Lifting and handling heavy generators

[CharlesinGA]

I posted this in the TT forum because 1) I have a TT (and sold the motorhome) and 2) I suspect that most portable gennys used by RV'ers are owned by TT owners.

I am considering a 3400-3500-3600 watt INVERTER generator. Looking real hard at the Harbor Freight Predator 3500 (will be on sale June 7-9th for $697), but may consider a Champion. These generators weigh in at about 100 lbs give or take a few. Now if the generator is in the back of a open bed pickup and you don't mind leaving it there, then you don't need to move it, but with a Leer Topper to keep stuff safe and dry, you gotta get the generator out to use it.

What do you do? I won't have any help, its just me. I can probably get it down without damaging it or me, but no way am I lifting it back up. Have people built some kind of lightweight divot hoist to unload it? Roll it down boards with ramp brackets to hook on the tailgate? What works for those with too heavy to lift generators?

Charles

[RoyB]

I keep my 2KW Honda generator secured with a cable in the tail gate corner of my truck bed. My truck bed also has the folding hard plastic cover on it which are also locked.

When I need to use my generator I just pull it out onto the tail gate and point the exhaust away from the truck... It slides out rather easy for me...

This way my generator stays with me and is out of sight when not being used...

I have found it very useful to help folks out in various places using my generator. I am always seeing some elderly person standing beside the car with the hood raised. Always a sign of not starting in the WALMART parking lot.. I also carry a small battery charger and use that with the generator to charge their battery back up in five minutes or so enough for them to start their vehicle... Gives you some chat time with them while the battery is getting a quick charge...


Roy's image

This is also a great position for my generator running my 30A trailer power cord... When camping off grid I usually live off my batteries until 8AM each morning then connect to my generator to let the converter recharge my batteries with a three hour generator run time when allowed. I never want to have my batteries drop below their 50% charge rate so I can do a 50% to 90% charge state in about three hours time. Then I am good to go for the next day/night run off my batteries. We do this during breakfast every morning... I cam make my Cuisinart Grind and Brew Coffee for the day when on the generator...

Works great for me...

Roy Ken

[wanderingaimles]

When I had a cap on my truck, I still left the genny there. I kept it all the way at the back, lowered the tailgate and moved the genny back onto the tailgate when I ran it. Just make sure you turn the exhaust away from the bed.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

🙂 Hi, I have an old wooden ramp that I use. I made a furniture dolly to fit my generator. I park my truck in the street to lower my ramp angle and roll my generator into the bed. I then lift it into place and lock / latch it in place.