Carrying and securing Honda Generators

[Raptorrider2001]

I intend to mount a receiver hitch on the front of my truck with a platform carrier to carry 2 Honda 2000i generators.

MY questions is, does anyone have suggestions on how to lock the gens. to the carrier or truck? Running a chain, etc through the carrying handle is not what I want to do because it wold be to easy to cut the plastic handle. I would like to have some way to mount them permently to the carrier if possible yet be able to remove them if needed. Thanks for any ideas.

[overlander63]

The idea I have is simple, but the execution may take a little explanation.
You can install a flat mount on the front of the truck for the generators to sit on, with a flat eye bolt extending from the bottom of the generator through the platform. You would use a flat steel bar under the platform with holes for the eyebolts to stick through, and a pair of padlocks to secure them.

[nilesrob]

I used (hard to see in picture) some straps that crank to tighten - to keep our 3000i secured to the platform - so it did not shift around. I then used a bicycle lock with padlock to secure it to the TV frame - for security. Worked like a champ.

[nilesrob]

Please pardon the roadkill on the generator - maybe a better picture of the straps and security...

[Raptorrider2001]

Overlander63- I thinnk I understand what you are saying but am wondering how to connect the gens. to the eyebolts? The 2000s don't have metal handles llike Nilesrob's 3000. The handles are plastic. I had also thought of some metal brackets similar to what A/S uses to hold down the battery. I like Nilesrob also but am concerned about someone just cutting the cable or lock. We were in Quartzite, Az. the past two Jan. and Feb. and stealing gens was rampant. I would put ours inside when we went to bed and that is a hassle. I would like to mount them permently enough that it will take some work to get them off in a hurry. Thanks to both of you for your input and pictures. I at least having a starting place now. Thanks again.

[lsinclair]

Make sure the airflow is not being restricted to your Duramax engine. This type of set up is apt to increase engine operating temperature.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by Raptorrider2001

Overlander63- I thinnk I understand what you are saying but am wondering how to connect the gens. to the eyebolts? The 2000s don't have metal handles llike Nilesrob's 3000.

Yes, I'm suggeesting running the eyebolts through the BOTTOM of the generators, rather than the handles. A thief would take a look at that, and try to find easier pickings. With the keys, you could unlock the padlocks and have the generators off the front of your truck in a couple of minutes.

[Raptorrider2001]

Got ya! Not sure how much room insite the little gens.there is. The bolts would have to go through the plastic with mabe a small piece of f;at metal to back up the nut and make it harder to just rip them through the plastic. I will pull the covers off and take a closer look. If it is like I am picturing it, the eye bolts would stick out the bottom of the gen. and Would need to sit on something while on the ground.

[Aage]

Just curious what the generators are there to power: is it so that you can have hot water and A/C while camped where there is no power to connect to?

Thanks,
Aage

[Raptorrider2001]

Right. My water heater is gas only. I use the gens. for recharging the battery (1) and for running the a/c and microwave. Most of our camping is primitive.

[Kenyon]

Other than attaching the generator other than the front of the tow vehicle?

[Raptorrider2001]

Kenyon - Not sure what you are asking. Thanks

[henw]

I lock mine with a 6 ft motorcycle cable lock.Binetto Steel Cable Locks & Chain Locks: T-Series, P-Series, G-Series & S-Series - Binetto Gas Scooter Accessories - CBXManMotorcycles.com.
Then, I attach an alarm that activates when a pin is pulled out of it.

Tom

[norsea]

Originally Posted by Raptorrider2001

I intend to mount a receiver hitch on the front of my truck with a platform carrier to carry 2 Honda 2000i generators.

MY questions is, does anyone have suggestions on how to lock the gens. to the carrier or truck? Running a chain, etc through the carrying handle is not what I want to do because it wold be to easy to cut the plastic handle. I would like to have some way to mount them permently to the carrier if possible yet be able to remove them if needed. Thanks for any ideas.

