Ideas for carrying/securing open framed generator

[roadjunkie]

I purchased a new Champion 4000W generator yesterday and am looking for ideas of how to transport and secure from theft on my Gulf Stream 21 foot TT. I like the idea of having it on the trailer tonuge and saw that Camping World has a carrier that fits over the gas bottles.

Are there any other options I'm missing? I'd like to see photos of your set ups.

[DiskDoctr]

If it helps, I've considered the over the tanks generator option and these are my thoughts on it. (I don't have a chosen solution yet)

Pros:

It looks slick and would be out of the way.

Could be run while hitched or with very minimal effort

Electrical cord would likely reach, or some other extension could be arranged that could be semi-permanent.


Cons:

High for adding fuel

When running, it would be near our heads in the master bedroom (as Tom mentioned)

If we have the opportunity to "remote" the generator with an extension cord while camping, 100lbs would be quite awkward to get down and back up to that spot. It's a bit of trouble putting it in the back of our Excursion. (Too many broken down parts, lol)


A number of folks have had extensions welded to the from to reinforce the rear storage capabilities. Some models don't have a frame that would support this, either.

If on the rear, the same connectivity and semi-permanent mounting could be used, plus it would be MUCH easier (lower) to remove and remote when possible.

If possible, we'd like to put a Bike Rack above the tanks and use the rear for the generator and honey wagon when needed.

Not set on any of those ideas, but might give you some things to consider as you look for the solution that is best for you 😉

[TomG2]

Too bad, because that "Over the tank" thing looks awkward. Having any generator running two feet from my head while I am trying to sleep does not appeal to me. Something about combining a hot engine with propane and gasoline does not interest me either. I would rather cut a hole in the bed cover than use the tank carrier. Get a nice hood scoop to make it look professional. Pardon me for thinking outside the box.

[roadjunkie]

TomG2 wrote:

roadjunkie wrote:
I don't need to measure it. The cover won't close unless the unit is lying on it's side. Once I fill with gas and oil, that can't happen. I don't even have the wheels attached to it yet because of the space problem under the hard bed cover. Bottom line is it needs to be mounted outside the bed of my truck.

Sorry for offering a suggestion. On my F150, I have two inches of vertical clearance under the tonneau cover. Looks like you have no choice, just like you said earlier. I did have to use smaller wheels to make it work for me.

The suggestion is appreciated but I wouldn't have had to post this question if it fit under the cover. I hauled it home with the cover closed.... lying on it's side. I unboxed and tried it again and it still won't fit standing upright, even with no wheels on it.

[TomG2]

roadjunkie wrote:
I don't need to measure it. The cover won't close unless the unit is lying on it's side. Once I fill with gas and oil, that can't happen. I don't even have the wheels attached to it yet because of the space problem under the hard bed cover. Bottom line is it needs to be mounted outside the bed of my truck.

Sorry for offering a suggestion. On my F150, I have two inches of vertical clearance under the tonneau cover. Looks like you have no choice, just like you said earlier. I did have to use smaller wheels to make it work for me.

[DiskDoctr]

TomG2 wrote:
He might even get a few bucks for the fancy chain.

HAHA!!! Good one 😉

[TomG2]

Did you never read "Mad" magazine. It is a case of "Spy versus Spy" and every defense will be defeated by the bad guys if the prize is worth the effort. Packing around a high tech and expensive safe would slow them down or make the show even more interesting, until they hitched up the whole outfit behind a tow truck and took it to their shop to finish the job. We have a saying here in South Texas, "You build a twenty foot wall and someone will get a twenty one foot ladder".

I keep my generator hidden under a bed cover and only expose it in relatively safe places. Plus, I own a Champion that "Everyone" knows are not worth stealing.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

The real downside is when the thief has to cut through two bars. I keep mentioning "You Have To Be Smarter Than The Problem"

Ya cuts two lengths of hose. Ya slices them lengthwise. Ya slips them over the gen bars and adhere with Goop. Mske for a comfort grip. Ever see what happens to a cutoff wheel when it meets rubber?

Then when the big uproar over all this is underway the neighbors can bring chairs, cookies and milk and watch the show 😉

[roadjunkie]

TomG2 wrote:

roadjunkie wrote:
.....snip......The bumper won't hold it, as I mentioned, there's a hard cover on my bed so it won't fit in the truck. Looks like it's going to be the over-the-gas-bottle mounting rack. Thanks for all the advice.

Have you actually measured the clearance under your bed cover? Mine fits easily. I have mounted a couple of small wheels to facilitate rolling it out onto a 2 X 2 piece of plywood on the tailgate. Big advantage is that there is no vibration transferred to the trailer and easier access for refueling and maintenance. I would want to cover the generator if it was on the tank mount.

