Anyone run the generator on TT while underway?

Thanks all, I don't know why it's taken me so long to think of this.

As long as the generator is not inside the TT where it will accumulate carbon monoxide, it is fine.

TexasUltra wrote:
O.K. I should have stated it has a built in GenSet from the factory, so an extra cord is not an issue. I guess the concern would be ventilation or possibly over heating while under way.

You should have no problems at all. The ventilation and cooling will generally be better than when parked and sitting still (unless you happen to be parked and sitting still in a 50 mph wind).

O.K. I should have stated it has a built in GenSet from the factory, so an extra cord is not an issue. I guess the concern would be ventilation or possibly over heating while under way.

Moved to Tech Issues forum from Towing.

qtla9111 wrote:
How do you run the power cable from the TT to the generator? My connection is on the side of the TT and the generator would be on the hitch or the bumper?

About the only "safe" way to do that would be to run a second umbilical cord either under, or inside the trailer somehow to make a connection where ever the generator will be placed. I suppose someone could tape the cord to the side of the camper and run it underneath the camper, but it would have to be tied up somehow so it would not drag the ground.

The umbilical cord on my Outback is at the very back of the camper. By removing a simple panel on the inside, I have complete and easy access to where the cord attaches to the main wire. At that junction, it would be very easy to simply cut a hole in the back wall and install a box. Where the original umbilical cord attaches to the main wires, simply splice in (in this case, it's connected in) with a second cord. Then use a very short umbilical cord, just long enough to reach the generator on the bumper. (if it were on the back bumper). It would not take much at all d do this, just a little ingenuity.

But I agree with you. To do this with a travel trailer that does not have a factory installed hatch for a generator, the umbilical cord attachment is really the bigger obstacle.

How do you run the power cable from the TT to the generator? My connection is on the side of the TT and the generator would be on the hitch or the bumper?

It all depends upon how you transport a running generator for a travel trailer. If your travel trailer has a hatch where the generator is currently installed, and you currently run the generator from there, then chances are it would be no different than running a generator in a 5er or a motor home.

But, if you have to set your generator on the ground to run it and then plug in your umbilical cord, you may have a problem. Although some say they do it, you could run the generator from the bed of your truck. But it would have to be vented, and you'd have to find a way to plug the TT umbilical cord into the generator. It's not impossible, but it could be done.

But with a generator running in the bed of your truck, you definitely would not want the truck bed to be enclosed and you'd definitely need to be careful not to store anything up against it either when running. Sounds too risky for me.

A carrier on the bumper would work too, provided your trailer bumper was reinforced enough to withstand the weight of a carrier and a generator.

I do not know of any travel trailer that has a compartment for a generator installed, unless your's is different, or has had an after market modification. If this is the case, then yes ... running a generator and an air conditioner in the trailer would probably be no problem when on the road.

we were in miss some years ago and a guy pulled into the rest area with the gen he had rigged up on his TT running. Said he keeps it on for the hot muggy days. Anyhow I installed one on our TT a few years back but have never used it at all except for testing. Big thing is to make sure the power cord does not snake out and get run over or dragged to death. If you plan to add one on the rear make sure to tie it in to the frame not the bumper is what I would recommend. I saw another guy running his out of the back of his pickup, dont know if I would want to do that!

We do it on our 5er if the weather is real hot.