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pigdoc
Explorer
Aug 07, 2020

Where to put generator in 21' travel trailer

Generator question: New Coleman 1805RB and want to mount a receiver to the back of trailer to hold generator. Has anyone done this? The frame a the back is 68" wide so to put in a receiver hitch will require custom fabrication. Weight of generator would be 99lbs. Pictures of a system that works would be great. Thanks in advance.

38 Replies

  • Installing a ***** tom the frame is done all the time. The extra 100 lbs will hert nothing. Adjust you hitch if necessary.
  • Yeah you better connect the platform to the frame, solidly. We have 2 Honda 2200 in a frame behind our 30 ft TT but the receiver is designed to carry the weight. If you do this I suggest getting a small blue tarp and tying it over everything on the carrier, plus securing any stuff securely before the tarp. It made all the difference in ours, the tarp locks everything in place. I added bungee cords on top of the tarp plus cable ties on the back of the tarp tying it down to the carrier. This also hides the generator and other stuff.
  • I leave my generator safely in the back of my truck until I arrive at which point I cable lock it to the bumper. No need to tempt the meth heads while I'm Walmart, etc.

    As for your question, if you can get to the frame and have a good welder do it you should be find. Beware it would probably void your frame warranty if you have one. Also, be careful about dragging the newly installed platform. As you move back away from the wheels it's A LOT easier to drag things.
  • I have put a bike rack back there, with two bike and rack it was close to 100lbs, and no issues. Yes, the square sewer hose bumper is not going to cut it, so mine was also welded to the actual trailer frame.

    I think you will be OK with that 100 lbs back there as long as trailer does not sway because of it. This is not an ideal way to travel though. Most people put the riser frame so they can mount the gen over the propane tanks on the trailer tongue.

    I put a front hitch on truck and put the gen there.

    Either way, if the generator is mounted to a frame that is a receiver-style so it can fit into the hitch this would be more versatile.
  • Fisherman wrote:
    Remember that adding 99 lbs behind the balance point of the trailer adds a lot more than 99 lbs. Hold a 10 lb hammer close to your chest, now do it at arms length. Get the hint. Most of those paper thin bumpers are there to stow the pooper pipe, maybe hold up a spare tire or bike.


    I realize the bumper is not adequate for any weight mount. My thought was to have local metal fab shop create a mount across the frame in back in front of the bumper and then add a receiver hitch to the custom mount. But I'm open to other options for sure. Thanks.
  • I just a generator mounted above the LP tank on the front.. using a fabricated platform. Looked good.
  • Remember that adding 99 lbs behind the balance point of the trailer adds a lot more than 99 lbs. Hold a 10 lb hammer close to your chest, now do it at arms length. Get the hint. Most of those paper thin bumpers are there to stow the pooper pipe, maybe hold up a spare tire or bike.

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