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Member
Posts: 21
Location: SE Georgia | Are generators worth it? Most of the places that we go to have hooks and they don't allow you to use the generator. If I used a generator, it would be at a small 1 day show. And, I only use it for fans to blow on me while sitting outside in a chair. Is it worth the extra expense if you have not used one for the last 5 years? We are having a trailer built and my thought process is, install the "parts" for it, but not get one. And, if you did, roof or floor mount? |
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Veteran
Posts: 203
Location: Lander WY | Like they say "if you haven't used it in the last year, you don't need it" IMO floor mount all the way- far easier to service and monitor operation. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 720
| And don't install the parts without getting one. Other than maybe the actual compartment, it is no harder or more expensive to install them when you actually need them, as opposed to spending money you'll likely never use. I see lots of used trailers for sale that are pre-wired for generators..... |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 714
Location: Minnesota | From the sound of it, I wouldn't bother. Installing parts or even the compartment without the genset will not increase the value of your trailer and just an added expense. A portable generator such as a Honda or Yamaha EU2000 will be be just as handy and can be purchased for the costs you would incur preparing for the built in. They are also light weight and handy so you have them available to use other than your horse trailer. |
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 Veteran
Posts: 259
Location: Topeka Ks | The game we play is difficult to cost justify. Personally, I would focus on needs and wants when you’re building a trailer. Make sure your trailer has all your needs, then if your budget allows look at the wants column and pick some stuff that will make your life better at a show. My trailer didn’t have a generator when I bought it and I installed a unit. Now I don’t use it much, but they are worth their weight in gold when you need power. For example, I carry an electric impact wrench in case I need to change a flat. Fire the genset and pull the trigger.Best wishes. jg |
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Expert
Posts: 3802
 
Location: Rocky Mount N.C. | I get by using a Yamaha EF3000iSEB portable inverter generator, haul it in the back of the truck, trailer, etc.... Three different trailers, one generator. It runs alot in the summer months at day show running fans to cool the horses down and to run the AC in the dressing room. This generator probably has at least 2000 hours of run time on it, hour meter stopped working at 1700+ hours. Running Mobil 1 full synthetic 10W30 engine oil. Never had a problem other than replacing a couple batteries, unit is around 10 years old. http://www.yamahamotorsports.com/outdoor/products/modelspecs/444/0/specs.aspx Now that being said... If I were already spending a pile of cash building a new LQ trailer, I would spec a Cummins Onan RV QG 5500 EFI gasoline powered generator mounted on a slide out tray in a lower side compartment behind or above the rear axles with a minimum of 30 gallon permanantly mounted gasoline tank. All prewired with monitors in the LQ, ready to go at the flip of a switch. Get it all now, it will cost alot more a couple years down the road trying to get it all retrofitted..... What will your new trailer be like? LQ size, number of horses, make of trailer, etc...? |
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Expert
Posts: 1351
Location: Decatur, Texas | Originally written by 3canstorun on 2013-11-18 7:57 AM Are generators worth it? Most of the places that we go to have hooks and they don't allow you to use the generator. If I used a generator, it would be at a small 1 day show. And, I only use it for fans to blow on me while sitting outside in a chair. Is it worth the extra expense if you have not used one for the last 5 years? We are having a trailer built and my thought process is, install the "parts" for it, but not get one. And, if you did, roof or floor mount? In MY opinion, I will never buy another trailer that does not already have a generator built it.... We have a trailer now that does not have one but I have to carry an Onan P4300i with us everywhere because we never know when we might end up staying over from time to time...Plus I would much rather pay the money up front to know I have it when I need it, then when I get ready to upgrade my trailer it will be worth more cause the generator is already there..... I have priced having a generator install on my trailer now and the price is about $1500 to $2000 MORE than it would have been if I bought the trailer new with the generator already installed. |
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Expert
Posts: 3853
Location: Vermont | Originally written by 3canstorun on 2013-11-18 7:57 AM Are generators worth it? Most of the places that we go to have hooks and they don't allow you to use the generator. If I used a generator, it would be at a small 1 day show. And, I only use it for fans to blow on me while sitting outside in a chair. Is it worth the extra expense if you have not used one for the last 5 years? We are having a trailer built and my thought process is, install the "parts" for it, but not get one. And, if you did, roof or floor mount? 
Edited by PaulChristenson 2013-11-18 3:12 PM
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Member
Posts: 12
Location: Lansing, Kansas | I would have one installed. I have been at horse shows where a storm blew through and knocked the power out and it was sure nice to just start the generator and have full power. |
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 Expert
Posts: 2453
Location: Northern Utah | My opinion is that it depends on what you do. Here in Utah there are very few camp grounds with any kind of hook ups. Almost everything is dispersed camping with no hook ups. So if I want any ammenities, I need a generator.If you think you may travel west. Then I would have the provision to either carry one in the truck or built into the trailer. |
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Member
Posts: 21
Location: SE Georgia | Thanks for the replies. Here in the south, GA, FL, AL, MI, they won't let you use the generators. We are still up in the air, as I probably won't trade this trailer and it will be a "keeper". |
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Expert
Posts: 1351
Location: Decatur, Texas | Originally written by 3canstorun on 2013-11-19 7:46 AM
Thanks for the replies. Here in the south, GA, FL, AL, MI, they won't let you use the generators. We are still up in the air, as I probably won't trade this trailer and it will be a "keeper". Sounds like you answered your question..... If you can not use them where you are, then why buy it? A far as the "keeper" that is what I have said about all 6 LQ trailer I have owed and it never happens that is why I always try and buy something as if I HAVE to sell right away. ie:what would someone else want......The only reason the trailer I have now does not have a generator is because it was a bank repo when I bought it and it was 40% of what dealer cost was and was a 3 years old trailer but the LQ had never been used in it so I could not pass it up.. |
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Expert
Posts: 3802
Location: Rocky Mount N.C. | Originally written by 3canstorun on 2013-11-19 7:46 AM
Thanks for the replies. Here in the south, GA, FL, AL, MI, they won't let you use the generators. We are still up in the air, as I probably won't trade this trailer and it will be a "keeper". Who is THEY..? And, why won't THEY let you use a generator..? I've been to Panama City Beach and to Jacksonville Fl. several times and run my generator for several days in a row... |
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Member
Posts: 21
Location: SE Georgia | Perry, Lady Lakes, and a few other cutting horses places that my husband goes to. N. Augusta, trainer had the horses and they were transported to the arena with a small trailer, so I didn't see their hookup. I can't remember about Ocala, as we just got a hook up. Jacksonville is close so, I don't have to use one there. Thank you though. |
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Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA | In the North East we've been to many parks in several states, and have never been aware of any general regulations against generator usage. There ARE time requirements in many camping grounds, based upon unwanted noise during sleeping hours. Many RV's have to run their AC units to prevent their interiors from over heating, and their electrical loads are too high to run off of only battery power for any length of time, when they have no shore power available. They will be most unusable without their built in electrical generator sources. Many equine participations involve events where no external power is available. Batteries are commonly used, and recharged during daylight hours. This is a common practise. |
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Generators
