Generator on Rear of camper

[tomJerram]

I have a 2013 3625RE (no bumper and no hitch) I would like to add a hitch so I can add a platform for my generator (predator 3500).
[LIST=1][*]Has anyone done this[*]Is it a good ide[*]does it make it more vulnerable to dragging in driveway entrances

Thanks for your help.

[Joint Venture II]

Reminds me of a travel trailer I saw pull into an RV Park couple weeks ago. He had a generator on a platform that had broken welds and the platform was about a 45* angle and maybe 2" from the ground. Lucky for him the platform took most of the beating and the generator seemed to look OK.

If you go to the expense of installing a hitch make sure it's strong enough to support the weight of platform and generator. Generators mounted at the rear end of a trailer have a "whip" effect from the trailer being constantly jerking up and down repeatedly.

[Foldbak]

Personally I wouldn't feel comfortable with all that weight. I've seen portables mounted on slide out platforms in storage compartments.

[Camp CA]

Do not see why not.............at 100 lbs the generator is not any heavier than 2 E-bikes. Look into installing a suitable 2" receiver hitch. Try to find an RV-approved cargo carrier with a 2" hitch ideally with a screw hitch pin (like I have on my Swagman E-Spec bike rack) to increase connection tighteness use a hitch stabilizer/tightener. Consider a fold up carrier to reduce trailer length when camping.

[Mikendebbie]

I intend to put mine on a tray like in the pic below one of these days real real soon…project #38 on the list.

[artfuldodger]

I would be worried about carbon monoxide finding its way into the living areas with the above setup.

[mlh]

I have a Predator 3500 mounted on the rear of my motor home. I had my Honda 3000 watt mounted on the back of the MH first but it didn’t really lend itself to this application. There wasn’t anything wrong with the generator it’s a fine product just not as good as the HF unit for this. The HF is set on springs to remove all the vibration from the camper which would have been hard to do with the Honda. It works very well on my MH. It’s quieter than the Onan that came on the MH with much less vibration. If it breaks like the Onan did twice in 70 hours it easy to replace. Just stop at any HF and they will give me another one and I’ll be on my way with the generator installed in less than two hours.
If interested I’ll make you a hand drawing of the mount with dimensions so you can have one made. You will need the help of a machinist. If you go this route I could help make the mountings bolts that connect the generator to the frame but you will still need the frame build. It requires some machine work.
Lynwood

[Creeker]

Been carrying our Genny's on the rear hitch of several different 5ers for 15 years. The last 10 years has been our Honda 3000. Several trips across country. I made up a short cord with twist locks on each end. The Genny stays plugged in at all times even when traveling. Nice to push a button and have 120v power anywhere/anytime you want it.

Its the best/easiest solution for carrying a Genny I've found.

[rohrmann]

If you have to get a hitch welded to the frame, get two receiver hitches installed and have the rack made to fit the two hitches. This was done by member OZZ some years ago and he carried a generator and I believe other items on it as well. Two points of support keeps the platform from twisting side to side and will work better for you.

[tomJerram]

Yes a drawing and maybe a picture would be appreciated.

Thanks

[77cruiser]

Maybe like this?

[bshgto]

Originally Posted by artfuldodger

I would be worried about carbon monoxide finding its way into the living areas with the above setup.

Not only that trying to fill the gas tank at night or anytime would be a challenge and more dangerous than I would want to undertake. I`d pass on this install and put it in the back or in the bed of the truck. And double up on the carbon Monoxide detectors especially in the bedroom, real cheap life insurance.

[mlh]

Like I said my MH has the generator mounted on the back. There hasn’t been a problem with carbon monoxide in the camper. The Honda generator I use for my HC is mounted in the truck bed. I much prefer it there. I have a receptacle in the front of the camper with a short extension cord. Works great.
Lynwood

[Wisconsin Retiree]

I run mine right on the back rack and have never experienced carbon monoxide issues. I have the camera mounted in the rear above so I can keep an eye on my rear rack. The ramp on the rack makes it easy to move unit around if desired. I also have a rain tent that sits over rack if needed.

[bshgto]

Originally Posted by Wisconsin Retiree

I run mine right on the back rack and have never experienced carbon monoxide issues. I have the camera mounted in the rear above so I can keep an eye on my rear rack. The ramp on the rack makes it easy to move unit around if desired. I also have a rain tent that sits over rack if needed.

The above is just to easy. Doesn`t come close to overloading the hitch even with fuel cans on there. Don`t have to worry about the exhaust or refueling issues, changing the oil and won`t bother you when trying to sleep.

[Foldbak]

That's a nice setup Chuck. If It's engineered and built well, all good. I'm just gun shy of of a weld breaking with that much cantilever and weight.

[Wisconsin Retiree]

The generator weighs 110lbs and maybe my 50lb bike. I do not overload it. However, I do use an additional hitch stabilizer and the ratchet straps go to the frame under trailer. I too was Leary after seeing others with stuff bouncing all over the place back there. I have the rear camera pointed down at my rack so I can keep an eye on it every mile. I have had others follow me and confirm yes it moves but nothing like the yo yo effect...It has been on there over 7000 miles and I still have not found in structure issues?

[77cruiser]

I've seen bikes on a rack mounted to the receiver bouncing around just going through a CG. Don't know how they stay there on a rough road.

[Cat320]

Originally Posted by rohrmann

....This was done by member OZZ some years ago...

I haven't heard from or about Ozz in several years, he had lots of good ideas for Montana owners. Is he out of the RV game now?

[VagabondLove]

I too have a 2013 3625re, and investigated the option of adding a hitch when I was at MorRyde getting my IS and disc brakes. There is a lot of “peeling the onion” that would have needed to be done to get access to the frame, including exposing the fresh water tank. It was not going to be pretty. A shortsighted decision by keystone, but it’s what we have. We decided not to perform the surgery, even with MorRyde’s best welders available for us.

If you elect to add a hitch, definitely please let us know how it went.

-Howie