Need Suggestions on the best way to attach a generator to my unit

[Badger]

Other than sitting it on the hitch shelf…..

 

thanks

 

[ScubaRx]

I've never seen one physically attached to the trailer in any way other than in the generator (excuse me, cargo) basket on the front.

This is a very poor idea, but I suppose you could fabricate some sort of carrier for the rear. Other than that, there's no other open space.

Did I say that was a poor idea?

Good luck, though...

[Ronbrink]

As ScubaRx eluded, permanent mounting options are very limited, many owners just make use of the cargo basket with or without modification. That said, the “best way to attach” may in fact be the ‘only way to attach’, that being via the cargo basket or perhaps a mounting plate if no basket. Since I did not opt for said basket or want to trailer-mount, I adopted a couple of alternatives routinely used depending on my power needs; I carry two generators under cap, a 4500W for total and a 2200W for specific power service. I can either suspend or lower for ground positioning the larger, tailgate or tongue position the smaller (note the lock and chain for securement). 
 

 

[MAX Burner]

Hey, @Badger:

Like mentioned above - there's really no option for a permanent mounting location other than the cargo basket or perhaps a covered aluminum lockable cargo basket.  @Patriot has a well thought out mounting arrangement for his 3300W Honda, FYI.

However, if you could give us an idea of your OTT's general configuration such as: Solar output (Watts)?, Inverter output (Watts)?, Battery bank storage capacity (AmpHrs), GENSET output (Watts), etc., we could help you with ideas of how to transport, use, and secure your GENSET.

For example, when boondocking - our GENSET will stay locked in the TV and will likely not see the light of day unless there's many days of cloudy, dark, nasty WX where the solar modules can't keep up with replenishing the battery bank and they'll need "topping-off" using the generator.

Everyone's OTTs are configured slightly differently and owners have their particular "style" of camping - this combination tends to drive different uses of their GENSET, if even needed at all.  At a high level, there's no "right way" or "wrong way" of doing what you're asking - but we need more details to give you our suggestions.

Glad you've reached out to the forums - there's a ton of expertise here and owners willing to share their ideas...

Cheers!

 

[Frank C]

I've seen a few variations of rear bumper mounting for generators on other trailers.   But if you made a permanent bolt-on mount on the Oliver rear bumper, that puts the generator right by the beds/back windows, bad for noise and VERY bad for exhaust fumes.  

 

[Steph and Dud B]

5 hours ago, Frank C said:

But if you made a permanent bolt-on mount on the Oliver rear bumper, that puts the generator right by the beds/back windows, bad for noise and VERY bad for exhaust fumes.  

Bad for weight distribution, too. Many Olivers are already at or even slightly below the 10-15% tongue weight recommended for stability.

[ScubaRx]

Did I mention that this rear mounting thing is a bad idea?

[topgun2]

25 minutes ago, ScubaRx said:

Did I mention that this rear mounting thing is a bad idea?

Yes!

And, its still a bad idea.

[SeaDawg]

We've had this discussion before. And yes, in so many ways, it's a very bad idea to consider a rear mount.

[ScubaRx]

Basically, an Oliver Owner has three choices on where to put his/her portable generator.

1 - Put it in the basket on the tongue of the trailer.

2 - Put it in the rear of your truck and deal with having to futz around with it when you want to use it.

3 - Put it in the garage at home and leave it there.

[SeaDawg]

Those of us who rarely use a generator, and then only use a lightweight genset, don't mind the drill. I can lift our honda 1000, or or Westinghouse 2000 something, with one hand, and I'm not "that strong."

@Badger, how do you use your generator,  or how do you envision needing it, if you don't have one, now?

 

[Ronbrink]

12 hours ago, ScubaRx said:

2 - Put it in the rear of your truck and deal with having to futz around with it when you want to use it.

There is some truth to this, but then the bikes, griddle, fire pit, chairs, tables, etc. also add to the overall “futz” when RVing! I guess ‘organization’ is the key to managing said cargo and then there are a few ‘work arounds’ that come into play, as well. Although my Westinghouse 4500DF lives at the truck-bed bulkhead, it is readily accessible once our folding ebikes are unloaded at camp, if needed. I don’t use it that much, but find comfort in having it in the event of an extended roadside breakdown or other emergency situations such as hurricane evacuations. However, I soon learned a smaller genny would suffice for most of our generator needs (think air conditioning) and thus, a DuroMax 2200 was obtained. I carry a 5-gal jerrycan of non-ethanol gas as backup fuel for the generators, but primarily operate each on propane. That said, I also carry a spare 30# propane tack next to the WH and run a hose from it to the tailgate for convenient use of the DM, as necessary when traveling. The spare tank is also a match to the OTT’s propane tanks. 

 

[Jason Foster]

13 hours ago, Ronbrink said:

There is some truth to this, but then the bikes, griddle, fire pit, chairs, tables, etc. also add to the overall “futz” when RVing! I guess ‘organization’ is the key to managing said cargo and then there are a few ‘work arounds’ that come into play, as well. Although my Westinghouse 4500DF lives at the truck-bed bulkhead, it is readily accessible once our folding ebikes are unloaded at camp, if needed. I don’t use it that much, but find comfort in having it in the event of an extended roadside breakdown or other emergency situations such as hurricane evacuations. However, I soon learned a smaller genny would suffice for most of our generator needs (think air conditioning) and thus, a DuroMax 2200 was obtained. I carry a 5-gal jerrycan of non-ethanol gas as backup fuel for the generators, but primarily operate each on propane. That said, I also carry a spare 30# propane tack next to the WH and run a hose from it to the tailgate for convenient use of the DM, as necessary when traveling. The spare tank is also a match to the OTT’s propane tanks. 

 

Ah well.  If you didn't have all this to do when you got to your destination, you might be bored anyway.  Or roped into doing some other camp chore.  I really look at these mods as fun because it is just cool to fiddle with our adventure rigs.  

[Ronbrink]

9 hours ago, Jason Foster said:

I really look at these mods as fun because it is just cool to fiddle with our adventure rigs.  

True that!