Honda Generator Hitch Mount

[egarant]

I finished up my front hitch mount for my Honda 2000 today.

Like some of you, I decided against the propane genny in my Eagle Cap, instead using that valuable space for storage. The Honda does fit in that space, but not without the loss of some skin on the knuckles from twisting it in and out. Plus you can't run it inside there without some kind of exhaust system.

Instead, I purchased the LowPro LockDown that is made specifically for the Honda 2000. Here is their website: LowPro

I had the space on my rear bumper to mount the lock down system, but I didn't want to run the generator that close to the back door and I use the bumper space for other things.

So I had a mounting plate fabricated at my local trailer supply store to which I can bolt the LowPro system to. I also purchased a 3' quick release safety whip (take off for garage storage purposes) and mounted it on the front of the mount so I can tell exactly where the front of the generator is. I also replaced the Honda silver cover that had HONDA emblazoned on it and purchased a VERY heavy duty camo cover that at least doesn't say HONDA on it.

Getting the custom mount made allowed me to determine just how close to the front bumper/grill the final product would be. I did check out the Torklift universal mount, but it stuck out much to far.

Here are some pics.

[Buzzcut1]

I have the Torklift Lock and Load Sidkick carrying my Honda 2000 on a Curt front receiver

[trailgranny50]

I'd like that on our 04 Duramax 3500! Free up the cargo tray mounted in back for reshuffle of "stuff". Actually, if you look at the dimentions of this arrangement and compare to most of the super beefed up bumpers we see all over in Oklahoma and Texas due to the oils field and agriculture it doesn't extend out as far as the vast majority. A highway reflective material cover would add undeniable visibility. We've been debating a new bumper as ours has been damaged twice in one year by unattentive driver and deer and local place sells a really nice replacement bumper with built in receiver or option for shelf like space to bolt thru. They're made local to our town but get marketed lots of other places. Custom work as well but we can't afford that route.

[ralphnjoann]

Bob B wrote:
Adding a front hitch for extra storage is something I have considered.
Has anybody had any trouble because of obscuring the license plate on the front of the truck?

I have my generator bolted down inside a cargo carrier on the front of the truck. The license plate is attached to the front of the cargo carrier. For guides, I went to Walmart and purchased a couple of driveway marker reflectors, the kind with a round reflector on the end of a fiberglass rod. I cut the reflectors off and mounted a rod on each front corner of the carrier. Cheap and it works.

[egarant]

Very nice set up bobndot! I thought about adding a flag to the whip so it was more visible to others, but that would have distracted the heck out of me.

My license plate is actually under my Honda rack so technically I am not obscuring it.

[billtex]

egarant wrote:

Super_Dave wrote:
Had you thought about making the platform a little larger for the gas can, or store that somewhere else?

I really didn't like the idea of carrying explosives on the font of my truck, the generator's one gallon capacity is enough already. I might carry a 1 gallon can in the generator box at the rear if I need to.

I am thinking of installing one of those propane conversion kits on the Honda, then utilizing a quick connect hose, attache it to my propane tank outlet if needed.

One thing about propane conversion; usually you need the genny when you also need the propane-heating season! Having propane as your power and heat source will eat it up quickly.

Nice rack, as noted be careful where you park.
We usually pick an out of the way spot anyways...
Bill

[bobndot]

tonymull wrote:
looks like a good way to add $1000 to any front end collision. 😉

:B and you know someone is arguing with someone else that they saw a Honda Ram in a parking today .......



to the op : That is a real nice front rack , it looks great and you did a very nice job . Looks very neat, I like it . Mine is angled up as well to add clearance.

Just as a heads up : I was filling up pumping gas at one of those convenience gas marts. One of the coffee customers nearly backed into my rack and genny box . I was able to stop him just in time to NOT do any damage but it was very close ( an inch) . I was lucky to have seen him to stop him.
He stopped to apologize. He explained that he DIDN'T SEE the RACK nor the whip because of the height of it and the thin whip just kind of blends into things . The whip works better for us drivers, as a marker.
Just something to be careful of I guess when we park. Sometimes it means waiting for a better spot to become available. ( or maybe I have to hire a flagman )

[pjay9]

By doing this have you had to tell your insurance so they will cover the damage if it may occur...like someone hitting it in a parking lot...or a pedestrian cutting the corner and running inot it when you ares topped at a light?

I know that on my insurance my bumber and wheels are after markert and I know perm attached, but isn't things attached to hitches so call affixed and part of the vehicle..if it was a spare tire out front how would that be handled?

BTW, Nice install and I like the propane conversioan idea.

[Bob__B]

Adding a front hitch for extra storage is something I have considered.
Has anybody had any trouble because of obscuring the license plate on the front of the truck?

[tonymull]

looks like a good way to add $1000 to any front end collision. 😉

[350int]

Additional photos

[350int]

Thanks egarant for the idea...here's how it looks on a 2003 unit.

[egarant]

"I say whip it, whip it good!"

DEVO

[exhaustipated]

That's a nice setup. I like the 3' whip on the front as this would let you know exactly where the generator and rack is on your truck so you don't get too close to hitting something. I have a little bigger rack than yours so I can haul extra gas and water when I need it, but I don't have the whip. I just might look into doing something like that.

[egarant]

Super_Dave wrote:
Had you thought about making the platform a little larger for the gas can, or store that somewhere else?

I really didn't like the idea of carrying explosives on the font of my truck, the generator's one gallon capacity is enough already. I might carry a 1 gallon can in the generator box at the rear if I need to.

I am thinking of installing one of those propane conversion kits on the Honda, then utilizing a quick connect hose, attache it to my propane tank outlet if needed.