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LRPorter · 01-20-2011, 12:09 PM

We would like to add a generator and was wondering if anyone had discovered a way to add one. I would like to save some $ by parking in low rent parking such a Walmart, State campgrounds etc. I suspect we will have to add one to our truck bed. Not mujch room on A frame for even a bike.

mello mike · 01-20-2011, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LRPorter

We would like to add a generator and was wondering if anyone had discovered a way to add one. I would like to save some $ by parking in low rent parking such a Walmart, State campgrounds etc. I suspect we will have to add one to our truck bed. Not mujch room on A frame for even a bike.

It can be done, but Airstreams really aren't built for it. You're better off putting your gennie in your truck bed, like you mentioned.

masseyfarm · 01-20-2011, 12:27 PM

Funny story.
We stopped at the Casino in Grand Prairie, Alberta, in 2008, and while the BH cleaned out her purse,

I did some maintenance on the Clipper. A fellow with a fiver that was parked in the corner of the large lot, came over to BS and have a cool one in the heat of the day.
He was a full timer and thought the rent was cheap so had settled in on site. Because of the heat wave, and all the money he was saving, he went to Walmart and bought a AUX. to power the AC. Went to bed that night with the AUX. just sitting beside 5th wheel as he had just hooked it up to try. Got up in the morning and if was gone.
The same day he went back and bought another as the heat wave was lasting. He did all the proper things, like chaining into the back of pu truck, etc. Two days later he went shopping at Walmat again, and when he came out to the pu, the chain was cut and the second AUX. was gone.
Maybe CG rent is not to bad afterall???

Dave

zigzagguzzi · 01-20-2011, 01:18 PM

Maybe someone thought it was too noisy? zz

Jammer · 01-20-2011, 01:39 PM

If you have a pickup the best thing is to put the generator in the pickup bed.

Some people put them under Tonneau covers or in a box so as to avoid advertising their presence to would-be thieves.

A fact to consider is that few people find it practical to utilize a generator in a walmart parking lot. With proper wiring the tow vehicle will charge the trailer batteries at least a little while underway which should help when traveling from one parking lot to the next if that's your thing.

Another fact to consider is that most state campgrounds offer electricity at reasonable rates that are much lower than the cost of running a generator, let alone buying one and running one.

zigzagguzzi · 01-20-2011, 02:25 PM

Might need the genny for aircon. zz

withidl · 01-20-2011, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by masseyfarm

Funny story.
We stopped at the Casino in Grand Prairie, Alberta, in 2008, and while the BH cleaned out her purse,

I did some maintenance on the Clipper. A fellow with a fiver that was parked in the corner of the large lot, came over to BS and have a cool one in the heat of the day.
He was a full timer and thought the rent was cheap so had settled in on site. Because of the heat wave, and all the money he was saving, he went to Walmart and bought a AUX. to power the AC. Went to bed that night with the AUX. just sitting beside 5th wheel as he had just hooked it up to try. Got up in the morning and if was gone.
The same day he went back and bought another as the heat wave was lasting. He did all the proper things, like chaining into the back of pu truck, etc. Two days later he went shopping at Walmat again, and when he came out to the pu, the chain was cut and the second AUX. was gone.
Maybe CG rent is not to bad afterall???

Dave

I never have worried about mine being stolen, see the following link:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f448...s-68808-2.html

bugnot1 · 01-20-2011, 05:18 PM

A very good friend of ours with a 32 Excella mounted a propane gen under his front window - had a stainless steel insulated compartment built - and it was a super installation. His name is Jerry Holden - and he's an Airstreamer from way way back (further than me)! You couldn't hardly hear his generator - I want one!!!

jan

Frank&Mike · 01-20-2011, 07:46 PM

We had concerns about securing our generator ... so we had a lockbox fabricated for ours. We carry the generator in the bed of the truck. With input from others, we had our lockbox fabricated where the base extended far enough that the lockbox could be secured by driving onto the extended base with either the tow vehicle tire or the trailer tire. When using the generator, we have rarely removed it from the bed. We mostly leave it chained in the bed of the truck and run it there. Following is the link to the thread with photos:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f448...box-67328.html

It may not be the solution you're looking for ... but possibly an option for consideration.

LawChick · 01-20-2011, 08:45 PM

Don't do what a previous owner did to our AS. He had the rear frame portion reinforced and put a rack for the generator, welded to the rear of the frame extension, where it was reinforced. Bad juju. First of all, it was ugly as all get out and ruined Esmerelda's looks. Second, even with reinforcement, it just wasn't right. The AS frame was never intended to be used that way, and it probably did some damage. I'm sure we'll find out sometime.

First thing we did was have it cut off. Esmerelda is fine now, but will probably develop rear sag or separation before her time. Kinda' like me.

LRPorter · 01-24-2011, 12:22 PM

We were camped at a State Park near Grand Coolee and heard a similar story. Seems exterior is just asking for trouble. As for sound the Honda geherators are very quiet.