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Mounting a generator

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5:01 pm
July 15, 2010


clown

NW Ohio

Member

posts 6

I do a lot of open field camping with no hookups.  I am considering mounting a 100 pound generator on the center of the back bumper of my 16BH.  Now don't yell at me, I have not studied the bumper to see if it has any strength to it, just thinking out loud so far and will really check her out when I pick it up tomorrow..  The unit comes in a tubular frame (looking at the 3500 Watt Champion from Tractor Supply) so I have 2 crossbars that could be used to bolt into or onto a platform of suitable strength, I am just wondering if this will throw off the weight distribution too much and if the frame/bumper is strong enough.

Reason- bad back will not allow me to load and unload 100 pound units from the back of my Santa Fe, plus generators smell like gas after running.

Looking forward to your suggestions!

Dave

ps: I may not sleep tonight, I am so excited to be saying goodbye to the popup and hello to my 16BH.

2:35 pm
July 16, 2010


smilinjohn

Minnesota Prairie

Moderator

posts 380

Post edited 8:40 pm – February 25, 2011 by smilinjohn


Hi, Dave!

I'd check with KZ-RV Engineering through KZ-RV Customer Service at 1-866-472-5460.  Be sure to include the Model and VIN of your TT.

Dave, before you decide for certain on the Champion 3500 watt, I'd research further and ask others at http://www.rv.net forum for generator suggestions, based on your projected usages.  Even though more money, you should also consider the Yamaha, Honda and Kipor Sinemaster options.

SmileJohn

2010 Sportsmen Classic 14RK; 2005 Ford F-150, 5.4L V8; "…..it is always advisable to perceive clearly our ignorance." Charles Darwin

11:38 am
July 21, 2010


Steve

San Antonio, TX

Moderator

posts 193

Post edited 6:42 pm – July 21, 2010 by Steve


Hi Dave.

I noticed in another thread that bigjohnjeep has one of those bumper trays on his TT. From what I've read online those trays can handle up to 500 pounds of weight. The Champion only weighs about 100pds. Some heavy duty wire cable with a hefty lock will put you in business.

bigjohnjeep hasn't gotten to me how his tray is setup yet so this might be iffy, for now.

Steve

http://haven106.blogspot.com

2:21 pm
September 8, 2010


Lonne and Bo, the LOBO's

Austin Texas

Member

posts 5

Post edited 7:03 pm – September 19, 2010 by Lonne and Bo, the LOBO's


I don't think you need that size generator, I just purchased the Generac i2000, It is rated at 2kw continuous and 2.2 kw surge. It weighs 56 lbs and will run most of what is in my 14RB model, I also bought the extended run attachment to allow it to draw fuel from an external  marine fuel tank. The whole setup was a little over 1/2 the cost of the Honda EU2000i, I had used the Honda for years on my other small Trailer and it ran the 5K btu ac and microwave at the same time,. The Generac is stronger than the Honda, Brand new for $527 free shipping and no tax. I now need to look at mounting it , Oh maybe I will just carry it.

Here is an update, I have returned the Generac, Don't save the money for this item. It was not what I expected, way too loud and did not  have the power advertised. I went back to what I had used before , the Honda eu2000i, Boy what a difference, It is very quiet and easier to start. It runs my 5K btu ac and the microwave at the same time. and does not crank up to full rpm doing that. I did mount the harbor Freight aluminum rack on the back bumper. My bumper is welded all the way around to the frame and has the skids welded at the frame to bumper with gussets added. It looks very strong. I do want to raise the camper, I am unhappy with the ground clearance, we do pull it offroad in Colorado to remote sites, the drain pipes will not survive that. I am impressed with the quality of this class Trailer, and that is saying something since we came out of a Rexhall Aerbus MH to the KZ 14RB. Good job KB, "just raise these up on your next model year", A low rider does not fit with a Sportesmen image.

Bye Aerbus, Yes, it was nice and big , but we will show our new Little Classic 14 many beautiful places. Lets get it on the Road, or Dirt, or?

3:33 pm
May 2, 2011


Karsty

Niagara Falls, Ontario

Member

posts 114

Just wondering if there is an update on this topic. I know that I will be looking into getting a generator in the not too distant future. I see the Honda eu2000i being mentioned. Has anyone actually purchased and used this generator and can maybe give a bit of a report on it??

