Storing generators when traveling?

[Freeborn530]

Recently acquired two Yamaha portable generators. I have a crew cab truck and usually keep propane grill, chairs in the back ... Should I keep the generators in the camper when on the road, for example stopping for shopping? Or in the back seat area covered by tarp?

[alexleblanc]

burningman wrote:
Here’s how you do it in a Northern Lite

That’s the setup right there! You could even bring just one and store a fuel jug there.

[burningman]

Here’s how you do it in a Northern Lite

[mbloof]

I just ran a bowl of fuel through my EF1000IS. When the bowl was empty and generator cold I closed off the tank cap and put it back from where I got it: on the floor in the cab behind the drivers seat.

Never have had a 'fume' issue with carrying it in the cab, but then again Oregon is not known for its hot weather. 🙂

[Kayteg1]

Grit dog wrote:

Kayteg1 wrote:
Both ideas will have gasoline fumes issues.
I carry my Honda 3000 of front hitch and not only that solves all safety issues, but also helps in keeping COG more forward.

No, it won't. .

When was the last time you had above 120F inside your cabin, or inside the camper?
When gas fumes in cold weather don't make much issue, where I live and travel - plastic gas cans turn into balloons when left unattended.
Your replies always seem to be shortsighted.

[covered_wagon]

I bought one gen at a size that fits in the gen compartment. Less is more when the goal is to live simple and free while camping. I charge batteries is all. Camping in mountains keeps me free from needing A/C, away from the telephone and internet. Nice break from it all.

Often I need the front bumper to get close to something around me in order to turn around. I would not want to forget that gen is up front where I can't see it and crunch it. I wouldn't want it exposed to all the bugs and dust either.

[MORSNOW]

I carry my Honda in the right side rear box that was designed for the Onan generator option.

[Grit_dog]

Kayteg1 wrote:
Both ideas will have gasoline fumes issues.
I carry my Honda 3000 of front hitch and not only that solves all safety issues, but also helps in keeping COG more forward.

No, it won't.
But to the OP, any suggestion will bring out a detractor as to why it's wrong or dangerous. Not sure how some people on here can actually get out of bed without being afraid for their lives.
1 other suggestion, if your camper has the room, I built a shelf in the overhang area of the "wing" in back. Generator strapped in there, chained into tiedown eye in truck bed.

[valhalla360]

We keep it in the truck bed but it has a chain connected to the 5th wheel hitch and then covered with a box to keep it out of sight and keep the weather off it.

[Rover_Bill]

jaycocreek wrote:
..I don't know about the Yamaha but the Honda has a cap adjustment to illuminate any fumes and it works....

Yamaha 2000 generators have the same vapor sealing fuel caps as the Hondas.

[jaycocreek]

Freeborn530 wrote:
Recently acquired two Yamaha portable generators. I have a crew cab truck and usually keep propane grill, chairs in the back ... Should I keep the generators in the camper when on the road, for example stopping for shopping? Or in the back seat area covered by tarp?

I keep my Honda in the camper...There light weight and easy to lug around..I also wouldn't hesitate to put it in the back seat with me either..I don't know about the Yamaha but the Honda has a cap adjustment to illuminate any fumes and it works....

[pianotuna]

My Class C doesn't overheat. 207 is about as high as it gets. If I'm in the mountains I've seen 215 briefly.

The generator on the front restricted the air flow so I was reading 227, after driving on the flat for an hour. My opinion was that was too high.

It's too bad it did not work out for me.

Kayteg1 wrote:
Obviously when you have truck prone to overheating - that might not be good option.

[ticki2]

I don't see how carrying something with a gas tank out in front of the bumper solves all safety issues . Prior to 1973 all 3truck makers had the gas tank in the cab behind the seats . Not the best but not the worst either . As mentioned earlier , where ever it is it needs to be secured .

[GeoBoy]

If you put a MicroAir on your AC, you should only need one 2,000 cc generator. When you carry a generator in the cab, run a ratchet type strap through the handle and hook the strap to the seat mounting hardware to prevent the generator from becoming a projectile.

[otrfun]

Freeborn530 wrote:
... Should I keep the generators in the camper when on the road, for example stopping for shopping? Or in the back seat area covered by tarp?

Some folks do carry their generators inside the cab of the truck while driving. Me, I'd never do it. A very bad collision or rollover could easily turn those generators into projectiles---not to mention the general risk imposed by the generator's fuel tank being located inside the passenger compartment---especially during a serious accident. Like Kayteg1, I'd vote for the front of the truck (best weight distribution) or the outside rear. Maybe the inside of the camper as a last resort.

[Kayteg1]

Obviously when you have truck prone to overheating - that might not be good option.
With my set I drove to Death Valley couple weeks ago, where I recorded 124F.
The return trip is quite a mountain climbing so engine got hotter than usual.
Ford pops digital display when engine gets hot, so mine never went above 220F, when I was pushing 60mph on steep grade.
The radiator fan never come on.