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Old 04-17-2019, 07:17 PM   #1
Renegade1LI
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Generator Compartment Conversion

After deciding we will never install a generator into the dedicated space we decided to convert it to a storage area. I removed the sheet metal enclosure & base & installed some plywood shelving & lights. It really was a lot of wasted space if you dont want a generator. I still have a little more work to go fine tuning & figuring out what to store in there. I was thinking of some T track or D rings to have tie down points, I left enough room for the 4 AGM batteries & cord storage on the right, thinking a tool box on bottom left?
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Old 04-17-2019, 09:41 PM   #2
Montana Man
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Nice! Good looking craftmanship as well.
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Old 04-18-2019, 06:42 AM   #3
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Very nice!
Good utilization of space.
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Old 04-18-2019, 07:30 AM   #4
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Just when I thought I had run out of potential mods ....
Good job!
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Old 04-18-2019, 07:41 AM   #5
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I have a 03 and my generator compartment is in the front' I put as floor in and that is where I mounted my 5 gallon gas bottle for my Q Grill.
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Old 04-18-2019, 09:57 AM   #6
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It seems like there is always another mod lol. Need to find a fixed tool box to install.
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Old 04-18-2019, 10:02 AM   #7
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Well I am about to tackle my front compartment next. You have fixed it so I will not be posting pictures. Good Job!
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Old 04-18-2019, 10:35 AM   #8
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Well done. Adding this to the list as I don't expect that we'll ever have a generator either.
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Old 04-21-2019, 12:18 PM   #9
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Did a little more fine tuning, hate to waste any space. The aerosol rack is a big help, those cans go all over the place.
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Old 04-21-2019, 12:26 PM   #10
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Nice Job, I have a generator, but still trying to use the little space thats left. Beefed up sheet metal and put power cords over it!! Space is at a premium on these things
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Old 04-21-2019, 01:26 PM   #11
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Great craftsmanship. And this will ADD value when you resale!
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Old 04-21-2019, 01:41 PM   #12
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In our rig, we don't have a sheet metal enclosure and the bottom has some openings that I assume is for ventilation of a generator. It seems that might allow water into the area in wet conditions. I assume yours is/was the same way.


The original post says you removed a base and enclosure. We don't have that. But I assume the bottom of your compartment wasn't solid and/or waterproof. Did you put a new bottom in to waterproof it better?
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Old 04-21-2019, 01:52 PM   #13
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Nice. I put a shelf in the same spot. Yours is nicer. Good work
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Old 04-21-2019, 02:12 PM   #14
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Very nice, have put this mod on the list.
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Old 04-21-2019, 02:42 PM   #15
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I have always used the generator compartment for storage. I like what you have done. I want to remove the enclosure and turn the compartment into my solar equipment bay. LifPo batteries and all charge gear and inverters.
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Old 04-21-2019, 06:21 PM   #16
Renegade1LI
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Quote:
Originally Posted by davemitchell59 View Post
In our rig, we don't have a sheet metal enclosure and the bottom has some openings that I assume is for ventilation of a generator. It seems that might allow water into the area in wet conditions. I assume yours is/was the same way.


The original post says you removed a base and enclosure. We don't have that. But I assume the bottom of your compartment wasn't solid and/or waterproof. Did you put a new bottom in to waterproof it better?
Yes the bottom had a series of slots, I epoxied a piece of galvanized sheet metal over them & then added a new plywood bottom. I used 1/2" high density baltic plywood with a resin coating, used for concrete forms it has 11 solid plys great stuff. I sealed all joints with black silicone, if you have a 381 you should also close the holes going to the propane bottles & the space on top, I noticed signs of mice by the batteries. On top of the plywood I added some rubber mating from HD to keep it nonslip. If you have a Menards close by they sell this plywood, its great for utility stuff.
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Old 04-21-2019, 06:36 PM   #17
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Thanks for the nice words, hopefully some good ideas to build off. Its great when everyone shares their mods & upgrades, you never know where a good idea comes from. Jim your going to like the next one, it will involve some welded aluminum diamond plate, just have to practice a little with the new spool gun.
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Old 04-21-2019, 07:22 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Renegade1LI View Post
Thanks for the nice words, hopefully some good ideas to build off. Its great when everyone shares their mods & upgrades, you never know where a good idea comes from. Jim your going to like the next one, it will involve some welded aluminum diamond plate, just have to practice a little with the new spool gun.
Oh yeah bring on the new tools!!! Been wanting to get a MIG, any excuse will do LOL....
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Old 04-21-2019, 07:26 PM   #19
Renegade1LI
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Originally Posted by mtlakejim View Post
Oh yeah bring on the new tools!!! Been wanting to get a MIG, any excuse will do LOL....
I think we need a tool & equipment thread!
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Old 04-22-2019, 05:04 AM   #20
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Several really good ideas scattered in this conversation. I know what to do with one of the pieces of plywood left over from my S&B kitchen remodel now even though don't need 3/4".


Why does that front compartment have those slots? Even for a genset, can't see their use. I just used aluminum foil tape then put some Home Depot indoor/outdoor carpeting over that floor as well as the basement floor so stuff wont slide around.
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