Generator on Tongue

I may actually have time to weigh and try this over the weekend. But the big push to Disney World is Monday. I may just put it in the back of the TV and cover it so that offending odors do not cause DW to give me hell. I really would like to run the thing when we stop, would be nice to have a big box fan if not the AC running while we enjoy some lunch....and daddy getting some much needed sack time.

Traveling with the generator on the tongue certainly is much better than at the rear of the trailer. As long as you don't go over the weight limits of your TV, you will be fine.

As stated above, running a generator real close to your trailer can have issues, but probably no more that trailers that have built in generators. Just be aware of carbon monoxide issues.

While storing the generator on the tongue may work well, I wouldn't run the generator on the tongue. IMHO the exhaust is to close to the trailer and generators with carbs and no Cat converter put out to much CO for me to be comfortable with. I always run my generator at least 10' away from the trailer with the exhaust pointed down wind.

I've had my CO detector go off with someone else running a generator about 20' away from my trailer with the exhaust pointed towards my trailer.

I also NEVER run have a running generator under my trailer for the same reason.

We mounted two Honda 2000's on our old trailer tongue. Worked well, but vibrated the entire trailer when running. New trailer and generators are now stored in the pickup bed. When running, no vibration.

I built a platform across the front of the TT between the propane tanks and the front wall of the TT. I relocated the battery boxes onto it and fabricated a "doghouse" for the Honda 2000 generator from aluminum sheet. The generator is strapped to the platform and the doghouse is bolted in place over it. Access doors in the "doghouse" let me fill with gas, adjust choke, pull start rope, and access the electical output end of the generator. Other openings in the "doghouse" provide breathing/cooling for the generator and an exhaust port. I also used rubber mounts to attach the platform to the TT A-frame to reduce generator vibration feel and noise. I will provide photos later today when I'm out cleaning up the garage.

I feel very good about the security of the generator since it is somewhat inconspicuous and the "doghouse" is actually bolted down on top of it. Tools and knowing where the non-obvious fasteners are would be required to get to the generator.

Issues that have arisen with this setup are:
1)generator exhaust is near the twin 6-volt batteries and I had to build a heat deflector to prevent destroying the batteries
2)be very careful to not run the generator with the windows open near the front of the TT due to carbon monoxide danger from the exhaust. This would probably be the number 1 reason to NOT mount the generator in this location. I feel I have dealt with this situation appropriately, however.

I will post photos later.

Jerallen wrote:
bathroom scale method

Cool

I don't understand what you guys mean when you say your using a bathroom scale. Where do you find a bathroom scale that goes to #650??? I know Americans are getting fatter and I'm one of them but, I am not to the point where I need a bathroom scale that goes to #650. Mine tops out at #250.And, I top out at #163

Cool. Think I'll get a scale to use with this and give it a go. Can't use my bathroom scale, it's digital and glass. That's a bad combination there.

Monkeyman_and_Lady wrote:
yeah, I'm looking on how to do that now. How accurate is the bathroom scale method. Ballpark, or don't bother?

with reasonable care it is plenty accurate enough. I came up with slightly less than 800lbs tongue weight on my cargo trailer. Don't recall the exact number but it was between 775 and 800. Later weighing it with a sherline scale, it was 800 on the nose. I was impressed how close the bathroom scale method was.

So IMHO the weights were well within the measurement accuracy of the sherline scale and plenty close for the intended purpose for tongues weights up to 900 maybe 1000lbs.

My other trailer has about 1400 on the tongue. Haven't tried the bathroom scale method with that much weight and would be more concerned that while it would be in the ballpark, it could have more uncertainty that one would like.