Alternative Front Storage Basket

[jd1923]

Thanks @Steve Morris. I’ve always used the simple Ancra utility strap to tie down dirt bikes and motorcycles (for 30 years) and had not heard of Rollercam before. I’ll check them out!

There is the place for ratchet straps, but I prefer  a cam-lock for many needs. They’re smaller, quicker to mount and the large ratchet can bang and damage cargo if not placed carefully or wrapped.

Two quick pulls on two Ancra straps to the handlebars of my dirt bike and it’s mounted for travel in a minute!

https://ancracargo.com/utility-tie-downs/cam-buckle-strap-packs/

[Just Joe]

I want to first thank all in the group for indicating their concerns, and offering suggestions. 

I removed the side mounted gas cans, and upgraded to four substantial ratchet straps. The ones that I used around the generator have large hooks on each end. I crisscrossed the straps over the generator and wrapped them all the way around the tounge and hooked them to the main framing under the tounge on both sides. I also slid the generator over so it is now centered on top of the main framing and I looped one of the straps around the jack pole for added stability since the generator is now right next to it. I will watch for any wear on the straps and reroute them as necessary. 

Although we don't use our generator often, we wished we had it on a 45 day summer trip we took up the east coast into Canada in 2023 as there were a lot of overcast days when our solar panels couldn't keep up with our tired batteries. We took it with us on a 70 day trip back up North this year and used it about 20% of the time when the weather didn't cooperate and we were without hook-ups. Lifting it in and out of our truck's bed got old real quick. Letting it travel on the tounge of our Oliver will make things a lot easier when I need to pull it off and use it. For now, I will use the 2.5 gal no-spill gas can that I bought before this year's camping season and keep it secured inside our truck's bed as I did this year near the tail gate. I travel with the generator and gas tank empty and only fill them up at the end of the day when we get gas for our truck just before checking in at campgrounds where we won't have an electric connection. Prior to checking out I pour any remaining gas in the generator into the can and then into our truck. This way I'm not traveling with any gas in the generator, or in the gas can, and we are always using fresh gas when we need to use it. 

The basket that I have installed extends forward the same length as the Sea Biscuit basket and it is only 2" wider on the sides. The corners are rounded, although not quite as far back as the Sea Biscuit basket. The basket that I have left enough room for our dog's fold-up stroller which was the other item I found difficult to be pulling in and out of our truck's bed. I will confirm my ability to make sharp turns before heading out on our next trip. The quality of the Sea Biscuit products is unquestionable and I may switch out my basket for one of their containers in the future when our dog is no longer with us. For now, my wife always acts as my spotter when we're pulling in and out of campsites to keep me from hitting something so she can let me know if I'm getting too close to our truck's bumper. Thanks again for all your input. Joe 

[Ronbrink]

9 hours ago, Geronimo John said:

Sounds like these Roller Cam cam lock straps would be a great choice for battery hold downs.  

Thanks

GJ

Indeed, recommended two over the battery(ies), and good measure to fold the tag end back over the cam then use a tie wrap. However, the buckle type with a flip down lever seem more secure and reliable. Regardless, metal of choice is stainless steel with precautions taken to avoid contact with battery terminals. 

[topgun2]

1 hour ago, Ronbrink said:

with precautions taken to avoid contact with battery terminals. 

Unless it is the 4th of July! 🤯

(Note - just kidding here) 

[Geronimo John]

On 12/14/2024 at 8:03 AM, jd1923 said:

Learned recently that Stabil doesn't really work

JD:

Good news is that I use my 2 gallons of generator either in the Honda or in the F-150 so no worries there

BUT, I store my truck for eight months and use Stabil.  Please elaborate on your post.  I'm all ears.

GJ

Edited February 24 by Geronimo John

[jd1923]

50 minutes ago, Geronimo John said:

BUT, I store my truck for eight months and use Stabil.  Please elaborate on your post.  I'm all ears. GJ

I also used Stabil in the past. When I was in the market this year I found this and she was convincing. What's BEST For Storage! Check Out These SHOCKING Results!

[topgun2]

7 hours ago, jd1923 said:

I also used Stabil in the past. When I was in the market this year I found this and she was convincing. What's BEST For Storage! Check Out These SHOCKING Results!

Interesting video.

I'm no chemist.  While the video is interesting and seems to make sense are we really to believe that the folks at the other manufacturers of these gas stabilizers are all lying to us?  Its a shame that in today's world we must question everything.  What happened to plain and simple honesty?  The 'easy" answer to that question is (of course) - money.

