We are thinking about buying a champion 2800 watt inverter generator for our 21 ft amerilite.We don't do much camping without hookups, just an occasional night or weekend.While in North FL this past june a storm knocked out power for a couple hours, hence a generator.I read that the champion shouldn't sit out in the rain.If I need to run it in the rain, is it ok to put it slightly under the trailer, with the exhaust pointed out, not too close to any flammable surfaces?Won't the carbon monoxide let me know if there is a problem?TIA

When I have my generator, the same model as yours, I usually have a piece of plywood about 4'x4' with me. I use the plywood clamped to the rear bumper as a rain shield and get the generator a short distance from the trailer. I also have a smaller piece that the generator sits on. I could also leave it in the truck bed since I have a tonneau cover and leave the tailgate down. The other option I have is my homemade genturi, which works like a dream. I would never trust the CO detector.RichH

I just found this https://www.houselogic.com/finances-taxes/home-insurance/cover-for-portable-generator/

Put it under the tailgate of the truck. Or cut a half sheet of plywood and put in down in the bed of the truck. If it rains, pull it out and set it on top of the generator. I use one of those small white folding tables and put the generator under it. Don't put it under the trailer.Bill

Shortly after buying my second Yamaha ef2000is, we had a heavy duty thunderstorm and massive downpour that just kept going and going. The Yamaha ran for almost 24 hours under an outdoor table that did little to stop the rain (table top was not one solid surface but a series of parallel boards).Eventually I had to get a cinder block for the little guy to sit on, as my back yard started to flood. long story short: don't worry about a little rain, it's an outdoor generator, and although they'll never admit it due to liability, it's designed to run in adverse conditions.

dockmasterdave wrote:I just found this https://www.houselogic.com/finances-taxes/home-insurance/cover-for-portable-generator/At $190 I will keep my plywood.RichH

where to put the gennie? | Good Sam Community

nineoaks2004
Explorer
Sep 01, 2016
I use a Fiberglass telephone splice box, converted for exhaust and intake with plywood under it. Was free and works great, it sat and run thru 3 hurricanes in Fl. a few years ago. I do not like the idea of my gen getting soaked could turn out dangerous if a short develops, also I would never put in under the trailer alarm or no alarm. Now I just sit it in the bed of the truck and a piece of plywood over the bed area where the gen sits and if possible move the truck away from the trailer because of the noise which is not too bad on the Champion.
dockmasterdave
Explorer
Sep 02, 2016
Thanks to all for the replies.
I can't use a regular topper because I have a tool box on the truck I tow with.
The plywood idea sounds simple, cheap and effective.
Thanks again.
Dakzuki
Explorer
Sep 02, 2016
For small generators (Honda 1000 and 2000) I have one of those silly umbrella hats (yeah, the ones you wear) and mount it to the generator. It folds up into a small package and works well.
MrWizard
Moderator
Sep 02, 2016
Not under the Trailer
Just about anyplace else that provides cover
But Not under the trailer

Forum Discussion

where to put the gennie?

About RV Tips & Tricks

Related Content

Cheapest source for Honda 2000 genny?

Genny Exhaust problem

800w Inverter genny $149, sale ending today

Microwave doesn't work on the genny....

Onan Genny - Help - Looking for suggestions!