Forum Discussion

PSUJIM85's avatar
PSUJIM85
Explorer
Jun 05, 2015

Generator Hitch Front or Back?

I have a Lance 855S with a LP generator on it. While it works well, in the cold weather it consumes all my gas - 40# when full. I want to put on a gasoline 3500 watt Honda and mount it on the from of my truck via a hitch. I know it will handle it, but I have to lift it up to clear my New Jersey plate on the front. I think it will be OK, but question if 1) having the plate obstructed by the hitch is legal 2) having the generator in front will cut my air flow. I have a Duramax Diesel, so I think it is really not and issue and the transmission cooler is down low, so it would not be obstructed.

Thoughts?
Truck Campers
  • bcbouy's avatar
    bcbouy
    Explorer
    Jun 05, 2015
    my front hitch receivers are rated for 500 lbs.i also have a front carrier with a genny,gascan chainsaw,propane tank,shovel and usually a couple nights worth of wood and a smittybilt black box winch carrier on the top one and no airflow problems so far.my front plate is totally obstructed,and my rear is as well when i tow the boat.i keep forgetting to mount it on the camper.so far i havent been ticketed.its been over a month now.
  • PSUJIM85's avatar
    PSUJIM85
    Explorer
    Jun 05, 2015
    bikepsych wrote:
    How much does a Honda 3500 weigh? I'm considering putting my motorcycle up front. Would also offset some of the weight on the rear axle.
    BG


    135 pound dry so perhaps 145 with fuel.
  • bikepsych's avatar
    bikepsych
    Explorer
    Jun 05, 2015
    How much does a Honda 3500 weigh? I'm considering putting my motorcycle up front. Would also offset some of the weight on the rear axle.
    BG
  • DWeikert's avatar
    DWeikert
    Explorer II
    Jun 05, 2015
    Unless you have a side entry TC, I'd rather have the genny on the front instead of climbing over it to get into the camper. As Wheelholder said, you should just be able to move the plate to the carrier to solve that problem.
  • Wheelholder's avatar
    Wheelholder
    Explorer
    Jun 05, 2015
    you can take care of the tag by moving it to the front of the carrier, so it will not be obstructed . I have a duramax and use a hitch haul on the front with my honda 2000 and some boards to level in the campsite. It makes the tranny run a few degrees warmer, but nothing to be alarmed about. This is in the summer weather of florida. You should be ok.

    You are a better man than me lifting a 3500 watt generator and putting it on the front.

About Travel Trailer Group

44,027 PostsLatest Activity: Mar 05, 2025