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Running a generator

Lokin4deer
Explorer
Explorer
I have been knocking around the idea of buying a generator for home primarily but it would be nice to be able to use this when we boon dock as we travel for AC(mostly overnights at Walmart) My concern is running this overnight. Do any of you run theirs in the bed of your truck with a camper shell on the trucks? I have 2 sliding windows in my camper shell that I could open for ventilation but I am worried about over heating the genny or flooding the cab with exhaust fumes which could be an issue when we get back into to drive the next day. I would have to rework my electric tongue jack to be able to drop my tailgate to use the genny outside the truck and then obviously secure it somehow. Right now I am looking at the Champion generator. And NO I will not be running this at any campgrounds like I said primarily this is for home use just trying to duel purpose it, Thanks for help.
2003 2500 Dodge CTD 48RE 3:73 LSD
2007 Heartland Trailrunner T2700bhs
35 REPLIES 35

Lokin4deer
Explorer
Explorer
I just want to make sure I was clear. I want to run the generator in the bed of my pick up truck that has a cab high camper shell on it while we sleep in my travel trailer. My concern is the genny overheating or the cab of the pick up getting flooded with fumes for when we get in it the next morning and drive away. Sorry if I confused anyone. Thanks.
2003 2500 Dodge CTD 48RE 3:73 LSD
2007 Heartland Trailrunner T2700bhs

ksg5000
Explorer
Explorer
If you have a carbon monoxide detector/alarm I don't see a reason that you can't run the generator at night. Of course there are issues with noise, neighbors, and theft to be considered.
Kevin

popeyemth
Explorer
Explorer
Lokin4deer wrote:
I have been knocking around the idea of buying a generator for home primarily but it would be nice to be able to use this when we boon dock as we travel for AC(mostly overnights at Walmart) My concern is running this overnight. Do any of you run theirs in the bed of your truck with a camper shell on the trucks? I have 2 sliding windows in my camper shell that I could open for ventilation but I am worried about over heating the genny or flooding the cab with exhaust fumes which could be an issue when we get back into to drive the next day. I would have to rework my electric tongue jack to be able to drop my tailgate to use the genny outside the truck and then obviously secure it somehow. Right now I am looking at the Champion generator. And NO I will not be running this at any campgrounds like I said primarily this is for home use just trying to duel purpose it, Thanks for help.


That's what we do with our Champion 3500
Also open the rear truck cover window and don't forget to chain up the genny
At lunch stops when it's super hot out I'll sometimes put a fan on the genny
"wine is a constant proof that God loves us, and loves to see us happy" ben franklin

the_bear_II
Explorer
Explorer
I have two Honda 2000i with the parallel kit. I take both when we know we will need to run the A/C or other high draw appliance. I only take one if no A/C is needed.

The edison company was doing some work in the neighborhood and damaged a transformer so the power went out. They came around and said it would take up to 48 hours to get a new transformer in place. So I brought out the two Hondas and we were the only house on the block with power for the 36 hours it took to get commercial power back.

When boondocking, I chain the generators to the frame of the trailer using a heavy logging chain and a one inch cable lock used for motorcycles. I use a heavy lock like this on the logging chain: http://www.masterlock.com/business-use/product/220KA

So far, knock on wood, no theft.

Dakota98
Explorer
Explorer
Quote:

I would have to rework my electric tongue jack to be able to drop my tailgate to use the genny outside the truck and then obviously secure it somehow.

Does that mean turning the head 90*, Will that suffice ?

Or maybe do something like THIS
I'm an expert in only one field....I believe it's somewhere in Kansas.

2000 / 22' SKYLINE NOMAD LITE
1998 DODGE DAKOTA / 5.2L= 8mpg.
2006 POLARIS ATV
1500/1200 Watt Champion generator
Yada Wireless Back Up Camera
1998 Dyna Wide Glide
USMC 68-74

mikebreeze
Explorer
Explorer
I have a gen set in my class C and I only run mine during the day time up until bed time. I'd be concerned about noise if you ran it anywhere outside of your truck camper. And I would be concerned about fumes in the cab if you ran it there. If it's cold I just use a zero degree sleeping bag and iron oxide hand warmers at night. If it's hot I just open the windows. You did give me an idea as I may get a battery powered fan for hot nights.
2006 Four Winds Majestic 23A