Forum Discussion

kfp673's avatar
kfp673
Explorer II
Apr 28, 2019

Generator while traveling for travel trailer

So I recently purchased a pair of champion inverters and the parallel kit. We used it during overnight road stops during our recent trip to FL and they were great. Ran the 15K AC and everything else no problem. As we head into the summer I am curious to know if anyone runs a generator while towing a travel trailer to keep the AC running and whatever else similar to what motorhomes do? My outback has a nice rack on the rear and I think I could secure both generators and the parallel box pretty easily. The next thing would be finding a very short 50amp shore power cord so that I don't need to secure 25'. Anyone doing this?

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  • boogie_4wheel's avatar
    boogie_4wheel
    Explorer
    Apr 28, 2019
    Run them... They will operate just fine on the rack. It's a carbureted engine just like a dirt bike, the big difference being there isn't a slosh baffle on the main jet on the generator.

    My father in law had to run a Honda 2k on a trip because the fridge failed to operate on propane.

    My trailer cools 'quickly' but if it didn't I'd run the A/C during the last leg of the trip.
  • kfp673's avatar
    kfp673
    Explorer II
    Apr 28, 2019
    Thanks guys. Regarding propane Fridge, I have done that for years and never had a problem. I start it 24 hours before I leave, load it just before leaving and keep it running the entire time. Our trailer is 38' and if the temp is above 80 degrees it takes a while to cool and we end up soaked in sweat getting setup. Would be nice to have it nice and cool when we arrive. I figured motorhomes do it all the time but I did not consider the vented cap. Although they are in the back of my truck getting there and dont ever spill?? Anyway, thanks!
  • jerryjay11's avatar
    jerryjay11
    Explorer
    Apr 28, 2019
    I have in the past ran my fridge on LP while traveling remembering most times to turn it off while fueling. I don't anymore as I found the fridge will stay cold for a 7 hour and even up to a 10 hour trip with it in the off position. So I don't see the value of running a portable generator on a TT taking the chance that the fuel cap will stay tightly closed. Or fuel spilling out the vented cap. Keep in mind that portable generators weren't designed for this purpose.

    As for the AC, as was stated already, they will cool the TT quickly.
  • LanceRKeys's avatar
    LanceRKeys
    Explorer
    Apr 28, 2019
    While I’m sure you’d be ok, your A/C should cool your unit quickly when you arrive. What else would you need electricity for going down the road?
  • guidry's avatar
    guidry
    Explorer II
    Apr 28, 2019
    Some run the generators just before their last stop so the AC cools the trailer down. They don’t have to be perfectly level. I’d be concerned about the bouncing more than anything.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Apr 28, 2019
    Most portable generators need to be level when running. Roads are not level, and the carrier may not be level, when hooked to tow vehicle.

    Some folks are afraid to run their fridge on propane, while going down the road. I would not feel comfortable, with two running gens, bouncing around on back of a towed trailer.

    Jerry

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