Generator Hitch Front or Back?

[PSUJIM85]

I have a Lance 855S with a LP generator on it. While it works well, in the cold weather it consumes all my gas - 40# when full. I want to put on a gasoline 3500 watt Honda and mount it on the from of my truck via a hitch. I know it will handle it, but I have to lift it up to clear my New Jersey plate on the front. I think it will be OK, but question if 1) having the plate obstructed by the hitch is legal 2) having the generator in front will cut my air flow. I have a Duramax Diesel, so I think it is really not and issue and the transmission cooler is down low, so it would not be obstructed.

Thoughts?

[SoCalDesertRid1]

Crazy Creek wrote:
My front hitch setup

Looks great, very nice work!

[Crazy_Creek]

My front hitch setup

[billyray50]

Front here too except I went with the Bodiak Hitch. Mounts right on to Tow hooks. Ordered custom Bodiak for my 2006 Ram CTD. Now bought a new 2015 Ram 3500 DRW CTD and it also fits the new truck.

[mellow]

Throw it on the front hitch. My front tag is obstructed but it is there to the side behind the platform, not had an issue yet.

[Kayteg1]

Just for the record - comparing 180lb of generator+platform carrying on rear hitch to front hitch will give you probably more than 500lb rear axle load difference.

[deltabravo]

bikepsych wrote:
How much does a Honda 3500 weigh?

Do you mean the EU3000?
Specs say 131 lbs dry (no oil, no fuel, no battery for the E-start).

http://powerequipment.honda.com/generators/models/eu3000isLifting them is pertnear impossible to do alone.

[SoCalDesertRid1]

When I used to carry my small gang box on the front hitch of both my F350's, I moved their front license plates over to one side of the bumper. That was in California.

Once I moved to Arizona, I didn't need to worry about front license plates anymore 🙂

[rlb8s]

kerry4951 wrote:
I have no over heating problems, but I use the Curt hitch that tends to ride lower than some of the others. So far never been a problem. I dont have to carry a generator but if I did it would be carried on a front hitch.

Is your box secured to the carrier or simply sits in. Also, any issues with bug residue or road grime making the box hard to clean? I am thinking of doing the same so I can have more lockable storage and I like your set up. Thanks.

[zulu52]

billtex wrote:
zulu...as noted it is Curt hitch...
We have run all over North America...never a problem over heating...

Thanks, I saw that note about the hitch.
I googled it and saw it just bolts on to my 2015 Chevy.
Costs $151.
I think I need one.
Zulu

[billtex]

zulu...as noted it is Curt hitch...
We have run all over North America...never a problem over heating...

[pcoplin]

Here's the rack I built. Holds the gennie and firewood. Chainsaw slips into the side of the rack, or up on top of the camper if I'm not going down questionable roads with limbs.




I'm thinking of building a combo rack/porch across the back bumper to old an outdoor BBQ and the gennie so I can carry more firewood. I tend to go where there's no store. 🙂

[DWeikert]

kerry4951 wrote:
Bought the cargo box at my local Tractor Supply Center, They had it in stock, so your local store might also stock that size. Take measurements before you go in. It was an almost perfect fit.
My front reflectors are now all amber. Pic was taken before I made the swap.

Thanks. Last I checked, the ones at Tractor Supply weren't deep enough for the Honda generator. I'll have to look again just in case.

[kerry4951]

Bought the cargo box at my local Tractor Supply Center, They had it in stock, so your local store might also stock that size. Take measurements before you go in. It was an almost perfect fit.
My front reflectors are now all amber. Pic was taken before I made the swap.

[DWeikert]

kerry4951 wrote:
I have no over heating problems, but I use the Curt hitch that tends to ride lower than some of the others. So far never been a problem. I dont have to carry a generator but if I did it would be carried on a front hitch.

Can I ask what cargo box that is and where you got it? You have what looks like the same carrier as I, and I'd like to add a cargo box like you did. It looks like that one fits perfect.

PS: I replaced the red reflectors with orange to stay in code.