Hi,

This may be more what you had in mind.






I used stainless steel eye bolts to go through the bed of my truck; ya, it's an aluminum flat bed.

Then I bought a 3' section of 1/2" round steel. I then got the locks I wanted to use; drilled holes in the rods with my drill press. I had to use a larger drill on the hole opening on one side where the shackle goes into the rod in order to get the shackle far enough past the other side of the rod to actually lock into the body of the lock.

The rods go through the pieces of metal that the rubber feet of the generator are mounted too. This allows me to adjust how tightly the generator is held down using the nuts on the eye bolts.

Yes, someone could go under the truck and remove the nuts on the eye bolts that are on the inner portion of the generator. But, the outer rod eye bolts have a large box that has tools, etc., in it directly under them. In order to remove them the box would have to be removed; not possible without the box being open.

I took off the two handles on the generator so I could use an aluminum box to keep the generator out of the weather when not in use. It wasn't necessary to do this but I wanted a smaller foot print for the box and removing the handles saved 10+ inches in the space the box takes.

Hope this helps....

Jim

[Raptorrider2001]

Nilesrob - What did you use for the corner markers? Seems like they need to be fairly stiff to keep them from bending when traveling. Thanks.

[Cracker]

With reference to the GMC/Chevy pickups with the Duramax, 4 wd, etc. - and especially the crew cab - beware of the capacity of the front suspension. It's marginal at best - at least for the 2003 model year! You would think that the beast could carry anything you wanted to on the front end - but I would advise weighing it first. You might be in for a big surprise! I don't have the numbers right in front of me but I recall that my truck has a reserve capacity on the front suspension of less than 400 lbs. when loaded for travel, with just my wife and I in the cab. Three additional passengers could cut into that even more.

[elbundi]

i too would be concerned about airflow to your engine on a hot road warrior day. how feasible would it be mounting your generators on a roof rack? you could even buy one of those fenders you see some truckers use to help streamline your already slick airstream and protect your hondas from the road kill ala nilesrob's setup.

then again after you've setup camp it may look goofy driving around with a couple of genny's on the roof because theyre a hassle to take down

what would wally do!?

[SilvrSausage]

Mounting the gennys on the roof is a bad idea. First of all, they are dense enough to possibly damage the roof. Second, this will raise the center of gravity of your truck and substantially increase the risk of rollover.

I also shuddered at the sight of the large generator completely covering the most important part of the grill. That's the last thing you need when towing.

There are good reasons to have the genny at the front of the truck, though. It is secure, and away from the trailer with its (minimal) noise and fumes. A 2000, or even a pair oriented correctly, might be a better fit than that refrigerator-door-looking 3000 right in front of the radiator.

I know this idea won't work on every TV, but my 1990 Suburban has cubic YARDS of space under the hood and under the rear. The gas tank would have to be dealt with, but think how secure a generator would be there!

Only downside is the fuel economy of this big old thing, like 10 gallons per mile.

The front of the TV is a great place, as long as the radiator gets its air.
For security around camp, I have several thick, non-cheap cables and good locks, and some chain for good measure. The nice thing about cable is, it bends and ruins all but the best bolt cutters! It has kept the quads and bikes safe so far. If I had a generator with plastic handles, I would figure out a way to have a lock hoop of some kind attached to the frame, or bolted deep inside under the covers. Most eyebolts are easy to bend, open, or snap the threads. Consider using a good alloy of bar stock, and case harden it after shaping. A top notch welder can do this easily.

-SilvrSausage

[Kenyon]

Thanks all for answers to my incomplete question. The problems that occur are numerous and I have already lost a trailer hitch off my truck as it was not locked and I didn't want to lose my generator. Strapping and locking are the only solutions. Thanks

[Silvertherapy]

I have been thinking about a pair of Honda EU200i generators hooked up together to power my 2008 27 FB Intnl CCD. I have the 15,000 btu AC. I am wondering if that gives enough power to run everything at the same time?