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Old 06-08-2019, 02:50 PM   #1
jdarwin
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Generator question

I'm looking at purchasing an outboard generator (Firman, Champion, etc.). Where do others keep theirs? It seems the only places are chained in the back of the PU or mounted in the rear on a storage rack attached to the receiver hitch. I was told NOT to put it where the Onan would go as the exhaust gases would leak into the coach. I'd appreciate others thoughts as I really don't want to drag an 80# generator in and out of storage or in/out of the PU.
 
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Old 06-08-2019, 03:18 PM   #2
prndl
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I used to travel with mine in the bed of the pickup but when the truck left camp so did the generator. I mounted it on the back with a cargo carrier, under a cover bolted down and chained to the hitch. Can also use it while traveling to run the A/C so the coach is cool when I arrive.
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Old 06-08-2019, 05:05 PM   #3
Last2Die
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I leave both of mine in the back of the truck. When we dry camp it’s usually overnight and no need to un hitch. Your needs may be different. I have yet to have to take them out of the truck but that’s me.
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Old 06-08-2019, 06:28 PM   #4
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I keep my Honda IS 3000 in the front of my truck bed. I have a plug in in the front of my camper and about a 12 or 15 foot extension cord. If I were to buy another generator I would get the Harbor Freight Predator 3500. In fact I almost bought one for my MH because I thought my Onan was broke again.
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Old 06-08-2019, 07:24 PM   #5
richfaa
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We have 3K generator in the rear of the pickup.We have been hauling it around since 2006. We do not boondock and the power at C.Gs is a lot better than it was years ago. I run it 1/2 hour every month. We actually have little use for it anymore. It is out of the truck right now for routine maint and we may not put it back.
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Old 06-09-2019, 05:51 AM   #6
Chasnracin
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mlh View Post
I keep my Honda IS 3000 in the front of my truck bed. I have a plug in in the front of my camper and about a 12 or 15 foot extension cord. If I were to buy another generator I would get the Harbor Freight Predator 3500. In fact I almost bought one for my MH because I thought my Onan was broke again.
Lynwood

Do you have any info (pics, etc) on the plug you have in the front of your Monty? This seems like a great idea I might want to pursue.
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Old 06-09-2019, 06:29 AM   #7
Arkware
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I have recently gotten a generator and currently store it in the front storage area.
I built a low platform for it to sit on to bring it up to just below the opening, with storage underneath, to make it much easier to load/unload.
I would prefer to carry it in the truck bed but want a good secure box for it to live in. (out of sight....) with the budget, maybe later.
Also want to wire in a forward plug and transfer switch.
So many upgrades with too little budget.... (sigh)
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Old 06-09-2019, 09:10 AM   #8
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The receptacle I used was standard 30 amp RV receptacle. My camper is wired for 50 amp but has only 1 AC so 30 amps will carry the load and my generator is only good for not quite 30 amps. I saw no reason to wire for 50 amps. You will need a transfer switch, read MUST have a transfer switch. I made my switch. You probably can’t but you can buy an automatic transfer switch.
This setup works great. You can run the generator while you are moving or when you stop to eat or use the receptacle while you are parked.
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Old 06-09-2019, 09:51 AM   #9
RichardD
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We have a Honda 7,000 locked and strapped in the front of my 8' pickup bed. We have had a generator in our truck for 12 years without any issues. The generator has wheels and I have a 12 volt winch and aluminum ramps to make it easy to unload and load if we are we dry camping for more than a couple of days. Once unloaded, I cable lock the generator to the coach frame. If needed for an overnight stay without uncoupling, I typically just run the coach power cord and extension cord directly to the back of the truck. If space allows, I uncouple the truck and park it near the rear of the coach for an easier connection.
I bought the 7000 for 2 reasons, for camping and I also use it at home for back up electric. The Honda's are super quiet and efficient, which works will with camping and home.
I hope this helps.
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Old 06-10-2019, 11:39 AM   #10
dannyrver
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Run two Honda 2000s in a modified tool box in the bed of truck. Also have a 50 amp receptacle on the front of 305rl with Micro air soft start on my 1500ac runs it well
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Old 06-16-2019, 06:05 PM   #11
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First was an HF conventional and now an HF inverter, both in the bed of the truck. I put in 400 watts solar and four T105 batteries, so we only have to use it for AC. I've got to disconnect and pull forward about eight feet so the exhaust won't get into the 5er. I've done this many times at Walmarts and other overnight freebies with no issues. Got a simple bike security cable and padlock to secure it, but most times there's so much stuff in the bed that I don't bother with it.
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Old 06-16-2019, 06:47 PM   #12
Mikendebbie
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Generator

I have a 3500 champion inverter which I used for our previous 30 amp travel trailers. I have not tried it with the Monte. Can I use it to run 1 of the A/C s?
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Old 06-16-2019, 06:54 PM   #13
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My Harbor freight 3500 Predator goes in the truck bed, simple wire rope with lock, if someone wants it they will take it no matter what, but I'm sure the dog will here any noise, then I just push the panic alarm on the truck, gets enough enough attention people move away quick.
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Old 06-16-2019, 07:04 PM   #14
mlh
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Originally Posted by Mikendebbie View Post
I have a 3500 champion inverter which I used for our previous 30 amp travel trailers. I have not tried it with the Monte. Can I use it to run 1 of the A/C s?

You sure can.
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Old 06-16-2019, 07:56 PM   #15
GreG L.
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I have a Champion dual fuel 3500 in the bed of the truck just in case. Never used (did test it with one AC running) until last week when we had a power outage here at the house in CA. Ordered a 2020 with generator but will leave the Champion here in CA, Love you PG$E.
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Old 06-16-2019, 08:36 PM   #16
JamesD
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I store my portable gen in the front compartment, but take it out to run it.
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Old 06-16-2019, 10:27 PM   #17
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I have a mount bolted to my Mor/Ryde hitch that holds two Honda 2000’s and a place for a gas can on each side. I installed a 50 amp plug in the front above the doors and a transfer switch to allow using either the back or front plug while at a site or use the front connected to the two generators that I run in parallel. Works great rides smooth and is very secure front anyone wanting to use a five finger discount
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Old 06-17-2019, 06:29 AM   #18
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We have the two Honda i2000's that we can parallel if necessary. Bought them 7 years ago. They're placed in the front storage compartment of our 5th, protected by the weather elements and locked. Yamaha makes two types of similar size twins and I believe they're a better product with a longer life expectancy and just as reliable. The small Yamaha from Costco has a Yamaha engine, but the generator is a cheap Chinese knockoff.
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Old 06-18-2019, 07:16 AM   #19
Walt & Vicki
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If the dimensions of the generator allow, you could look into adapting a slide out tray from a truck bed slide. That way you wouldn't have to unload, just slide out and fire up. If the weight was a question you could put extendable legs or jack stands for support. I guess the limiting factor would really be the access door size. Hope this helps.
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Old 06-18-2019, 08:49 AM   #20
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Honda 2200 watt is 47 pounds. A 1000 watt is even less.

Easily go in basement
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