Can I put my generator in the garage?

rturriff7 · 08-05-2016, 07:39 PM

First off, let me clarify that to me the garage is the door that opens under the bedroom at the front of the 5ver, and not the pass thru area. If I am wrong about that, please let me know...

Anyway, can I put my Honda EU3000 in there? There does not seem to be a "gen prep," as far as I can tell (no wiring or ventilation). I am really just wondering if the floor of the garage is sturdy enough for the weight or only meant for lighter things. It seems like it is just sheet metal. I have it in there now but am concerned about it while moving.

I also do not plan on leaving it in there when it is running, just for travel.

As always, thanks in advance to all for your replies.

**JRTJH** · 08-05-2016, 08:21 PM

The front compartment on my Cougar has a "sheet metal" bottom as well. I'm talking about the compartment in the very front of the trailer that has the landing gear legs mounted to the uprights. In that compartment I have two 6 volt batteries in a battery box. I would guess that the two batteries weigh about the same as your generator and the footprint for the batteries is slightly smaller than the generator. The smaller footprint would concentrate the weight even more than the generator. I've never had any problems with structural rigidity or with any bending of the floor in that compartment.

My only concern would be lifting the generator in and out of that compartment and possibly damaging the aluminum molding on the frame of the door. If you're not concerned with "handling damage" I don't think you'll have any issues with "travelling damage".....

Desert185 · 08-05-2016, 08:57 PM

I would strap it down for travel, though, or its going to bounce around.

rturriff7 · 08-06-2016, 05:21 AM

Thanks for the replies. Any suggestions as to what to strap it down to? I suppose I could install some strap tie downs in there.

Desert185 · 08-06-2016, 07:36 AM

I would install some eyebolts or tiedown d-rings with a backing plate sufficient to eliminate warping the floor of the compartment. You could even run a length of 1 1/2" angle iron between the two tiedowns under the floor.

Pull Toy · 08-06-2016, 12:27 PM

I would cut a piece of 1/2" or 3/4" plywood to the size and shape of your storage area. This would substantially stiffen the floor and spread the load. You could also use it for your D rings to secure stuff.

Good luck,

notanlines · 08-06-2016, 03:10 PM

First off, welcome to the forum. Secondly, I believe with the above advice you will not have a minutes problem.
Generally in the fifth wheel world the garage is the area in the rear of a toy hauler, the basement is the pass-thru area accessible from either side of the RV and the battery/generator storage areas are called just that, same as the propane storage areas.

dave-g · 08-07-2016, 02:00 AM

I put my Honda 3000 in the bed of my pickup- I then made up a 20 amp cord that reaches from the bed of the truck to the back of the 5th wheel. When I stop for lunch it takes 30 seconds to run cord to the back so we have ac and microwave. Gen is fine running in the bed of the truck. I also have a CW cover for it if its rains.

I gave the older Honda that weighs about 150 lbs- I could never get in in that front compartment. Maybe a pair of 2000 Honda's

rturriff7 · 08-07-2016, 06:12 AM

Thanks again for all the replies.

gearhead · 08-07-2016, 08:21 PM

Just for conversations sake....how are you going to get that 150# gen in and out of the basement?

rturriff7 · 08-09-2016, 06:07 PM

As long as DW is around (she is pretty fit) we can do it no problem.

If I am alone, I'd have to ask a friendly neighbour.

Is that thing really 150#. No wonder I can't lift it alone.

jsmith948 · 08-10-2016, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rturriff7

As long as DW is around (she is pretty fit) we can do it no problem.

If I am alone, I'd have to ask a friendly neighbour.

Is that thing really 150#. No wonder I can't lift it alone.

Don't know about the Honda's weight. Our little Champion 3100 weighs 94# full of fuel. We plan on carrying ours in the front of the truck bed.

tgpilot · 08-14-2016, 12:06 PM

Well, I am a long way from being superman, but I have a Honda 3000EI that I was putting in the front of my Keystone Copper Canyon 5er until I bought a Honda 5000 that I bought last year, but now have to carry in the bed of the pickup. By the way, I am 70 years old and have only partial use of my left hand. So, if I can do it, you should be able to.

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