Running a portable Gen in my built-in Gen space

Question

My TH has a compartment for a built-in (on-board) generator that is empty. It has a louvered door. I have a Champion 3100 that will fit in that space with room to spare. I have an aftermarket exhaust extension kit. I also have a long-run tank mod done that allows it to run off a 6 gal boat tank. I am thinking that if I leave the door open and the exhaust is directed out the bottom of the compartment ( I can bend it to then turn out to the side if need be) I should be able to run it it without removing it. My main concern would be carbon monoxide but my exhaust mod should take care of that correct? The unit is fan cooled like most of the inverter type units so I believe that as long as there is enough room in front and back of the unit I should be OK. This would keep it out of the weather and require less lifting on my part. What do you think.

jimk-ny · Answer

My RV has a compartment designed for operating a generator. It has a small side door for exhaust and a front access door. The front door has a heavy mesh grate so I can lock the door and still keep the generator in use. At a minimum I would get a heavy lock and chain to deter theft if you take a walk and leave the door open.

My generator compartment is lined with heavy galvanized steel. If something goes wrong and I get a fire a wooden compartment would be risky. I would also avoid storing any flammable materials in the compartment. You could use the space to store extra gas and remove the cans before operating the generator.

txsurfer · Answer

Good point - my trailer is all alum - no wood.  I also figured I could mount a 110 blower type fan behind the unit that would help evacuate excess cooling heat.  I could just plug it right into the unit.   I have a trip up to teh Rockies in a few weeks - we only run the Gen in the AM to make coffee and charge the batteries so nobody is sleeping inside.  That should be a good place to try it out. The only thing I need to buy is longer section of flex-pipe and a fan so no huge investment in time or $$.

drewe · Answer

Seems to me it should be fine, not much different than running it next to or underneath the trailer.  Do check that your CO alarm is operational, of course, and close windows in the vicinity of the generator--both of which are common sense in any case.

mrwizard · Answer

Looks doable to meYou could even add a sliding tray, for the generator and use the compartment door as a roof over the generatorSlide it out to run,

txsurfer · Answer

MrWizard wrote:Looks doable to meYou could even add a sliding tray, for the generator and use the compartment door as a roof over the generatorSlide it out to run,Great idea  - I think that would be the best thing. I guess I need to make sure I'd have the clearance but in pic it does.  Looks pretty common amongst the race car trailer crowd.  Won't be able to do it  for this trip. I'll giver a whirl in CO so how it does.  If nothing else I can store it in there.  The door locks..

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Running a portable Gen in my built-in Gen space

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