How do you store/secure your portable generator?

[texasAUtiger]

I'm posting here in order to target those who are (obviously) towing bumper pull trailers and many here are likely using pickups as their tow vehicles (which is what I have).

Being in Texas and camping the vast majority of the time in the south, I am interested in getting a generator in order to run the A/C at times when I don't have electrical hookups (for example, in many federally managed lands).

If I get a 3000 watt Honda or Yamaha, these things are heavy (150+ lbs) so I thought I'd put in the bed of the truck close to the cab secured with various cables to prevent a lazy thief from getting. Of course, nothing is going to stop a truly determined thief. But then when we go off sightseeing or visiting town, the generator is "exposed" to the public which increases its likelihood of being stolen. But then this thing is a bear to get in and out of the truck each time we return home from a trip.

On the other hand, a pair of paralleled Honda 2000's are much lighter (50ish lbs each).

I am curious how you secure your portable generator(s) especially when you are going into town while camping. Leaving it at the campsite with no one there seems risky, but so does leaving it in the truck unless I get some clever way to hide/disguise them. But that seems to entail a big storage or tool box...

Maybe I am too paranoid about two, $1000 generators (or one $2000) generator walking off?

Thanks for your input.

[GuyGene]

Thanks for this thread! Ok, y'all excuse me while I go looking at generators...

[SoundGuy]

FishHaggis wrote:
I have the Honda eu3000i, or Handi, and love the light weight. I chain it up when outside and then when packing up, I lift the camper stairs and just lift it up into the trailer. Runs the AC, microwave and electric heater, no issues. It's half the weight of the other Honda 3000.

SkiMore wrote:
That EU3000i sounds nice. How many hours of AC use do you get from a tank of gas with the EU3000i?

Keep in mind that a Honda EU3000i Handi is a completely different animal than the Honda EU3000iS ... it may be heavy but if you're concerned about noise there's no comparison at all, the class leading EU3000iS beats them ALL hands down. 😉

[SkiMore]

FishHaggis wrote:
I have the Honda eu3000i, or Handi, and love the light weight. I chain it up when outside and then when packing up, I lift the camper stairs and just lift it up into the trailer. Runs the AC, microwave and electric heater, no issues. It's half the weight of the other Honda 3000.

That EU3000i sounds nice. How many hours of AC use do you get from a tank of gas with the EU3000i?

[FishHaggis]

I have the Honda eu3000i, or Handi, and love the light weight. I chain it up when outside and then when packing up, I lift the camper stairs and just lift it up into the trailer. Runs the AC, microwave and electric heater, no issues. It's half the weight of the other Honda 3000.

[texasAUtiger]

RGar974417 wrote:
The Honda 3000i Handi is only 78lbs. I use a Master lock cable through the handle when at the campground while it is running. I then put it in the van when done.

Do you know how loud the Handi is compared to two 2000i's or even a "regular" Honda 3000?

[RGar974417]

The Honda 3000i Handi is only 78lbs. I use a Master lock cable through the handle when at the campground while it is running. I then put it in the van when done.

[stufarmer]

I have to agree with everyone that suggested a Lockable Tonneau cover or Camper Shell. If it's locked, it's insured.

[ecksdude]

Before I got a locking tonneau cover for the truck, I would use heavy cables and a heavy-duty bike lock (with the security handles) to secure them to the trailer frame (when we were at camp) or in the bed of the truck (when we were away). We would also cover them in the truck bed with other things and a tarp over everything.

Now that I have a solid locking tonneau cover, it's much simpler. Out of sight is 99% of the battle, in my opinion.

[jmcgsd]

My A/C runs fine on one EU2000.

When traveling it's secured by a motorcycle cable in the bed of the truck. When camped the same cable secures it to the TT frame.

It's worth noting that one way these Hondas get stolen is that the thieves simply cut through the plastic handle. I have the accessory theft resistant handle cover that Honda sells to prevent that. I believe it was about $18.

[captnjack]

Dog Trainer wrote:
I secure my Champion 3100 Watt inverter gen. with a cable lock that I have for a Harley. I put it through the handles and back through the frame of the TT. When in The truck it is out of sight covered by the Tonneau cover. It weighs 84 lbs and runs my 15,000 A/C very well.

Why is a Yamaha 3000 twice as heavy (170 lb according to one member) as a Champion 3100?

I also lock it to frame of trailer with cable or just put it in back of Suburban.

[krobbe]

I cable lock mine to the TT axle shackle hanger and cover it when not in use. Out of sight keeps the thievin' opportunists away.
It's a Honda2000 so it is easy to move around.

[John_Betty]

2oldman wrote:

GordonThree wrote:
why do the 3000 watt generators weight more than two 2000 watt units, when the twins provide a lot more power? Where does that extra weight go?

Good question. I can make an educated guess that it goes into sound-deadening hardware as the 3000 is much quieter than than 2ks.

and also due to the 12 volt DC electric start with the enclosed low maintenance battery. that'll add some serious weight.......

[RJCorazza]

texasAUtiger wrote:

RJCorazza wrote:
I lock my Yamaha 3000 in the truck bed with a large Master Lock cable lock. It looks more intimidating than it is, which was my goal. I am less concerned while "out and about", but do cover the genset with a fitted cover (NOT blue or red!)

I like that Yamaha 3000, but dread the thought of getting a 170 lb beast in and out of my truck before/after each trip.

I agonized over the single vs parallel gensets - Yes one A.C. capable genset will be heavy. Me and the wife are able to lift it into the truck, and it stays there for the duration of the trip. When it gets to be too much I have a Tractor/Loader that I can use to load it. Have also considered the pickup truck hoists that fold up when not in use.

[Dog_Trainer]

I secure my Champion 3100 Watt inverter gen. with a cable lock that I have for a Harley. I put it through the handles and back through the frame of the TT. When in The truck it is out of sight covered by the Tonneau cover. It weighs 84 lbs and runs my 15,000 A/C very well.

[mtofell1]

I agree with the "out of sight" crowd. I'd have to think that will avoid 99% of potential thefts. I keep mine locked to my trailer with a thick bicycle cable and U-lock when I'm out camping but always cover it with something when I leave. While traveling it's under the tonneau cover.