[Jill] I have a 5000 generator (160 lbs) that I need to carry with me travelling. Where should I put it? I don't really want to be lifting it in and out all the time and was thinking of a rack on the back of the trailer. Also can you run these generators while driving?
Generator carrying with a trailer [Jim M] Hi Jill: I gather that the trailer you refer to is a travel trailer. Assuming that--you have hit on the two best solutions. I have seen several gensets on the back of trailers on a small platform built back there for the purpose and also in the back of the pickup. I know of no reason that you could not run them on the road. In both cases, security is a bit of a problem since a lot of folks like to steal gensets. Also, if you bolt it down, you may not like the inability to locate it a little further away to keep down noise. Seems like most gensets that are not specifically designed for RV's are both less expensive and noisier! Also, the platform on the back of the trailer worsens the tail clearance problem. 5000 is a nice size, I used to have a 5000 and powered two campers, mine and a friends from it. I did not permanantly mount it, just carried it in the back of the pickup. Never ran it on the road, but would have if I had thought of it! When powering two campers, we had to be careful with airconditioners and electric hot water heaters, but it powered us both for most normal stuff. I am running on here, but another thought, the platform in back might work better for you if you have a front bedroom farther from the noise. Also, the pickup mount causes the generator to be further away noise wise and is conducive to using the generator for other purposes--eg emergency power for your home! Additionaly, don't forget to take a 5 gallon gas can with you, when you run at full load, you will be surprised how much gas that little puppy goes through! I generally refueled mine about once a day if I was running airconditioning--I assume your genset is a 5 gallon tank, if not, consider adding a larger tank. Hope all this helps Jim
Generator carrying with a trailer [Jill] Thanks Jim! I do have a front bedroom, guess I'll have something built for carrying it on the back, I can equalize the load by packing more stuff up front. I wish they'd make a quieter generator...mine's a 5000OHV and I can't tell that it's much quieter than the non OHV engines. Jill
Generator carrying with a trailer [Jill] Thanks Jim! I do have a front bedroom, guess I'll have something built for carrying it on the back, I can equalize the load by packing more stuff up front. I wish they'd make a quieter generator...mine's a 5000OHV and I can't tell that it's much quieter than the non OHV engines. Jill
Generator carrying with a trailer [Steve Johnson] Jill, They make quiet generators, or at least much quieter. Honda has a dandy one, EU3000i, has a built in inverter, so computer friendly. Wet it will weigh 150 LBS+, cost on the internet is around 1,615. I've included a URL below: http://www.northwestpowertools.com/generators/eu3000.htm If you can get along without air conditioner the EU1000i is alot lighter, and cheaper, almost as quiet. Cheers, Steve J.