😪

Bill

[jd1923]

3 hours ago, topgun2 said:

I'm no chemist.  While the video is interesting and seems to make sense are we really to believe that the folks at the other manufacturers of these gas stabilizers are all lying to us?  Its a shame that in today's world we must question everything.  What happened to plain and simple honesty?  The 'easy" answer to that question is (of course) - money. 😪Bill

I'm with you, Bill. I have a theory that companies that run non-stop advertising, commercials on TV etc., are not to be trusted. Think big pharma as an example and all those companies that sell amazing supplements! Yes, it's a shame but there is so much false advertising, stealing and corruption in our world. Who can we trust?

Not that Stabil falls into that category. The woman in the video seemed to prove that Ethanol Shield absorbs water better than Stabil. She did not prove that one over the other keeps fuel from turning into a lacquer like substance with age. Is the assumption that moisture is the cause? That's why they say keep your fuel tanks full when in storage. But I do the opposite. I keep tanks low, fuel treated, and when I pull them out of storage, I immediately fill the tank with fresh gas! I empty the fuel tanks on our dirt bikes every time we come home from a ride, and lawncare power tools every end of season.

I prefer to believe those with real service experience over manufacturers' claims, but that's me. Her shop looks to be the real thing, lots of experience there.

Edited February 23 by jd1923

[srthomsen]

3 hours ago, jd1923 said:

I'm with you, Bill. I have a theory that companies that run non-stop advertising, commercials on TV etc., are not to be trusted. Think big pharma as an example and all those companies that sell amazing supplements! Yes, it's a shame but there is so much false advertising, stealing and corruption in our world. Who can we trust?

Not that Stabil falls into that category. The woman in the video seemed to prove that Ethanol Shield absorbs water better than Stabil. She did not prove that one over the other keeps fuel from turning into a lacquer like substance with age. Is the assumption that moisture is the cause? That's why they say keep your fuel tanks full when in storage. But I do the opposite. I keep tanks low, fuel treated, and when I pull them out of storage, I immediately fill the tank with fresh gas! I empty the fuel tanks on our dirt bikes every time we come home from a ride, and lawncare power tools every end of season.

I prefer to believe those with real service experience over manufacturers' claims, but that's me. Her shop looks to be the real thing, lots of experience there.

I haven't watched any of those videos but I do have a question. you (she) stated that the Ethanol Shield product absorbs water better than Stabil however what was ssid, if anything, what happens to the water that was aborbed? It's still in the tank or storage device.

[topgun2]

1 hour ago, srthomsen said:

what happens to the water that was aborbed? It's still in the tank or storage device.

She shows the water "disappearing" as it gets "combined chemically" with the Ethanol Shield.  I don't find this unbelievable in that for years there have been products that you pour into your gas tank to rid the tank/gas of water.  If you watch her video(s) she shows that the water settles to the bottom of the glass as it would in your tank and/or gas can.  This means that it will stay there (for the most part) because water doesn't mix well with gas.  This is where the Ethanol Shield comes in - it chemically combines with the water such that it is then drawn into the carburetor/engine so that it is burned during combustion.

Make sense?

As jd1923 points out, some products (like Sta-bil) really do not advertise that they do anything with water in the tank.  They are products that primarily prevent gas from becoming "stale" very quickly and forming a "varnish".  So, her comparison of Ethanol Shield versus Sta-bil is a bit unfair IMO.

Bill

[Ronbrink]

On 2/23/2025 at 12:19 AM, jd1923 said:

I also used Stabil in the past. When I was in the market this year I found this and she was convincing. 

I’m not totally convinced based on her demonstrations. The specific gravity of hydrocarbons is lower than that of water and thus, will float on top of water. However, with enough agitation a hydrocarbon will emulsify with water. Had she aggressively agitated all tests in like  manner the results would have likely been similar. Neither product will prevent condensate from developing in ethanol gasoline due to its affinity for water. This is not so with non-ethanol blends and the reason she recommended its use as a preventative, especially in small engines. That said, non-ethanol blends are generally not as available and more costly, so the convenient ‘go-to’ is ethanol. I personally would not use a fuel additive for moisture control in a daily driver where fresh fuel is regularly added. Water is a natural byproduct of combustion and expelled in exhaust, we’ve all seen it dripping out our tailpipes. However, other fuel additive types can be beneficial to boost octane, clean injectors and lubricate upper cylinders. Here’s my take on the subject: for long term storage, whether in a tank (vehicle or small engine) or container, any additive to stabilize the fuel and prevent/deter degradation is a good idea. 

[Galileo]

We like the looks of the SeaBiscuit strange box. Yeah, a little pricey, but tempting.

First major trip out - I lugged the Honda 2200eu (I think) along with us in the truck bed. Never used it once.

I was thinking of the SeaBiscuit locking box for the generator - but figured it probably wouldn’t be worth the investment based on that non-usage. 

