Carrying generator

[Ksz426]

So, I probably should have asked this before ordering a generator. We are getting a Champion 4500/3400 inverter generator to take when we camp off grid. I know we don’t want to carry it in the trailer and since we have a Suburban that’s out too. So, my thought is a cargo carrier on the back of the trailer. We already have a Curt 500lb capacity carrier. Can we strap the generator to that?

Thanks.

[bsmith0404]

If you have a 2” receiver on the back or the trailer, shouldn’t be any issues with that. Most rv receivers are rated for 300lbs. Your gen should only be around 100, the carrier is probably around 50.

[jasin1]

Originally Posted by Ksz426

So, I probably should have asked this before ordering a generator. We are getting a Champion 4500/3400 inverter generator to take when we camp off grid. I know we don’t want to carry it in the trailer and since we have a Suburban that’s out too. So, my thought is a cargo carrier on the back of the trailer. We already have a Curt 500lb capacity carrier. Can we strap the generator to that?

Thanks.

sure …just put your name an address on it so when it falls off on the highway someone can return it

seriously though i wouldn’t want one bouncing along back there but that’s just me

[jasin1]

although these look pretty sturdy and secure for a generator..i’d just make sure i had a welded to the frame 2” reciever

[dutchmensport]

I don't know your specific situation, but for us, I found carrying the generator inside the camper was the best alternative. We do not boom dock. But we carry an Onan P4500i Inverter Generator inside the camper and keep it there unless the campground has a power outage. If the campground has a power outage, I can take it outside, hook it up and have back-up power. My wife works from home (computer .. Information Technology) and needs the power.

Actually, we have 2 P4500i's and have carried both of them. They were stored inside our house (actually, in our bedroom all last winter and both had a full tank of gas). There was never any smells, odors, or leaks. When turning the generators off, I always turn the gas off and let them run dry. That way, there is never gas in the carburetor. Once cooled, never any smells, odors, or leaks.

I tried carrying them both in the back of the pick-up truck. They fit fine, even with my fifth wheel hitch and all. But I also did not like site seeing, grocery shopping, and driving around with them in the back of the truck, even with my Flip Back cover hiding them. So, I found space inside the camper, and it works out very well for us (even carrying both of them).

I'm sure there are some who are screaming to the top of their lungs, THATS SO DANGEROUS carrying those generators inside the camper. Um ... actually ... no it's not!

[flybouy]

Originally Posted by dutchmensport

I don't know your specific situation, but for us, I found carrying the generator inside the camper was the best alternative. We do not boom dock. But we carry an Onan P4500i Inverter Generator inside the camper and keep it there unless the campground has a power outage. If the campground has a power outage, I can take it outside, hook it up and have back-up power. My wife works from home (computer .. Information Technology) and needs the power.

Actually, we have 2 P4500i's and have carried both of them. They were stored inside our house (actually, in our bedroom all last winter and both had a full tank of gas). There was never any smells, odors, or leaks. When turning the generators off, I always turn the gas off and let them run dry. That way, there is never gas in the carburetor. Once cooled, never any smells, odors, or leaks.

I tried carrying them both in the back of the pick-up truck. They fit fine, even with my fifth wheel hitch and all. But I also did not like site seeing, grocery shopping, and driving around with them in the back of the truck, even with my Flip Back cover hiding them. So, I found space inside the camper, and it works out very well for us (even carrying both of them).

I'm sure there are some who are screaming to the top of their lungs, THATS SO DANGEROUS carrying those generators inside the camper. Um ... actually ... no it's not!

Screaming? No, but if you have a fire in your house you'll likely be screaming. Ask your insurance agent or local fire dept. They would likely scream "arson" if your house burned down.

[Ksz426]

We have the 2” hitch that the cargo carrier mounts into. I know not necessarily ideal, but I think I’d prefer it back there than inside the trailer.

This is another good reason to convince the wife we need a new 2500 series truck.
:-)

Thanks all.

[bsmith0404]

Things bounce around pretty good back there, but strap it down good, I’d add a cable with lock as well. Don’t want it growing legs.

[gearhead]

I been sick, but I'm missing what's wrong with carrying a gen inside the camper. Are y'all thinking it will be runnin?
I've carried 2 Honda 2000's in the cab of my truck.
What say you??

[bsmith0404]

Originally Posted by gearhead

I been sick, but I'm missing what's wrong with carrying a gen inside the camper. Are y'all thinking it will be runnin?
I've carried 2 Honda 2000's in the cab of my truck.
What say you??

Only reason I wouldn’t is I don’t want to lift it that high and get it through the door. The 2000s wouldn’t be an issue, but a 4500….I carry mine in the bed of my truck. Glad I can just slam it onto the tailgate and not have to worry about lining it up with the door and keeping my arm out of the way. The new fold down steps would complicate things even more unless you pulled the gen up them.

