>> Has anyone ever installed a small generator on board. Size,fuel,location
noise? I am considering doing this if it can be done safely. I think it
would eliminate the stress of battery/power management.Any thoughts would be
appreciated. <<

I have not heard of anyone installing one on board in a vanagon. Not sure
where you'd put it. Those Vanagon owners that I have seen with generators
(very few) have used a small Honda one outside.  They are pretty quite and
reliable.

That being said I really can't stand the sound of a generator at a campsite
no matter how quiet. I think your money is better spent on a 150 watt or
more solar panel. That should suffice for almost any electrical need you
could have in your Vanagon except possibly a space heater and in that event
you should get a propane furnace.

Bryan