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Lokin4deer's avatar
Lokin4deer
Explorer
Jun 26, 2015

Running a generator

I have been knocking around the idea of buying a generator for home primarily but it would be nice to be able to use this when we boon dock as we travel for AC(mostly overnights at Walmart) My concern is running this overnight. Do any of you run theirs in the bed of your truck with a camper shell on the trucks? I have 2 sliding windows in my camper shell that I could open for ventilation but I am worried about over heating the genny or flooding the cab with exhaust fumes which could be an issue when we get back into to drive the next day. I would have to rework my electric tongue jack to be able to drop my tailgate to use the genny outside the truck and then obviously secure it somehow. Right now I am looking at the Champion generator. And NO I will not be running this at any campgrounds like I said primarily this is for home use just trying to duel purpose it, Thanks for help.

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  • ksg5000's avatar
    ksg5000
    Explorer
    Jun 26, 2015
    If you have a carbon monoxide detector/alarm I don't see a reason that you can't run the generator at night. Of course there are issues with noise, neighbors, and theft to be considered.
  • popeyemth's avatar
    popeyemth
    Explorer
    Jun 26, 2015
    Lokin4deer wrote:
    I have been knocking around the idea of buying a generator for home primarily but it would be nice to be able to use this when we boon dock as we travel for AC(mostly overnights at Walmart) My concern is running this overnight. Do any of you run theirs in the bed of your truck with a camper shell on the trucks? I have 2 sliding windows in my camper shell that I could open for ventilation but I am worried about over heating the genny or flooding the cab with exhaust fumes which could be an issue when we get back into to drive the next day. I would have to rework my electric tongue jack to be able to drop my tailgate to use the genny outside the truck and then obviously secure it somehow. Right now I am looking at the Champion generator. And NO I will not be running this at any campgrounds like I said primarily this is for home use just trying to duel purpose it, Thanks for help.


    That's what we do with our Champion 3500
    Also open the rear truck cover window and don't forget to chain up the genny
    At lunch stops when it's super hot out I'll sometimes put a fan on the genny
  • the_bear_II's avatar
    the_bear_II
    Explorer
    Jun 26, 2015
    I have two Honda 2000i with the parallel kit. I take both when we know we will need to run the A/C or other high draw appliance. I only take one if no A/C is needed.

    The edison company was doing some work in the neighborhood and damaged a transformer so the power went out. They came around and said it would take up to 48 hours to get a new transformer in place. So I brought out the two Hondas and we were the only house on the block with power for the 36 hours it took to get commercial power back.

    When boondocking, I chain the generators to the frame of the trailer using a heavy logging chain and a one inch cable lock used for motorcycles. I use a heavy lock like this on the logging chain: http://www.masterlock.com/business-use/product/220KA

    So far, knock on wood, no theft.
  • Dakota98's avatar
    Dakota98
    Explorer
    Jun 26, 2015
    Quote:

    I would have to rework my electric tongue jack to be able to drop my tailgate to use the genny outside the truck and then obviously secure it somehow.

    Does that mean turning the head 90*, Will that suffice ?

    Or maybe do something like THIS
  • mikebreeze's avatar
    mikebreeze
    Explorer
    Jun 26, 2015
    I have a gen set in my class C and I only run mine during the day time up until bed time. I'd be concerned about noise if you ran it anywhere outside of your truck camper. And I would be concerned about fumes in the cab if you ran it there. If it's cold I just use a zero degree sleeping bag and iron oxide hand warmers at night. If it's hot I just open the windows. You did give me an idea as I may get a battery powered fan for hot nights.

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