I'll try to be more technical than some of the other responses.
There really is not enough room to install a generator designed and rated to
installed in such a small recreational vehicle. Also, if going to be used in
various parks and forests it also needs to listed and approved for that (no
sparks or high temperatures at the exhaust). I think the smallest generator
that meets all those specs is the Onan Microlite,  (2.8kw). Then to install
you also need the proper electrical system to use it. Onan does offer a
package that can simply mount on a 2 inch receiver hitch.

Really the best compromise is a small portable. Some of these are really
lightweight, quiet, and easy to use. Matched with a good battery and
charging system the needed run time can be kept to a minimum. The major
concern will be fuel storage and handling and securing the generator for
safe travel.

As one of those bad folks that owns an RV I am a bit surprised at responses
that we are environmentally destructive or insensitive to others needs for
quiet. Maybe we should give up our homes and all move into one room
apartments. What is the environmental impact of all these northeastern and
Canadian homes burning oil or gas for heat. Most homes I know on Long Island
use over 1,000 gallons of oil a year just for heat and hot water.

Let's face it. For 1 or 2 adults and maybe 1 or 2 more kids the Westy is
fine. 4 or more adults does not cut it for any length of time. I now often
travel with 5 adults and a teenager and I have had as many as 9 for a 10 day
trip.

Once you are off grid electricity demands will require some level of
planning and expense. You need to evaluate your true demands and then
determine if you can meet them with battery and inverter power or if the
generator is really needed. I can help with all of that.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Paul Gordon
Sent: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 8:19 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Gen Set

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.