Our OEM Oliver storage basket is only used for picking up firewood when entering a CG, bag of garbage heading to the dump station, or staging my blocks, chocks, Andersen WD wrench,  and San-T-flush hose. I never traveled with anything in it. 

Though I know it will likely reap howls of disapproval, I had been thinking that a locking SeaBiscuit box here would be a great place to have a -running- generator. Properly modified with large vents and fan for cooling and combustion air AND a suitable system for moving exhaust away from the trailer. Yeah, that’s the part that will make the hair stand up on the back of your head. That said, every generator-equipped motor home I’ve ever seen just routes the exhaust to the edge of the vehicle. Wonder if there’s any history of CO deaths for those guys. 

(Like I said guys - I’m not doing this - just brainstorming!)

Of course, best practice is keep your running generator FAR from your RV. Unfortunately, the Honda generators seem to have “Steal Me!” stenciled on the side, so unless I’m sitting outside watching it - I’d never even be using it.

[Geronimo John]

We also have a Honda EU2200 in the bed of our F-150.  When we need the generator, I remove it from the truck.  It sets on the ground outside of our trailer or truck for "Just in Case" bad things that happen.  Having it run in your TV or Tongue Box has several problems.  One is that up front you have no line of sight to see a fire.  

At least if you put the generator on the ground and to the street side, if it cooks off, you have a chance of seeing the fire ball directly.

Now I have never heard of a Honda generator "Self-Immolating".....   but if ours does,  we will not be exiting the trailer about 4 feet from the fire.  With it on the street side we at least could have an opportunity to see the fire ball and exit the trailer on the curb side. I would then grab the cord and disconnect it from the generator.  Then use our awning crank as a hook to move the burning generator away from our Ollie.

Or it could just sit in a box in the box at the front of Ollie and maybe the auto fire extinguishing system will overcome the leaking gasoline fire.  Or if you run it in the TV bed, and it has a "problem", you would have a great excuse to buy a new TV. 

But then, what are the odds?  Maybe something to really think about I suspect.  🙂

Safety John

Edited Friday at 04:59 AM by Geronimo John

[Galileo]

12 hours ago, Geronimo John said:

Now I have never heard of a Honda generator "Self-Immolating".....  

Maybe a political protest? 

Though NO mechanical device is completely foolproof and inherently safe, I’d tend to trust Honda before some of the Harbor Freight fly-by-night brands out there. I had a no-name discount store open-frame generator for a season. It kept my freezers going during a week-long power outage, but I wouldn’t trust it as far as I could throw it.

12 hours ago, Geronimo John said:

Or it could just sit in a box in the box at the front of Ollie and maybe the auto fire extinguishing system will overcome the leaking gasoline fire.  Or if you run it in the TV bed, and it has a "problem", you would have a great excuse to buy a new TV. 

I suppose if one were gonna design and install a ventilation/cooling system in an enclosed box on the front of the Ollie, they may as well go whole-hawg and design a system that monitors CO, temperature, etc and shuts down the gen and triggers the fire suppression system if parameters were exceeded.

I wonder if folks in motor homes with built-in Onan or Generac generators running -inside- the body of their RVs give it so much thought….

[Geronimo John]

4 hours ago, Galileo said:

I wonder if folks in motor homes with built-in Onan or Generac generators running -inside- the body of their RVs give it so much thought….

Good question.

As chairperson and founder of the Oliver Rabbit Hole Society, I think you may in time have the experiences and qualifications to be a member.  

🙂

GJ

[jd1923]

4 hours ago, Galileo said:

I wonder if folks in motor homes with built-in Onan or Generac generators running -inside- the body of their RVs give it so much thought….

What’s outside in open air is not monitored. Had a Class A and C, both had Onans. They are frame mounted in a cavity that has no openings to the interior, exhaust piped out a few inches.

If you have an external LP leak in your Oliver, your monitor will not sense it. Those of us who have had a leak knows, the nose knows! 🤣

Ours had a leak when a rear Alum weld broke on the frame where the LP line is connected.

[topgun2]

1 hour ago, Geronimo John said:

As chairperson and founder of the Oliver Rabbit Hole Society, I think you may in time have the experiences and qualifications to be a member.  

[Geronimo John]

5 hours ago, jd1923 said:

They are frame mounted in a cavity that has no openings to the interior

Was it fire rated for the purpose?

5 hours ago, jd1923 said:

If you have an external LP leak in your Oliver, your monitor will not sense it. Those of us who have had a leak knows, the nose knows!

Good point.  Also, if the leak in in the front tank area, then the heavier than air propane will flow to the ground through the security wire floor and hopfully (Pun) dissipate and not cause any harm.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Hey who loaned Crazy Horse the rabbit suit?  I hope he and Emu are not going to hook-up and go for the Allstate Car Insurance commercials!  That could be real mayhem!

