I was wondering if anybody had experience with putting gas generators into small boxes. I have a box truck conversion RV that has a tool box attached underneath the side. This box seems to work perfectly to house the generator and protect it from the elements while still keeping it out of the living area. It just barely fits inside.
Currently I take it out of the box to run it, but I was thinking that it would be more convenient to leave it in. Then I would wire it to the battery bank and it would always be ready to go.
One time I ran it inside the tool box for 10 minutes with the door open and I didn't have any problems. However, I've read that in the long run this may choke the intake opening with Carbon Monoxide and so I haven't done this since. The manual says to have at least 3 ft above the generator and to only run in a well ventilated area.
I was wondering if I drilled a few holes, installed a fan, and isolated the exhaust if I could then run it without problem inside the tool box all the time. I would probably put some one inch foam board around it to help with sound, but I realize that I would also need to have the proper fan and ventilation holes.
The generator I'm using is the Honda Companian EU2000i. Please refer to the picture link above. If anyone has experience and could tell me if this is A: doable or B: a bad idea; I would appreciate it. Thanks
FWIW, here's how I handled a similar problem. This is in my aluminum truckbox and I installed a temp-controlled fan both for cooling and airflow. I used an oven thermometer to test it and make sure the temps stabilized. I bought aluminum roof vents and riveted them to the ends of the box. The sides and top of the box are lined with B-Quiet Ultimate material to deaden the sound. This stuff is (supposedly) safe for temps up to 300 degrees. I tested it at various distances with a decibel meter, but I can't find that spreadsheet anymore. It was pretty quiet, and my wife described the noise as "about the same as the dishwasher" when it was running. We used it in Yellowstone (no-gen area) and no one noticed during the day.
I realize this isn't exactly your application, but might be good for some ideas...
The metal hose is to carry away the hot exhaust (so it doesn't concentrate on one spot in the box wall).
Obviously, I have to empty the box before using it, but can store stuff in the open area while traveling.
Here's what it looks like closed (this was in my old truck). The gaps on the sides were plenty large enough for the airflow, and it has the added advantage of not being obvious to thieves (that a generator is there).
I realize this isn't exactly your application, but might be good for some ideas...
The metal hose is to carry away the hot exhaust (so it doesn't concentrate on one spot in the box wall).
Obviously, I have to empty the box before using it, but can store stuff in the open area while traveling.
Here's what it looks like closed (this was in my old truck). The gaps on the sides were plenty large enough for the airflow, and it has the added advantage of not being obvious to thieves (that a generator is there).
Horizon170 wrote:
For proper cooling this generator should run in the open. The sliding tray is the best idea for your situation IMO. If you need to run it while traveling have a portion of your door cut out and a smaller door installed with the hinge to the rear and open it just enough to form a scoop to force air in and have holes in the rear of your box for the air/CO to escape. BY ALL MEANS HAVE A FULL TIME CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR INSIDE. Sorry for the caps but this is most important.
My 2K Honda is mounted in a tray on the front bumper of my RV. I have a 10ga.electric cord run along the frame and to an automatic transfer switch so I can use gen.when traveling. I made an adapter to utilize both plug-ins on the gen to plug a 30 amp cord into.
I like the idea of having the generator on the front and the #10 wire, but I do not understand the double plug set-up. The generator will only put out so much. Seems that a single 15-30 adapter would of worked just fine. JMT
For proper cooling this generator should run in the open. The sliding tray is the best idea for your situation IMO. If you need to run it while traveling have a portion of your door cut out and a smaller door installed with the hinge to the rear and open it just enough to form a scoop to force air in and have holes in the rear of your box for the air/CO to escape. BY ALL MEANS HAVE A FULL TIME CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR INSIDE. Sorry for the caps but this is most important.
My 2K Honda is mounted in a tray on the front bumper of my RV. I have a 10ga.electric cord run along the frame and to an automatic transfer switch so I can use gen.when traveling. I made an adapter to utilize both plug-ins on the gen to plug a 30 amp cord into.
My 2K Honda is mounted in a tray on the front bumper of my RV. I have a 10ga.electric cord run along the frame and to an automatic transfer switch so I can use gen.when traveling. I made an adapter to utilize both plug-ins on the gen to plug a 30 amp cord into.
