Generator Operation in Truck Box

[JMynes]

Originally Posted by Wingeezer

I don't know if it is typical, but in my case, there is just enough clearance between the glass top section and the tailgate itself at the left or right corners to be able to ru thr cable through the corner and still be able to close and lock the tailgate and upper glass. It is not a problem at all.

I don't have the handy gap you describe. Gonna have to prop the rear window open.

[featherbedder]

I don't have prob. with gen. in bed as cross tool box that I bolted 12 volt winch to front, made ramp to fit between wheel wells and length of box, 2x3 screwed to side of ramp to keep gen. from going off sides also to stiffen 3x4 plywood also cabinet handle to pull ramp out to load or unload, easy pull with bed liner. Have rails on top of bed sides. Need pu. for hauling so no cover. Some times unload or else run in bed, depends length of stay. Use vinyl coated cable, pad locked to rails on top of box.

[John Geisen]

So, I'm all over the map regarding the right Honda generator but based on what I've read here I'm either getting the 3,000 or the 7,000. My big issue is loading and unloading. If there was a way to safely do this with the 7,000 my problem would be solved. Has anyone successfully installed a ramp or lift useable by one person? Thank in advance for your advice.
-John

[Wilbur McLamb]

I removed the wheels from my 7000 Honda and have a friend help me set it in and out as needed. Easy enough.

[John Geisen]

Originally Posted by Wilbur McLamb

I removed the wheels from my 7000 Honda and have a friend help me set it in and out as needed. Easy enough.

Hmmm... well at 72 and living in a rural area I don't have as much access to friends as I used to. Most of my friends are my age or older so it would comical watching 2 or 3 of us lift a 7000 up to the tailgating. [emoji3] -John

[64airstream]

John,

A thought occurred to me that there are commercially available lifts for motorized wheel chairs/scooters. I've seen a version that is a flat drive-on base mounted to the trailer hitch receiver. I wonder if you mounted a receiver to the front of your tow vehicle whether something like that might work? Comparing the weight of a 7000 and the weight capacity of a scooter lift would answer the question. You would roll the 7000 onto the lift, secure it physically and for theft deterent purposes, raise the lift and avoid running into the car in front of you. A long heavy duty power cord and you've got power.

That being said, 7000 watts is a lot of generator. You could probably run 2 air conditioners and the microwave, and probably the trailer next door. We use a 2200 watt for a single 13,500 BTU Power Saver air conditioner.

Good luck,

Roy and Marie

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by John Geisen

So, I'm all over the map regarding the right Honda generator but based on what I've read here I'm either getting the 3,000 or the 7,000. My big issue is loading and unloading.

I ended up with a Honda EU3000is. Here's my reasoning:
1. The 7000 wouldn't fit under my bed cover
2. The 7000 was just more money than I wanted to spend.
3. On my former MH, I didn't run the generator very much, just to park in WalMarts or rest areas for a few hours, most of the time camping I had shore power.
4. I have to believe the 7000 consumes more fuel and makes more noise.
5. I found an almost mint 3000 (20 hours?) for under $1400
6. If I'm wrong, I know I can sell it for what I paid. Especially seeing how many sell the day the ad comes out. The guy I bought it from bought two Honda 2000's and the link.
7. I'm not ready to replace one generator with two generators. (and pull ropes)
8. Previous experience with the 3000 showed me how reliable they are. (I'll bet the 7000 is too, tie)
9. I'm not crazy about carrying a gas can, so it's a negative on both. Although the 7000 will require a bigger one.

As far as lifting, the next time Harbor Freight has a 25% sale, I'm getting one of these:
http://www.harborfreight.com/1000-lb...art-69148.html

While traveling the generator will remain in the truck bed. At home, I'll scootch it onto the platform, lower it and roll to the garage. (The 500# unit doesn't go high enough)

[Mollysdad]

I like the concept of a front receiver. I think a short ramp would be all you need. The 7000 has wheels. The lifts are for those folks who are handicapped. I'm about your age and I can still get around.
Just remember it's there, and don't bump into cars or light poles.
"Oops!"

[FishByFly]

Mollysdad, I went with the 3000 for my selection. For about four years, I deadlifted the thing but have concluded that is no longer wise I went to Harbor Freight, bought two folding aluminum ramps and a ATV winch. The winch is mounted to a removable rail that bridges the truck bed. Ran power so I can connect to the truck battery. Even with the setup, I can load and unload just about as fast as before the mechanical approach.

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by FishByFly

Mollysdad, I went with the 3000 for my selection.