[HouseMouse]

Not a fan of a Gasoline powered anything inside. Most generator caps allow air in as Gasoline is used and Let off vapors when Gasoline expands. Static Electricity may or may not come into play. Anyway, doesn't sound like a good idea. Vapors need to dissipate to lower the level of concentration within a confined area. Just the right Vapor to Oxygen mixture and well, it's all over.

Just saw a 40' Fifth Wheel coming up from Corpus Christi. Doing at least in the 80's as the speed limit is 75. The setup was seriously out of level with a Generator strapped to the back bumper. It was an Accident waiting to happen.

[travelin texans]

Originally Posted by Ksz426

We have the 2” hitch that the cargo carrier mounts into. I know not necessarily ideal, but I think I’d prefer it back there than inside the trailer.

This is another good reason to convince the wife we need a new 2500 series truck.
:-)

Thanks all.

If you're trying to talk momma into a new truck skip the 2500 & get the 3500 so when she decides to get a bigger rv you're set.
Honestly the 3500 is the same everything as the 2500 for very little more $$ but with considerably more payload.

[Ksz426]

Okay, change of plans. Lol.

Dear wife says new truck out of the question. Just too expensive right now. And, she’s completely against the gas generator.

Sooooo, we canceled the order for the gas only and are now looking at a dual fuel version (Champion 200988). A little less running watts, 3150 vs 3500, but should still be more than enough to run the ac (15k) when needed. And, we can carry it inside the trailer.

Thanks again for all of the comments and advise. You all are great.

Ken & Brenda

[Javi]

Originally Posted by Ksz426

Okay, change of plans. Lol.

Dear wife says new truck out of the question. Just too expensive right now. And, she’s completely against the gas generator.

Sooooo, we canceled the order for the gas only and are now looking at a dual fuel version (Champion 200988). A little less running watts, 3150 vs 3500, but should still be more than enough to run the ac (15k) when needed. And, we can carry it inside the trailer.

Thanks again for all of the comments and advise. You all are great.

Ken & Brenda

Look at this one, https://www.homedepot.com/p/Champion...1120/318783746

It's what I bought..

[dutchmensport]

Sounds like you made a good compromise. Everyone has to feel their own comfort level, nothing wrong with that.

Just beware, propane generators do use a considerable amount of fuel. Will you carry an extra propane tank dedicated for the generator, or just use one that is already on your camper?

[Ksz426]

Originally Posted by Javi

Look at this one, https://www.homedepot.com/p/Champion...1120/318783746

It's what I bought..

Thanks Javi. I think we’re going with the Champion 200991. It’s 4500/3150 on propane and only $929 at Sams Club where my wife has a business membership. :-)

Thanks again.

[Ksz426]

Originally Posted by dutchmensport

Sounds like you made a good compromise. Everyone has to feel their own comfort level, nothing wrong with that.

Just beware, propane generators do use a considerable amount of fuel. Will you carry an extra propane tank dedicated for the generator, or just use one that is already on your camper?

Haven’t decided yet. Our trailer has 2 30lb tanks. Where we are going we should only have to run the ac a couple hours a day. Maybe we’ll pick up an extra 20lb tank.

Thanks.

[wiredgeorge]

Originally Posted by Ksz426

So, I probably should have asked this before ordering a generator. We are getting a Champion 4500/3400 inverter generator to take when we camp off grid. I know we don’t want to carry it in the trailer and since we have a Suburban that’s out too. So, my thought is a cargo carrier on the back of the trailer. We already have a Curt 500lb capacity carrier. Can we strap the generator to that?

Thanks.

This Class A likely had a hitch rated about the one you have or perhaps heavier. It was parked in my cul de sac yesterday as they were using the generator in a road repair business at my neighbor lady's house.

[Beernutzbob]

Originally Posted by Ksz426

Thanks Javi. I think we’re going with the Champion 200991. It’s 4500/3150 on propane and only $929 at Sams Club where my wife has a business membership. :-)

Thanks again.

I was torn between that Champion and a similarly equipped Westinghouse DF and went with the latter on a coin flip. I love the propane option but when boondocking in June in a 100 degree Arkansas lot we got at most 10 hours of 15k BTU A/C out of a 20 lb tank. Luckily I had another tank handy but I did have to get out of bed at 3:30 to swap them out.


Another option besides the hitch platform for the genny is a platform you add to the front above the other propane tanks. Amazon sellls one for a couple hundred bucks that has gotten great reviews: https://www.amazon.com/Stromberg-Car...7-93deae8f9840

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by wiredgeorge

This Class A likely had a hitch rated about the one you have or perhaps heavier. It was parked in my cul de sac yesterday as they were using the generator in a road repair business at my neighbor lady's house.

I've seen way too many of scenes like that and worse to ever put anything of any weight on the back of a trailer.