 

 

[jd1923]

12 hours ago, Geronimo John said:

Was it fire rated for the purpose?

I’ve never seen a generator catch on fire. I would not want a gasoline model on a trailer and don’t use generators anymore. Built-in ones are always LP.

[Ronbrink]

20 hours ago, jd1923 said:

I’ve never seen a generator catch on fire. I would not want a gasoline model on a trailer and don’t use generators anymore. Built-in ones are always LP.

Excellent points! I still carry a small generator and at times two, especially when in hurricane evacuation mode! Both are dual fuel models and mostly run on propane; the smaller DuroMax XP2200EH exclusively on propane, the larger Westinghouse iGen4500DF on gasoline, as needed during said evacs for multi-day continuous runs, otherwise propane when camping. Since my TV change from a pickup truck to a cargo van, I no longer carry the 4500 routinely as before 1) the 2200 meets my needs to run the air conditioner during nights when needed, 2) it was primarily a backup when leisure traveling/camping, but no longer considered a necessity, 3) it occupies space, adds weight and has a slight smell of gasoline, which wasn’t a problem in the truck bed, but now is since the van’s cargo bay is within, and 4) there’s comfort in knowing I can always run the Atmos on inverter as a backup for a/c! 

[Galileo]

On 3/8/2025 at 10:31 AM, jd1923 said:

I’ve never seen a generator catch on fire. I would not want a gasoline model on a trailer and don’t use generators anymore. Built-in ones are always LP.

They may well be LP fueled now, but I’d wager that there are at least a few 70’s-80’s vintage Onan-equipped RVs out there that were gasoline powered. 

I suppose on a trailer, LP would be the obvious fuel. Motorhomes - the gas tank is -right- there….

[Galileo]

On 3/7/2025 at 3:36 PM, Geronimo John said:

Good question.

As chairperson and founder of the Oliver Rabbit Hole Society, I think you may in time have the experiences and qualifications to be a member.  

🙂

GJ

If you will be good enough to forward the membership requirements, application, and schedule my entrance interview - I’d be obliged.

(That is to say that I likely already have the experience and qualifications for membership - you’re just lucky enough not to have known me for very long. 😋 )

[jd1923]

10 minutes ago, Galileo said:

They may well be LP fueled now, but I’d wager that there are at least a few 70’s-80’s vintage Onan-equipped RVs out there that were gasoline powered. 

I suppose on a trailer, LP would be the obvious fuel. Motorhomes - the gas tank is -right- there….

This rings a bell and I stand corrected, thanks Val. Now I remember an RV we had was gas and when the fuel tank was 1/4 full or less it would stop feeding fuel to the generator. Likely a lot of RV generators are gas. For trailer use, pouring gas is messy and a safety hazard, like Ron wrote, LP is cleaner/easier for his small generator.

I'm glad to be generator-free now. There was a time with only two lead-acid batteries that I would have to run the generator in the afternoon to recharge them every couple of days, running a small inverter without any solar.

[Galileo]

6 hours ago, jd1923 said:

I'm glad to be generator-free now. There was a time with only two lead-acid batteries that I would have to run the generator in the afternoon to recharge them every couple of days, running a small inverter without any solar.

I suppose if you’re the “Hitch up a go!” kinda guy, then have solar and/or a lot of battery capacity would be more important. These days, we don’t head off -anywhere- without a reservation with at least electricity. We did a “Harvest host” overnight once just for the heck of it. We survived. Yeah, “technically” we can get by without any hookups for at least a few days, but we just like the ability to watch TV - more importantly - run our espresso machine - without needing a huge ($$$) lithium battery bank and a big ($$$) inverter. 

I think since Covid (maybe before?) there’s a ton more RVers out there. Trying to drive to the next campground up the road without a reservation is likely to leave you driving on to the NEXT campground up the road. 

I think a LOT of people retired early when Covid hit and half of them bought RVs and hit the road. I know Elkhart has been cranking out cheap trailers 24/7 since Covid (and the quality shows…) I worked for a hardware store, an “essential employee” all during the worst days of Covid. The Interstate Battery guy was in and says they couldn’t even keep the RV makers supplied with batteries the demand was so great. 

[topgun2]

Different stokes for different folks....

Some of us like being very close to our camping neighbors and all of the noise, crowd, congestion, only add to the enjoyment and the amenities (i.e. pool, snack bar, miniature golf, etc. are wonderful.  While others prefer not being able to see another carbon based life form and believe that nature provides more than any human could ever imagine.  Of course, there are also those that are between these two extremes.

Our Olivers give us choices and I believe that this is one of the best features of these great campers.

Bill