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

[wanderingbob]

I run mine on the tailgate , under the topper . No probs for 9 years .

[Bionic_Man]

The best solution isn't always the cheapest. 2 Honda/Yamaha 2000's and run them parallel.

[midnightsadie]

do something, I just had two hernia,s repaired, lifting things I know better to do. but I,m old my brain said I could do it. my body said NO!

[ktmrfs]

weight was a factor when I was generator looking. I finally just got 2 honda 2000's.

Advantages:
1) only weight about 50lbs, easy to lift and carry
2) two are about the same cost as the quiet honda 3000
3) more VA than the honda 3000, especially with the new 2200's
4) generally only need one, in fact now that we have the micro air easy start and picked up a honda 2200 (one 2000 went to our son), the 2200 will run the AC by itself even at 6000+ft, so it's very rare that I even need to parallel. If I need battery charging I can do that after the AC is off.

Disadvantage:
1) no electric start
2) easier to grow legs than the 3000
3) a slight bit more noise than the 3000.

If I had to do it again, I'd go the same route, honda, yamaha, HF all have 2kish generators that can be paralleled.

[CincyGus]

I bought a toy hauler TT that has a ramp and room for it in there, lol. Expensive solution but I won't be lifting it to the back of my truck anymore 😉

[2oldman]

Sounds like money is a factor in this, but I think you'd be better off with 2 Honda 2200s... or two Predators.

You're going to be living with a big heavy generator long after it was 'on sale.'

[CA_Traveler]

I have a pair of Titan 11"x7.5' folding (length wise) ramps, 33 lb for both, 1500 lb capacity and $108 free shipping. Hard to beat.

[1320Fastback]

No reason you cant run a generator in a truck bed with a shell. Just open the tailgate and shell windows and make sure the trucks windows are closed. Point the exhaust away from anything flammable and fire it up.

[TurnThePage]

I have a folding table that I set next to the tailgate. I can lift the 3400 watt Champion on to that, adjust my grip and lift it the rest of the way onto the tailgate. I have also successfully run my Champion under my tonneau cover with a fairly large fan blowing into the bed, forcing the exhaust out the other side of the back. If I had a canopy that is what I would do too.

In the meantime, I'm installing a trailer tongue platform to store my generator.

[colliehauler]

Double post

[colliehauler]

Since I carry a scooter along with a generator I carry a light weight aluminum ramp. Mine came from Tractor Supply, harbor freight has them as well. Very easy to load and unload and very affordable along with light weight.

I noticed on ebay they had a replacement motor for a Champion that also used in the Predator and Generac generator.

[JCK]

I use a hoist that goes in my Reciever and breaks down to store in my pickup bed .
It uses a boat hand winch and easily lifts my 100 lbs. Champion 3100 generator.
You can adjust the reach of boom and on the shortest setting I just winch up and swing the Genny right into my truck bed.
I am satisfied with this setup and would buy again.

Jeff K

[Lwiddis]

Two 2000 watt generators weigh about 40-45 pounds each. An expensive option however.

[ppine]

I have a 2000 watt gen that is about the largest I can easily handle. I leave it in the back of my truck and use a long electrical cord from the trailer. Even with a canopy, it works fine as long as the tailgate is down and the canopy is open. I use a hand truck to get the gen to the truck. Lessons learned from living with a bad back from an industrial accident 50 years ago.

[pianotuna]

For my first generator, I made a wooden box. The lid doubled as a ramp. I used 2 x 4's to reinforce the ramp and loose pin hinges.