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Hauling generator on upcoming trip

dpgllg
Explorer
Explorer
Hello,

First before this starts a war on generators I WILL NOT be using the generator while camping nor will it be used where it will disturb anyone. I do not need generator advice but safe and easy way to transport it.

We will be leaving for an extended trip shortly and I wanted to take my generator with me. My 5th wheel has a 2 inch reciever so I can put on a cargo rack or keep it in bed of truck.The generator weighs just over 100 pounds.

I will need to use it while 5th wheel is hitched so in the bed might make it difficult to get to and start.

Has anyone hauled a generator on a cargo rack behind thier 5th wheel? Has it worked out okay?

I'm just nervous about the rack or generator falling off etc.

Your thoughts?

Dave
2013 2500HD Chevy LTZ 6.6 Diesel Ext Cab Long Bed
2017 Grand Design Reflection 27RL 5th Wheel
Dear Wife, plus two Cocker Spaniels and a Standard Poodle
24 REPLIES 24

Tvov
Explorer II
Explorer II
dpgllg wrote:
....

I will need to use it while 5th wheel is hitched so in the bed might make it difficult to get to and start.

....


Is your generator battery start? I'd be surprised if it wasn't... that should not be too bad to get to in order to start it?

Filling with fuel might be hard, but some sort of long filler with a funnel could be made.

I would prefer in the bed of the truck.
_________________________________________________________
2021 F150 2.7
2004 21' Forest River Surveyor

Bob_Vaughn
Explorer
Explorer
padredw wrote:
This is strictly for the OP and not for argumentation. I have almost exactly the setup he is considering and have made several trips to Colorado without any problems. I do use the generator to cool off the trailer for about half an hour before lunch stops and night time stops, and I do use the generator for brief periods of time in off-grid campsites.

To OP: note the 30 amp connection from our home base and the comparable 30 amp cables on the hitch carrier. Note how short and direct a distance I can connect from the generator into the 30 amp connection to the trailer.

I bought this used generator, the hitch carrier, and the wiring from a friend with the same trailer model as ours when he stopped RV travel.


Moderator edit to re-size picture to forum recommended limit of 640px maximum, width.


How is this generator attached to the cargo carrier?

Bob_Vaughn
Explorer
Explorer
With the Predator how is it secured to the cargo rack?

Crabbypatty
Explorer
Explorer
We dry camp a lot on the outer beaches. Folks bring their gennies on rear bumper racks all the time. We have both Honda 3000i 150#s and the 2000i 45#s. Since switching to solar we now only carry the 2000i. I also see a lot of people carrying two Honda 2000is probably due to weight. This last trip the guy next to us had his 3000i in the front basement which is also common. Door open exhaust out with a fan behind to keep air moving. Youtube it for ideas.
John, Lisa & Tara:B:C:)
2015 F250 4x4 6.2L 6 spd 3.73s, CC Short Bed, Pullrite Slide 2700, 648 Wts Solar, 4 T-125s, 2000 Watt Xantrax Inverter, Trimetric 2030 Meter, LED Lights, Hawkings Smart Repeater, Wilson Extreme Cellular Repeater, Beer, Ribs, Smoker

Ride_S40T
Explorer
Explorer
Don't forget the hitch lock. They can take the whole rack and cut the chains somewhere else.
2021 Grand Design 268BH
2019 GMC Sierra Denali HD 3500 SRW
Traveling K9s Diesel and Roger

Edd505
Explorer
Explorer
just short of 4 years on the LCI rack, I have a 30amp cord that reaches in place.

2015 F350 FX4 SRW 6.7 Crew, longbed - 2017 Durango Gold 353RKT
2006 F350 SRW 6.0 crew longbed sold
2000 F250 SRW 7.3 extended longbed airbags sold
2001 Western Star 4900EX sold
Jayco Eagle 30.5BHLT sold, Layton 24.5LT sold

dccamper
Explorer
Explorer
I went the route on the safety struts and generator carrier tray from this company. About 15000 miles no issues.
https://mount-n-lock.com/all-products-category?sort=p.model&order=ASC&limit=100

ivbinconned
Explorer II
Explorer II
https://forums.trailerlife.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/29746971.cfm
Ram and 34 ft Cedar Creek

ivbinconned
Explorer II
Explorer II
I installed a “transfer switch “ to facilitate our gen in front storage space. This is also location of inverter so we have two options up front.
Ram and 34 ft Cedar Creek

pianotuna
Nomad III
Nomad III
I added a 2nd receiver and had a cage built for the generator.

I used a rack similar to the one in the previous posts for ten years. The 2 inch receiver had a much higher rating than 350 lbs.
Regards, Don
My ride is a 28 foot Class C, 256 watts solar, 556 amp-hours of Telcom jars, 3000 watt Magnum hybrid inverter, Sola Basic Autoformer, Microair Easy Start.

padredw
Nomad
Nomad
I like the ramps. This generator is a two person job.

Also note: I do have a cover and use it, just removed for the photo.

GMH
Explorer
Explorer
I mounted a set of wheels on my generator and made a couple of ramps from 2x8’s. It is very easy to push it up into the truck now. There is room in front of the hitch up against the cab. I have run it right from there (with an extension cord) and also unloaded it at a campsite.

PhilipB
Explorer
Explorer
We've done both. In bed and on the back like Padredw. We had a 3000 Yamaha so very similar weight.

Our hitch on the back cracked and sagged first time out. Luckily we caught this. WE reinforced the hitch, but never did this again.

Back of truck bed has worked well. Typically would unhook truck from 5er when running genny.

New rig is a TH so it's built in.
2015 Ram 2500
[purple]2013 Raptor 310TS[/purple]

valhalla360
Nomad III
Nomad III
If it's in the bed behind the hitch, as long as you point the exhaust away from the sides, you can run it in the truck bed.

Alternatively, it's fairly simple to build a rack on the pin box of the trailer. That's about the most stable position you can find and doesn't conflict with anything.
Tammy & Mike
Ford F250 V10
2021 Gray Wolf
Gemini Catamaran 34'
Full Time spliting time between boat and RV