Generators

[Shelly]

Hi Ladies,

I am in a generator quandry. The guys at the trailer dealership said that they could mount a cage on the back of our trailer to put the generator in. I have been reading alot of blogs and nobody is happy with this idea, with weight, balance etc. My TV is an SUV and I really don't want the gas smell in my car. The generator is a dual generator and each section is about 75 lbs. a piece. I could store it in the trailer while we are traveling, but then I have the weight issue of getting it out of the trailer and set up.

I also thought about solar panels, and that would be all fine and dandy, but of course I can not run the A/C off of the battery.

So.....does anyone have any suggestions?

Shelly

[Bethers]

There are trailers with built in generators. That said you do have to be are of the weight and distribute properly. My question is where will you carry the gas can filled with gas? That's what will give you the smell way more than the generator itself?

Also am moving this to the maintenance room.

[Shelly]

Well now.... I haven't thought about packing gas..... Maybe Ellen can run along side the car with it!!!! Now that would really go over well....NOT!!

The trailer we are looking at doesn't have a built in generator. Dang it!

Do I really need a generator???? The trailer has a 12 volt Fantastic Fan. I guess the other option is to only camp somewhere with hook ups. or use the fan.

[mitch5252]

..
Maybe one of these guys? I have the eu1000i, which will not run my small Polar Cub A/C.
I believe the eu2000i would run it.
These Hondas are really lightweight and quiet.
(and you can get them online for cheaper than what this pic shows...)

I also use mine around the house - I put it in a little garden wagon and drag it around when I do my weed wacking and shrub trimming.
I can also use it when the house power goes out to run the television and Directv receiver.

[Shelly]

Sounds good Mitch. Thanks I will check them out.

[Shelly]

I was just on Pinterest and what do you think I found?! A rack that goes over the propane tank that will hold the generator! It must be fate! I am on Pinterest all the time and have never seen this. I would love to post a pic, but I struggle with posting photos. But it will work great!

[BirdbyBird]

A lot of dog show folks haul the Honda generators around on rear car racks to use at outside shows. Depending upon how much power you expect to draw the 2000 may support your needs just fine.

[Azusateach]

I was just on Pinterest and what do you think I found?! A rack that goes over the propane tank that will hold the generator!

You still have to be careful about your tongue weight. Remember, if you carry 2 full propane tanks, 2 batteries (recommended for dry camping or boondocking), AND your generator, you could be over your tongue weight. If you can handle the testosterone, post your questions over on RV.net and watch the guys descend on your post. But you should get the information you need.

I have a trailer (26' Starcraft) and tow with an Expedition. While I've got plenty of towing capacity I have to be careful about my tongue weight. If I ever take my Honda 2000 genny I'll store it and the gas in the shower. That spot is fairly close to my axels -- but behind them -- and is a good place to carry extra weight. They do have vapor locks on them that supposedly prevents any smells from escaping. Frankly I haven't dry camped with this trailer yet, so don't know if that theory is true. I'll be going out next month & will take the genny then.

Hope this helps!

Laura

[mitch5252]

...But you should get the information you need.

As long as you can intelligently dig through all the BS that is so freely thrown around over there. Practically no matter the subject, it becomes a male dominated pissing contest. Jeesh, boys - GROW UP.

[retiredhappy]

I would not be without a generator. If I pull over for lunch I kick the generator on and the AC. Also sometimes use the microwave to cook lunch. If you store it outside you will also have to be sure its secured so it can't be stolen. If I'm boondocking I turn the generator on in the morning for coffee and breakfast and to recharge the batteries.

Have you thought of finding a trailer that already has a generator?

[Azusateach]

Have you thought of finding a trailer that already has a generator?

Karen, I have yet to see a trailer less than 23' with a built-in generator. They're just not designed to house them. Heck, I've got a 26' trailer and I don't have one. I could make space in my outside storage bin, but it's right behind the tongue and would add too much weight. The only type of trailer that regularly comes with gennys are fifth wheels, and even then not all do, especially if they're on the short side.

Laura

[VickieP]

Toy haulers generally come with generators, both fifth wheels and travel trailers...and on board fuel tanks.

[Azusateach]

Toy haulers generally come with generators, both fifth wheels and travel trailers...and on board fuel tanks.

Oops ... You're right, Vickie. I just don't put those in the same category as the "old-fashioned" trailers. In my book they're a whole different breed because of how they're usually used. Thanks for reminding me.

[VickieP]

Toy haulers generally come with generators, both fifth wheels and travel trailers...and on board fuel tanks.

Oops ... You're right, Vickie. I just don't put those in the same category as the "old-fashioned" trailers. In my book they're a whole different breed because of how they're usually used. Thanks for reminding me.

You always forget about us, I guess we're "Special", huh!
(SHUT UP, Mitch)

[Azusateach]

Toy haulers generally come with generators, both fifth wheels and travel trailers...and on board fuel tanks.

Oops ... You're right, Vickie. I just don't put those in the same category as the "old-fashioned" trailers. In my book they're a whole different breed because of how they're usually used. Thanks for reminding me.

You always forget about us, I guess we're "Special", huh!

That's one way to put it ...