Me too. And I discovered the Tundra holds the Honda 3000 below the level of the bed sides. So if I get a hard cover like a Leer 700 that has a few inches to spare inside, I'm thinking of making a platform, much like Gamma Dog's (post #27) with the wheels running in the grooves of the bed, but using roller blade wheels or wheels from road cases. Even the Honda 3000 wheel kit could be adapted for the platform. I just want to keep the profile as low as possible, because there's not a lot of spare room. Just enough so the platform doesn't drag on the truck bed. Maybe mount the brackets on top of the platform so the axles are above.
I like the idea of rolling the generator to the front of the bed to travel, but pulling it back to use. I need to find appropriate brackets to mount the wheels. Or perhaps a hardwood block with the axle strapped above it, or through it.
And remember, I still have to add gas without gymnastics.

[FishByFly]

I bought the Honda generator wheel kit. Works fine except my roll n lock bed cover doesn't clear the generator. So, I have a generator cover and just lock down the generator.

[John Geisen]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

I ended up with a Honda EU3000is. Here's my reasoning:
1. The 7000 wouldn't fit under my bed cover
2. The 7000 was just more money than I wanted to spend.
3. On my former MH, I didn't run the generator very much, just to park in WalMarts or rest areas for a few hours, most of the time camping I had shore power.
4. I have to believe the 7000 consumes more fuel and makes more noise.
5. I found an almost mint 3000 (20 hours?) for under $1400
6. If I'm wrong, I know I can sell it for what I paid. Especially seeing how many sell the day the ad comes out. The guy I bought it from bought two Honda 2000's and the link.
7. I'm not ready to replace one generator with two generators. (and pull ropes)
8. Previous experience with the 3000 showed me how reliable they are. (I'll bet the 7000 is too, tie)
9. I'm not crazy about carrying a gas can, so it's a negative on both. Although the 7000 will require a bigger one.

As far as lifting, the next time Harbor Freight has a 25% sale, I'm getting one of these:
http://www.harborfreight.com/1000-lb...art-69148.html

While traveling the generator will remain in the truck bed. At home, I'll scootch it onto the platform, lower it and roll to the garage. (The 500# unit doesn't go high enough)

Thanks. This is an excellent idea. The used 6500 I was chasing is sold so I'm back to square one. I really want to use propane so I would have to modify the 3000 or get a Champion Dual Fuel. Maybe not quite as quiet. -John

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by John Geisen

The used 6500 I was chasing is sold so I'm back to square one. I really want to use propane so I would have to modify the 3000 or get a Champion Dual Fuel. Maybe not quite as quiet. -John

I learned you have to call quickly on Hondas. And beware of scammers.
Running on propane reduces power by 18% (I'm told) so the 3000 Champion on propane is only 2500 W.

[John Geisen]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

I learned you have to call quickly on Hondas. And beware of scammers.
Running on propane reduces power by 18% (I'm told) so the 3000 Champion on propane is only 2500 W.

Possible slight reduction. I was given that number for natural gas. Supposedly little reduction, maybe a few percent, for propane. But either way I'm not inclined to carry gasoline.

[thiel]

Propane is about 2% reduction. Natural gas is more like 15-18% reduction.

[Jeff K.]

Originally Posted by Ralph12

It will get hot smelly and DANGEROUS, you will not have enough airflow and as the CO gets higher your generators might just die from lack of combustion air, it could also overheat the electronics inside the generators.

So many people have done this safely. Did you have a bad experience?

[Jeff K.]

Originally Posted by Ralph12

It will get hot smelly and DANGEROUS, you will not have enough airflow and as the CO gets higher your generators might just die from lack of combustion air, it could also overheat the electronics inside the generators.

So many have done this safely. Did you have a bad experience?

[Jeff K.]

Originally Posted by thiel

Propane is about 2% reduction. Natural gas is more like 15-18% reduction.

I have a Champion Duel Fuel. Gasoline will be the back up fuel supply. Will have a can but no gas on board unless it looks like I will need some. Four twenty pound tanks on board and refill as needed.

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by thiel

Propane is about 2% reduction. Natural gas is more like 15-18% reduction.

From Champion's web site:

2800 running watts/3100 starting watts (Gasoline)
2520 running watts/2800 starting watts (Propane)

Champions own web site gives the power reduction at 10%. I'm just saying'.
Now it means nothing as long as you get what you need from that 90%.

[John Geisen]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

From Champion's web site:

Champions own web site gives the power reduction at 10%. I'm just saying'.
Now it means nothing as long as you get what you need from that 90%.

So, I found a Honda EU3000i locally and I very happy with the purchase. Now I have to figure out how to move it in and out of the Dodge. A friend or neighbor is not in the cards. What else? -John