Hitch Mount Generator

[rv-n-agin]

RT already tapped into the van's gas tank. I want to use that fuel source, coupled with connectors and shut off valve to run the generator.

The RT is set up for the Onan which has a built in fuel pump. How are you going to get the fuel up with this generator that you ordered? Does that also have a pump?
Don 92 RT Independent

[markopolo]

Thanks for the info - I didn't know that. I thought it was gravity/suction.

Maybe my idea won't work then. Basically, I had hoped to use the van's fuel tank as an extended run tank. People use gas cans for extended run time with Honda EU2000's etc.

I was thinking of extending the RT installed hose to the rear of the van to some sort of shut off. Then, when needed, connect a fuel supply line from the shut off to the generator gas tank. The fuel would be "sucked in" through a modified generator gas tank top. The modification would be to remove the vent from the generator gas tank top and replace it with a fuel fitting.

If that doesn't work then I'll still extend the RT installed hose to the rear of the van to a shut off then, from there, use a simple manual transfer pump to fill the generator gas tank or gas can.

I don't want to carry a full gas can. There's no space for it.

[rv-n-agin]

Maybe you could use one of those pinch bulb fuel transfer thingys with a shutoff valve to fill the generator tank from the tank line. That should store easier than a gas can.
As efficient as that generator sounds - you might have to take gas out of it now and then!

[bobojay]

I know you've already got some of your gen setup ordered/received, but you might check out these guys for ideas etc.

http://www.campingtrek.com

[markopolo]

Thanks for the link. That is interesting.

[rv-n-agin]

Marco,
I was looking at your Lund Do-It-Yourself Hitch Mount and wondering if you could get a mounting on the right side similar to that with a swing away box for your generator so that the rear door would open.
That would free up your hitch in the center too.

[markopolo]

Yes, swing away mounted on the right side would be perfect. It would balance the hitch load also - tire on the left, generator on the right.

It would have to be custom made. I'll have to think about it.

I'm still waiting for the the aluminum plate order. I'll take it to a welder recommended to me. Maybe I'll have him look at my hitch and see what he can come up with.

I got the Accuride Slides. It'll be handy having the generator slide out of the box when it comes time for an oil change.

The Accuride Slides 9301 22" slides were $33 per pair from http://www.steeves.ca - purchased via email, not on their website.

Normally, those slides retail for around $100 per pair as seen here:
http://www.specialtysupplies.com/22-in-p-860.html and here: http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page ... okietest=1

[markopolo]

Well, I've made a start

Here's my generator:



and my Dremel with a great quick lock cutting wheel:



I did the bulk cutting with a Skil saw.









Here's the first set of slides (for the box)

[markopolo]

Whew! Looks like it will slide back far enough to open the door. I probably will only have 1" clearance as the door passes the corner of the box!





That's the bottom of the box in the photos. It's on 3 slides. There will be another slide out tray on top of the aluminum in the photo.

[markopolo]

[markopolo]

The box is taking shape!







It's a lot more work than I thought...........

[markopolo]

Dang, this box is taking forever to build. I was going to cut an access panel in one side but I'll skip that. I cut a vent hole tonight with a jigsaw and the cut wasn't good enough for a door. It occurred to me that I don't really need the access panel because the generator will be on slides.





I broke my right angle Dremel attachment so I had to replace it. It is really handy to have.

[markopolo]

A few more photos:















I'm going make the opening a 1/4 to 1/2 inch wider, put the door on and add the lock. Four bolts should lock the slides in place for travel.

I stood on the extended platform and it seemed to handle my weight ok. The generator and box weighs much less than me.

[bobojay]

That is a really neat setup! Are you going to try coming up with some kind of shoreline connect through the box to be able to use it to power the coach without having to remove it from the box?

Are you going to be able to leave it in the closed box while running?

[markopolo]

Yes, I want to try running it in the box. Right now, I'll start the generator, plug in shore power and slide the gen back in. The 30 amp cord will just fit (I widened the opening a little).

I want to cut a hole for the air outlet and the exhaust, both are on the same end but for now, I'll leave the door open.

[markopolo]

The box is pretty well finished now. Door is on with two locks.

I plan to wash and wax my RT this weekend then I'll mount the box on the hitch. I need to go for a few "test" drives to make sure it all works and is safe before I take it on a trip.

[markopolo]

Door with 2 locks:

[Ron J. Moore]

Mark - that is one professional carrier you have made - congrats. Ron

[markopolo]

Thanks Ron. It looks better in the photos. In "real life" it looks like a big box on the back of my rig

[markopolo]

I saw this swing out generator carrier on The Yahoo Honda EU2000 page:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Honda_EU2 ... =1&dir=asc



That's a good idea It just needs a cover to stop road dirt from getting in and on the generator and to prevent theft.
I'd try to make it so that you can still open the right side cargo door without having to move the generator.