Grounding a Generator

Its a portable 5500 kw generator and I already have the 30 amp power cord that came with the generator that plugs into the 30 amp exterior outlet that came with the transfer switch. From what I can tell thats about $100 plus just in itself.

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Let me add that it does need a ground. We very recently had a guy killed by a generator on an drilling rig. It was rainy and he was wet and laid his hands on the engine to warm and dry them. They pronounced him dead about 45 mins later. When I was setting mine up here I used the ground for the house. Now another question where do you ground a motor home gen? I have used mine hundreds or even thousands of times and never had the motor home grounded. Hope you get yours set up like you want it. Sam

I think that Rvs in general are in a gray area that some in the Rv industry would prefer to ignore. I previously owned a metal sided RV that would give you a heck of a jolt if it was plugged in to 120volts, you touched the siding, and you were properly grounded. Wet grass was the worst. For me this reason is quite clear. There is a serious lack of grounding. The frame and siding are bonded, and the on-board 120 volt panel is as well. The issue is that you are creating a better return path to discharge power back to ground than the one provided by the manufacturer. I have read that the 120 to 12 volt charger/ converter is a big contributer to this problem. Once you unplug and run strictly on generator, the issue could be even more serious.

That's why I defer to you on this. I'm not ashamed to admit that I know little or nothing about it. I've gotten away with it so far by luck, and caution. I always keep in mind, the potential damage/injury that can occur, and I never forget that Mr. Electron isn't always my friend. I have a copper ground rod, from an old electric fence, that is buried in a deep soil pocket, elsewhere on the property. The problem is getting the rod, and the generator together. As I plan to make some rearrangements in the near future, I will somehow get a safer set-up, rigged up. You have given me another option to consider, and I appreciate your advice.

Yes there is a large gray area in how different mano's wire their units........
If it were my gen I would be all over it with my Fluke meter to find out how the mano wired the neutral and ground.
And if the frame was/is floating, then yes a ground rod would bleed off any 'static' build up.