Load and unload Generator from bed of truck

[Billyk]

I am 73 and can not lift and load a GE generator in the pickup any more. I have a camper shell so I got a problem. How do some of you deal with their generators? Any cool ideas?

[lonerider98]

This or cheaper models work for me!



https://www.amazon.com/MaxxHaul-7023...ts_id=15708111

[ssthrd]

Make up a 3/4 legged lifting bridle as short as possible. Assemble a tripod in the back in your truck box that is at least as high as your generator is tall. 2x4 should work nicely. Now get an 8’ 2x4, and lay one end on the tripod and extending over the generator which is sitting on the ground behind your truck and back far enough that it will not hit the tailgate on the way up. Put a screw/nail/hook on top of the board and hook up the bridle on the truck side of the screw/nail/hook. This will prevent the genny sliding back in your face when you lift it. When you get it high enough it will slide into your truck.

Bob’s yur uncle! Lol

I guess I’m saying that a lever of some sort might work. Good luck!��

[jasin1]

These tables work great …Harbor Freight….they are heavy but if you load up the generator before you go camping and leave it on the tailgate to run it then it should be no problem..also could just take the table with you but again it’s kinda heavy

[Auto Parts Guy]

Those HF tables are pretty handy.

[markcee]

How about this HF pickup bed 'crane'. Looks like it would still be useable with the topper.

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-ton...t=60732&store=

[Roper46]

Originally Posted by jasin1

These tables work great …Harbor Freight….they are heavy but if you load up the generator before you go camping and leave it on the tailgate to run it then it should be no problem..also could just take the table with you but again it’s kinda heavy

Those tables are very heavy. I worked with them for four years at HF.

[rhagfo]

Originally Posted by markcee

How about this HF pickup bed 'crane'. Looks like it would still be useable with the topper.

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-ton...t=60732&store=

This would be my choice! Permanently mounted and plenty of capacity.

[Billyk]

I like it too. Cheap enough, But the boom angle will not work with camper shell.

[Bustinbeards]

The easiest solution will be to Sell the big generator and buy 2 smaller ones to run in parallel. Or a ramp of some sort

[gearhead]

The Rack Jack, what I'm using to lift 100# generators into and out of my truck bed. It's relatively light, has enough capacity, and disassembles into small enough sections to easily store in the bed of the truck.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=rack+jack...n-deeppltr_1_9

https://www.etrailer.com/tv-review-v...10-vrj001.aspx

[HouseMouse]

Originally Posted by jasin1

These tables work great …Harbor Freight….they are heavy but if you load up the generator before you go camping and leave it on the tailgate to run it then it should be no problem..also could just take the table with you but again it’s kinda heavy

We use on of these HF lifting tables.... Work Great!!! Not too keen on taking it Camping although.

[HouseMouse]

Originally Posted by markcee

How about this HF pickup bed 'crane'. Looks like it would still be useable with the topper.

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-ton...t=60732&store=

That looks like a good alternative any day of the week. (Aluminum bed truck?)

[gearhead]

Originally Posted by HouseMouse

That looks like a good alternative any day of the week. (Aluminum bed truck?)

But does it have enough lift range to get a generator off the ground and into the truck bed?

[dutchmensport]

Here's my solution, but I don't have a topper any more either. I wish the ramps were longer though, so they would not be quite as steep. Since this photo was taken, I started traveling with the generators (I have 2 of these) inside the camper. I use the ramps to get them in the door. That works a lot better, the door threshold is not as high as the truck tail gate.

The generators are still heavy and using the ramp still takes a lot of "push" uphill, but at least I can load them by myself and do not need to recruit help. I'm 67.

My wife ordered these for me .... on line ... Amazon. I've been using them successfully now for over 2 years. When we travel with the generator, the ramps are always in the bed of the truck.

[Billyk]

Bringing it back to Homedepot and buying two 3700 to run parallel. Still in truck in box should be easy enough

[flybouy]

Originally Posted by Billyk

Bringing it back to Homedepot and buying two 3700 to run parallel. Still in truck in box should be easy enough

Sounds like wise decision. When our DD divorced she gave me the brand new 9,000 watt open frame generator. Iit weights 200 lbs dry. Add fuel, oil & battery and it's pushing close to 300 lbs. The idiot ex SIL thought we would take it camping and run our trailer and pop-up they had. I told him to go put it in the truck and we can go.

That beast replaced our 25 yr old 3,500 watt generator that we use at the house. You don't list the model number of your trailer but check your payload capacity as you may not have enough to accomondate a heavy generator or 2.

[Billyk]

Model Trailer is 2010 Keystone Hornet Hideout 24 BHWE

[flybouy]

Originally Posted by Billyk

Model Trailer is 2010 Keystone Hornet Hideout 24 BHWE

If you're camper is fully loaded at 7,400 lbs at 13% tongue weight and the weight of a wdh you'll be pushing 1,000 lbs of load on the truck. That's before you put anything ( including passengers & pets) in the truck. Our 2009 F150 King Ranch has less than 1,300 lbs of payload. Might be worth running it over a scale the next time you go camping to see where you're at.

[rlh1957]

The tables aren’t conducive to taking from home to camp and lifting out. OP has limited mobility lifting items.
Something portable and usable in camp like RackLift that goes in the receiver.
I believe one can be fabricated that would do the job as well and be easy yo transport and setup.