Hitch Mount Generator

[Mike]

I think I'll just buy a Ranger RT - comes with a carrier for a generator.
That one you put together was a beaut. It's exactly how I would want mine to be, if I started
from scratch and designed the various functional systems for a camper van.

[markopolo]

Local guy has quoted me $165 to weld together a swing-away hitch mounted generator carrier.
I might just go ahead with it.

[Mike]

How much does a 3KW generator weigh? Any idea? Would there need to be any additional
support needed to hold the weight when driving? There would be a fair amount of torque
downward on the hitch, wouldn't there? I've seen it done, just wondering if any extra
engineering is necessary. I've never seen one close up.

[markopolo]

I'd go with Honda EU2000 (1600 running watts) at 46lbs and maybe 20 lbs of fuel. So about 70 lbs.
The idea would be to transfer as much of the weight as you can back to the center of the rear when it is locked in the travel position.
I'm still thinking about that part.

[Mike]

Understood. I was thinking a slightly larger generator, possibly the EU3000IS, for
the optional slightly greater convenience.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwRo5kI7ve0

Call me lazy. I don't think the EU2000 series can be retrofitted to use the feature.
Also, these things are incredibly quiet compared to the 10 year old Onan 2.8 Kw I'm lugging
around with us.

[markopolo]

The EU3000IS is very nice......... 134 lbs. though.

[Mike]

Yeah, the weight increase would probably require additional support for the carrier, but I have
no ideas about how to engineer that on a hitch mount. The video shows it sitting on a travel trailer
front hitch i believe. Some C's have pull out carriers built into the bumper/rear end of the RV.
I wonder if they would be strong enough to support it? Maybe a small trailer pulled behind your class
B would work as a storage room on wheels?