For lunch or quick nap while traveling, I pull into a remote parking place, drop the tailgate, start the generator, plug in the trailer, and enjoy my AC, microwave, battery charger, just about like being plugged in at a campground.

I don't need to measure it. The cover won't close unless the unit is lying on it's side. Once I fill with gas and oil, that can't happen. I don't even have the wheels attached to it yet because of the space problem under the hard bed cover. Bottom line is it needs to be mounted outside the bed of my truck.

[TomG2]

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:

roadjunkie wrote:

TomG2 wrote:
A person with a modern battery operated grinder can defeat all but the largest chains, cables, and locks. Dewalt makes a nice one.

I think someone cutting through a chain with a grinder and abrasive wheel might draw some unwanted attention.

Got gnus for you...

A know-it-all machinist friend shattered a green $20.00 special wheel using a 7" 12 amp grinder on a square link manganese steel security chain. This came after breaking three standard wheels.

The downside is manganese square link chains are hideously expensive.

The downside is that the generator thief could zip right through the handle of the generator or whatever the chain was attached to thereby setting the generator free to follow him to the flea market. He might even get a few bucks for the fancy chain.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

roadjunkie wrote:

TomG2 wrote:
A person with a modern battery operated grinder can defeat all but the largest chains, cables, and locks. Dewalt makes a nice one.

I think someone cutting through a chain with a grinder and abrasive wheel might draw some unwanted attention.

Got gnus for you...

A know-it-all machinist friend shattered a green $20.00 special wheel using a 7" 12 amp grinder on a square link manganese steel security chain. This came after breaking three standard wheels.

The downside is manganese square link chains are hideously expensive.

[TomG2]

roadjunkie wrote:
.....snip......The bumper won't hold it, as I mentioned, there's a hard cover on my bed so it won't fit in the truck. Looks like it's going to be the over-the-gas-bottle mounting rack. Thanks for all the advice.

Have you actually measured the clearance under your bed cover? Mine fits easily. I have mounted a couple of small wheels to facilitate rolling it out onto a 2 X 2 piece of plywood on the tailgate. Big advantage is that there is no vibration transferred to the trailer and easier access for refueling and maintenance. I would want to cover the generator if it was on the tank mount.

For lunch or quick nap while traveling, I pull into a remote parking place, drop the tailgate, start the generator, plug in the trailer, and enjoy my AC, microwave, battery charger, just about like being plugged in at a campground.

[roadjunkie]

roadjunkie wrote:

crcr wrote:
Ideas for carrying/securing open framed generator ...

Lock it up in your garage at home (or return it for a refund), and buy an inverter generator. This will ensure that you don't make enemies of each and every one of your neighbors when camping, and will exhibit that you have consideration for others.

Wow... I've been away for awhile and this thread has taken an odd direction. First off, please allow me to apologize for purchasing a generator that was in my budget when I should have consulted all of the financial experts on here.

CRCR.... If anyone is offended by my generator, I'll just kick the sh*t out of them. That usually calms them down.

It's pretty simple: Spend $319.99 for 4000W or $2300 for 3000W? Hmmmm...... that is a tough one.

I think I'm going to take the 4000W for $319.99.

I see a few of you guys did throw out some ideas for me to mount this gas spewing, eardrum splitting, aggravating monstrosity. I appreciate it. The bumper won't hold it, as I mentioned, there's a hard cover on my bed so it won't fit in the truck. Looks like it's going to be the over-the-gas-bottle mounting rack. Thanks for all the advice.

[roadjunkie]

full_mosey wrote:


Are we talking about one of these?

That's the one except mine is 3400/4000 so Lowe's could have their "own" model.

[roadjunkie]

discovery4us wrote:
I built a rack to hold my generator above the propane tanks on the a frame of an old Alpha TH and it worked well. Extra weight was not noticeable on the tongue jack or when towing. Downside was starting it. It was a rope pull and with it being high I darn near had to get on a ladder to start it.

I think this is the best option for me since the rear bumper doesn't look that strong and it's not the 4x4 bumper like on most TT's. It's 2x4 box steel.

[roadjunkie]

Ralph Cramden wrote:
This is one of the most entertaining generator threads I have had the pleasure to read in many moons!!!

I guess so. All I wanted to know was what was the best way to mount it to my travel trailer and asked no questions about which ones were better/quieter.

I think I'll end up mounting it over the gas bottles too. Rear bumper on an ultra-lite isn't really strong enough to support 100 to 200 pounds (generator and rack).