Generator Storage

[runner421]

So - spent some time on a project to provide a better place to store generators.
The "B4" picture. Had to remove the hard plastic shell that protects the propane tanks. Went with a soft cover.
Bottom bracket, left side. Not much room to play with. Battery box with 4 deep cycle RV batteries makes placement tough.
Bottom bracket, right side, looking down. Again, not much room. Junction box with wiring for solar, inverter, etc. Had to shorten the bolts on the left. And had to slide the Equal-i-zer bracket about 2 inches. Plus that huge battery box!
Supposed to hold 300+ pounds. I weigh in at 180lbs so why not jump up on the rack and give it a test? It (and I) survived. Well worth the money. And saved me from custom fabricating a rack and the mounting system.
The finished project. Placing the front support bracket required some grinding so I could move it forward far enough. Had to set it on top of the electric tongue jack mount.

[profdant139]

Brilliant! Will they stay in that position for towing? If so, do you plan to cover them in case of rain?

[runner421]

I plan on using some cargo straps to cinch them down during travel. I do plan on covering them during travel and when not in use. Bought some metal reinforced handle guards to make it harder than simply cutting through the plastic generator handles. Will use a cable and lock to keep honest people honest. And-with the propane conversion-they are close to the fuel supply.

[profdant139]

Did you buy the over-tank rack ready made? If so, what brand and model is it? I am thinking of copying your project, mostly for my gas can.

[runner421]

Yep - store bought, ready made. Some assembly required. Initially went with Amazon-they had the best price. But they messed up the shipping and after a week I got tired of waiting. Went with Camping World - they had a coupon for first time shopper that made the price competitive.
https://www.strombergcarlson.com/pro...-model-cc-255/

[Eagle]

Curious how much additional weight you placed on the trailer tongue BY ADDING FOUR DEEP CYCLE SOLAR BATTERIES, THE GENERATOR RACK AND THE TWO HONDA GENNYS on the trailer tongue?

I've transported "remodeled" mobile homes and had the trailer hitch ball coupler peel back/off the hitch ball due to the added weight. The safety chains held the mobile home from causing an accident or going off the road.
:-O

[APD]

And do the gen sets interfere with opening the window cover?
Looks like a great way to use that space BTW.

[runner421]

The window still opens without a problem. We don't use it that often, but nice to know it still clears the generators. As for weight added? Well each battery is 41lbs so let's say those 3 extra weigh in at 125lbs. And the Hondas weigh in at 47lbs each so there's an easy 100lbs. So the mods have added a minimum of 225lbs over the stock set-up of 2 full propane tanks and 1 battery.

[code2e]

It would be a good idea to check the actual tongue weight with the trailer ready for travel. Just to be sure you don't exceed the hitch capacity. I checked the weight of the rack you installed is 66 lbs. Adding all you have to the tongue has certainly exceeded 300 lbs. Safety should always be considered. Hope you are within the limits as it does look good as well as practical.

[runner421]

My calculations look like this: Hitch Rcvr Weight Cap: Max Trailer-8,500; Max Tongue-850, with Weight Distributing-14,000/1,400 (2.5” Rcvr) If 2.5” to 2.0” adapter used, 12,500/1,250
Hope the abbreviations make sense. But I'm guessing I can handle at least 1,250lbs with the Equal-i-zer WDH and a 2-inch receiver.
From the camper spec sheet, it lists the tongue weight at 410lbs stock. I've added an estimated 225lbs? Guessing I'm at 650lbs?

[code2e]

You can measure the size of your receiver easy enough and narrow the figures to just your size. I understand how weight distributing hitches can increase towed weight capacity. Not so sure I would exceed the 850 lb. rating on your receiver. The dead weight is still applied. I think you are leaving out the weight of the rack itself in your estimate. You have certainly added over 300 lbs. total. A public scale will tell the tale and maybe save your tail down the highway. IMHO

[runner421]

The receiver is 2.5-inches. The F350 will accept 2.5-inch but I have the adapter sleeve in the hitch to make it 2-inches for the Equal-i-zer. I originally had the Equal-i-zer on my Nissan Titan; it was 2-inches without an adapter sleeve.

[Chirpz]

I've been thinking about doing the same thing but I only have 1 generator....bout 45 pounds or so. I already have the rack that could easily be modified.

My question is Where do you carry the gas? I have not yet come up with a happy way to carry gas and my TC is a diesel Jeep so I can't use any thing from the tank.

[runner421]

The rack would be large enough for a generator and gas can. But I converted both Hondas to run on propane. With a Y-splitter for the supply line, they are both sitting on top of their fuel supply.

[Chirpz]

Originally Posted by runner421

The rack would be large enough for a generator and gas can. But I converted both Hondas to run on propane. With a Y-splitter for the supply line, they are both sitting on top of their fuel supply.

Clever guy. I didn't think of that one.

[runner421]

It wasn't that hard - just get out the credit card and charge away. HutchMountain.com

[Eagle]

This conversion allows one to use either propane or gasoline.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roKxsfb34PM

I think this place has a great conversion setup.
https://hutchmountain.com/