. In terms of the additional burden
on the frame/chassis, it's little different than having a 200-lb passenger sitting in the rearmost interior space (e.g. my Dolphin was a rear dinette
setup, so people could sit right next to the rear coach wall). Nobody raises a fuss about passenger placement.

Good luck,

Buzz L.
Phoenix, AZ

I have two thoughts to add to this discussion.??
Re: converting the cab AC to R-134a:? Unless you convert ALL the components of the AC system, it will never keep as cold and the original R-12 refrigerant where you are in the humid south.? The "kits" basically only convert the filler valves, and are not as complete as what you will need for a full R-134a conversion (like a R-134 compressor).? $2000 is not all that too high to "do it right."? Shop around and you might find it for maybe a bit less.?

An Onan built-in generator is the most convenient way to go.? The (now-discontinued) model called "Camp Power" is what we installed in our Winnebago in place of the Kohler.? It is a bit narrower than the Onan "Microlite" model.? If you can find a certified refurbished used one (perhaps $1000, plus install), that would be my recommendation over a bumper-mounted portable generator that you have to keep re-filling with gas.? Too much extension and weight on the rear is not a good idea, especially if it is bouncing up and down on just one hitch point.

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On Sun, Jul 16, 2023 at 04:43 PM, <fld@...> wrote:

Eric in NH (who occasionally tows a small landscaping trailer with a motorscooter, and so far no problems)

Naturally, I meant "tow the scooter on the trailer, with the toyhouse"...

On Sun, Jul 16, 2023 at 03:26 PM, Buzz Lightyear wrote:

I think the idea of mounting a 2000W generator on the bumper is probably simpler to implement.

OK, but then don't you run into the same issues as when trying to tow a trailer?? The weight on the bumper is momentarily multiplied many times when going over bumps and frost heaves, etc.? The general consensus around here seems to be that the frame extensions aren't designed to take that, which is why people keep saying to never try to tow a trailer.

Eric in NH (who occasionally tows a small landscaping trailer with a motorscooter, and so far no problems)

Re: Running 2000W coach A/C off the alternator.

The limiting factor here is probably not the alternator (some automotive electrical shops will rebuild alternators for higher capacity).

For example,



Instead, the expense and complication of purchasing and fitting the "fat wires" you need to make it work will be prohibitive.

You'll need two gauge 3/0 or one gauge 6/0 wires to carry the current. To picture this, you either need two wires the diameter
of your index finger, or one wire the diameter of your thumb. You will also have to run ground cables of similar diameter
between the inverter and the chassis, and between the chassis and the negative post of the battery.

I think the idea of mounting a 2000W generator on the bumper is probably simpler to implement.

Good luck,

Buzz L.
Phoenix, AZ
Former '86 Dolphin, '89 HiLux, and '96 Tacoma owner

Mine was an 11.5 BTU unit with the optional heater.

I don't know what the 2000 dollar repair for your AC system included but I am seeing kits available online in the 300 dollar range. Probably need a few more things but it shouldn't come to 2 grand

My daughter had her AC replaced in her Grand Caravan not that long ago. It also was all bad. Very difficult access, lots of extra work moving things out of the way. She paid less than $1500. Toyota trucks are easy access. This system is for 134 refrigerant too.
Linda S