Hauling generator on upcoming trip

[dpgllg]

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

[Chinolbz]

Unless you like frequent chats with the local LEO's I would relocate the license plate to the rear facing side of the generator. Buddy got a ticket a couple of weeks ago! Chino

[Bionic_Man]

Before I had a built in generator installed in my trailer, I used a cargo hauler like Padredw has. I can't imagine a hitch not stout enough to hold that weight, and the small amount of weight there will have zero effect on the way your trailer rides/tows.

FWIW, I still have the cargo carrier - it came from Harbor Freight.

[azrving]

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.

Hard to beat a Honda. I’ve got about 1200 hours on mine with it only needing a battery and regular oil changes and valve check

[padredw]

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.

[bgum]

Mount it in truck bed or there is a mount made for the pin box. Out back will put a lot of stress on any carrier.

[guidry]

I keep my generators (2 Honda's 2200) and the extended tank in my truck bed because I didn't want a generator bouncing down the road. As mentioned it will make the back end of the trailer heavier and whip up and down. Mine are fairly easy to get to for starting and I have bicycle locks and a tonneau cover to keep them from walking away.

[azrving]

The weight shouldn’t be a problem out back. Of course the rack needs to be substantial even to hold the weight. The worst thing that happens when on the back is the shaking. Thats how bike racks and stuff get torn off. The weight of what is back there cant be too great for the structure but you want to control the shaking or wiping action. When i hauled bicycles on mine in put a ss loop mount on the back of the FW for bungees along with fastening to the reinforced roof ladder.

So it has to be bullet proof when its hanging out there. If it falls off and tumbles around it may be trash but more importantly is that it doesn’t kill someone. So after picturing myself talking to a lawyer and sitting in court and having just spent what would probably amount to two new ATVs I put it in the back of the truck. I have a Honda 3000 so its heavy and not getting moved around. I bolted it to the truck bed in front of my hitch. I ran 10 gauge cable from my transfer switch in the basement Up under the overhang and up to the generator Also have about a 25’ extension cord that lets me pull up to the pin box with the front of the truck. That puts the noise away from the truck

My son uses his honda 3000 handi in his truck bed with a heavy chain and he can start it when standing next to the truck bed. Id look at the genny to see if there is an easy way to get just one bolt to go through the truck bed It takes two people to do it but it also takes two people with tools to remove it. Most of the generators that are stolen are the easiest fruit to pick. Its also good to have anything in the bed well secured so there is less chance of projectiles if in an accident

[dpgllg]

TenOC wrote:
You may want to this or some other home made modification.

Reinforce RV bumper

OP Here,

My 5th wheel does not have a rear bumper. It has a factory installed reciever for a 2 inch hitch rated at 350 pounds.

Dave

[TenOC]

You may want to this or some other home made modification.

Reinforce RV bumper

[schlep1967]

My first question would be are you capable of lifting it in and out of the truck bed? If you can do that and you are concerned about hauling it behind the trailer, put it in the bed of the truck and remove the worry.
If the generator is too heavy for you to lift that high, put it on the rack and check it often. What is the receiver rated for on the back of the trailer? 100 lbs is really not that much for most of them. Strap it down tight, lock it and cover it so it is out of sight.