Is This a Bad Idea?

[Raptorrider2001]

Someone recently posted a pic. of their SUV with a carrier on the front and had a Honda 3000 mounted on it. I did not ask if it affected the driving, etc..

I have mounted a hitch and carrier on the front of my 3/4 ton Chevrolet and plan on carrying 2 Honda 2000i gens in it. My oldest son is very much against my doing this. He thinks it is asking for trouble because of the weight on the front suspension as well as sticking out to far. He thinks it will be to easy to hit something or someone back into it. Make parking harder, etc. And of course, me being forgetful about it being there.

Since these pics. were taken, I have added a 3' pole on the two frint corners as markers. The pics. also do not show the tie down rachet.
We are planning on taking off for an extended trip from Texas to Colorado in 10 days. Any feed back would be appreciated.
[IMG]file:///C:/DTA/My%20Pictures/08%20Chevy%20Silverado%204x4%20%20%20%2001%2003%20 07/Generator%20Carrier/DSCN0006.JPG[/IMG][IMG]file:///C:/DTA/My%20Pictures/08%20Chevy%20Silverado%204x4%20%20%20%2001%2003%20 07/Generator%20Carrier/DSCN0007.JPG[/IMG]

[markdoane]

I think if you have a trailer on the back, you won't be upsetting the balance too much. You might even be able to back off a link on your WD chains.

I would turn the gens sideways and reduce the length of the carrier. It doesn't look like they block airflow to the radiator and transmission cooler.

[n2916s]

I have a 2" receiver on the front of my Titan. I put my bike rack there and carry two bikes. The total weight is probably around 45# and I have not noticed any difference.
You quickly adapt to the extra clearance needed in front.

There are lots of bug splats, though, and the running gear needs lube after driving through rain. Don't know if I'd hang two grand worth of Hondas out there...


mike

[5cats]

Sounds like you've taken some thoughtful precautions, and you're committed to the carrier. Might as well give it a whirl at this point! I bet those corner poles are actually very helpful...

I'd consider some tight covers for the gens up there: you may find a lot of bug splatter getting into various openings with the outlets and such facing forward It'd be nice to hear how it goes when you get a chance.

Cheers,
-jd.

[remcolent]

I'm sorry but I think that it looks not verry good.
Plus the generators are almost shouting , please take me
Why not in the bed of the truck?

Remco

[Excella CM]

I can't help but think of a pancake flipper. Be sure things are really tightly secured.

[2airishuman]

bad idea?

compared to what?

1. check on the relevant texas mv statutes on attaching things to the vehicle.

2. then think about the other states u might travel in and their restrictions.

3. i'm with your sonny boy, but not so much because of the w/d issue but because...

u are mounting a flammable devise in front of the bumper and that's a danger to OTHERS and you.

this essentially defeats the basic crash/impact systems built into the truck...

things like blocker beams, crumple zones, airbag activation and so on along with the INCREASED fire hazard.

4. it is hard to imagine there isn't SOME PLACE better, even if the bed is full of toys.

for example many roof top carriers have basket accessories and the gensets could go topside (without gasoline)

or the shelf could be mounted behind the truck/infront of the trailer.

again it would be really useful to FIND OUT IF THESE MOUNTINGS ARE LEGAL...

bikes out front are very different than a genset imo....

i know, anything goes in texas...

cheers
2air'

[slowmover]

Agreed, a hazard. And a thief magnet.

If the Joads are fleeing the Dust Bowl, probably no one will notice, but for crash protection and
the rest, I wouldn't.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, I know everyone all ready stated their opinions and I agree with them, but I will state my opinions.

(1.) Please steal me.

(2.) No excuse for someone with a truck with a bed.

(3.) If no where else to carry them, you are bringing way too much stuff.

(4.) In an acccident, Generators might hit you in the face instead of your SRS/air bags.

(5.) I read that each gallon of gas is equal to 10 sticks of Dynamite.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Just can't get my head around all that good stuff hang'n out in front of you. For all the stated reasons.

First priority...Stream Safe.

We carry our 2000 in a large Rubbermaid container secured in the back of the Burb or front of the trailer, empty with fuel supply off. The propane conversion allows for the separation of fuel supply.

Does your TV have a sunroof, which might effect the availability of a roof rack, but something I would definiately look into.

[AZ-JH]

Sorry, but I agree with others. If looks count for anything, this doesn't look good at all. Simplify your travel and your life. Leave a few more things at home so it can fit in the bed.

[richinny]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Does your TV have a sunroof, which might effect the availability of a roof rack, but something I would definiately look into.

i don't think ANY roof rack would secure anything that heavy in a crash. in any case, they should not have any gas in them.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by richinny

i don't think ANY roof rack would secure anything that heavy in a crash. in any case, they should not have any gas in them.

Point well taken...The need to carry extra gas was our main reason for the
propane conversion. I trust those tanks a lot more than a plastic/metal can.

[HankO]

Frankly I don't understand the extra expense for the carrier plus the hazord of carrying $2000.00 dollars worth of generators just sticking out there waiting to be run into or stolen, especially when you have a whole pickup bed to put the generators safely away.

Henry

[Jim Foster]

Is it a bad idea?

Yes, it's a bad idea. There are lots of bad ideas, this is one very near the top of the list.