Forum Discussion

sands904's avatar
sands904
Explorer
Jun 06, 2016

Suggestions for mounting a generator

We purchased a 2001 TrailLite by R-Vision (B+) recently. There is a space for an onboard generator but not one. So we decided to just purchase a portable invertor generator. We got the P3000 by Briggs & Straton. Now the problem is where do we carry it :)?

The one and only outside storage bay is too small to get it in the opening. The bathroom/shower is too small. We are looking for some sort of hitch/bumper mount option, but with a door on the back vs the side that is somewhat limited also.

I have been googling for days and have found a bunch of really cool pictures, but nothing to buy or plans on building something. My husband is pretty handy with building things, but obviously the easier the better :)

I like some of those swing arm ideas so we could swing it out of the way...assuming the step that is part of the bumper is not in the way....

Any ideas welcome!!

Picture of back: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10208833037320269&l=d74eef78d9
  • When I had a larger generator (Yamaha 2400) I carried it on a cargo rack with two folding bikes. I downsized to a Honda 2000 and built a swivel rack attached to the frame hitch on the back of our Class B. A 3000 may be a bit heavy but you could build a platform to the right of your rear steps and attach/weld it to your frame hitch. Your picture I think shows a frame hitch on your TrailLite??
    If you want pictures I can email a few to you. You can send me a private message if you are interested.

    Good luck!
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    I have had my 2KW Honda Generator since 2008 and it still cranks on first or second pull on the cord...

    Mine is secured in the tail gate section of my truck bed and when I need to use I just pull it out onto the dropped tailgate and point the hot exhaust away from things..


    My truck bed is covered with an lockable hard plastic folding bed cover panels (FOLD-A-COVER brand)..

    My generator goes where I go and is out-of-sight for the most part except when running and I am around at those times...

    Have not had any security issues with it yet doing it this way...

    I always thought leaving the generator unattended that was mounted on the bumpers etc would really be a security risk no matter how well you had it secured.

    Hopefully you can install yours out-of-sight behind a door or something...

    being out-of-sight in my case has kept mine safe over all of these years for sure...

    Also being in my truck bed all this time allows for many uses helping other folks out and keeping me out trouble when my Ham Radio runs down my truck start battery etc...

    Roy Ken
  • Thanks. That is what I am thinking. The only issue is the hitch is right between the steps on the back so we have to be able to walk on the cargo rack to get in too.

    I just found a bumper mount hitch that you can attache to the back bumper itself. Then if I can found a smaller cargo rack it can be on one side and not interfere with the steps/door at all.

    Any feedback on if that is safe and good :) ?
  • I mounted mine on a cargo rack. I also put a hitch on the front of my truck so it either rides in the back or front depending on which camper I am using.