Much appreciated.

CURRENT: 2012 Winnebago ERA – FORMER: 2011 Toyota Sienna Limited – 2011 Spree Escape E14RBnn"If a hammer doesn't fix it … it must be an electrical problem."

7:01 pm
May 2, 2011


Mike Magee

near Tulsa OK

Member

posts 204

Post edited 2:12 am – May 3, 2011 by Mike Magee


I read nothing but good reports from happy users of the Honda EU series and of the similar Yamaha EF generators.  These are built to be quiet for campground use, lightweight and durable.  They cost more than the typical loud genny from the home improvement store, but everyone who has one says it's worth it.  They put out a smooth sine wave power, which is supposed to be easier on electronics (think laptops especially).  A third brand that might be worth considering is Robin Subaru.

Kipor is a somewhat similar design, but is said to be much cheaper quality, not reliable, and hard to get parts.

RV generators have been debated to death on rv.net forum… some threads ran over 50 pages long!

it is my understanding that a 5K btu AC probably needs at least a 1500 watt genny to handle the AC's startup load.  So a 1700, 2000, or 2400 are all good (and reasonably light weight) candidates.

Here is a review: http://www.campinglife.com/out…..ID=1112113

2008 Toyota Highlander – 2011 Escape E14RB

7:01 am
May 3, 2011


sandersmr

Texas

Member

posts 338

I'm also starting to hear good things about the Champion inverter 2000 watt generator – supposed to be much quieter than the Champion 3500 open frame – which is supposed to be a good generator for what it is.  The Champion 3500 is going to be heavier and louder, but cheaper.

2010 16BH towed by 2002 F-150 Super Crew 4.6L V8

2:31 pm
May 3, 2011


Karsty

Niagara Falls, Ontario

Member

posts 114

Hi Mike:

Thanks so much for responding. Also, thanks for the link. I found it very informative and helpful. I suspect that when I am ready I will look at the Honda 2000.

Thanks again

Karsty

CURRENT: 2012 Winnebago ERA – FORMER: 2011 Toyota Sienna Limited – 2011 Spree Escape E14RBnn"If a hammer doesn't fix it … it must be an electrical problem."

6:06 pm
May 4, 2011


Mike Magee

near Tulsa OK

Member

posts 204

sandersmr said:I'm also starting to hear good things about the Champion inverter 2000 watt generator – supposed to be much quieter than the Champion 3500 open frame – which is supposed to be a good generator for what it is.  The Champion 3500 is going to be heavier and louder, but cheaper.


Thanks for posting about the Champion 2000, I hadn't heard of it before.  Looks like a pretty good buy.

2008 Toyota Highlander – 2011 Escape E14RB

1:45 pm
May 20, 2011


bigjohnjeep

Tennessee

Member

posts 17

Steve said:Hi Dave. I noticed in another thread that bigjohnjeep has one of those bumper trays on his TT. From what I've read online those trays can handle up to 500 pounds of weight. The Champion only weighs about 100pds. Some heavy duty wire cable with a hefty lock will put you in business. bigjohnjeep hasn't gotten to me how his tray is setup yet so this might be iffy, for now. Steve


With regard to a bumper mounted hitch hauler, my wife and I have upgraded our trailer to a 19BH since last year (had the 14RB) but I have transferred my bumper setup to the new trailer. We have an aluminum hitch hauler mounted to a bumper receiver on the camper. What we carry on this is a large storage bin filled with camp chairs and a camp stove. That leaves just enough room on the side for a ammo box I use to store my small propane bottles in. We have also purchased the largest of the Thetford portable waste tanks (35 gallon). We take that and strap it over the top of the storage bin. I have less than 100 pounds hanging from the bumper. I have had no issues whatsoever. Also, I have been underneath the bumper to look at the welding setup of the camper and I see no issues. However, I am not an expert on welding. Just speaking from the experience of using this setup. We have had everything mounted in the mentioned configuration and driven about 40 miles over the Tennessee hills to camp with no problems. I have also pulled the camper on a 200 mile trip without the portable waste tank mounted since the campground had full hookups. Again no issues.

John D.

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