Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 09-13-2013, 09:57 AM   #21
Rivet Master
 
tkasten's Avatar
 
1965 22' Safari
Vassar , Michigan
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 848
Images: 6
I've never had a problem running the gen. on the tailgate. In this position it is pretty well protected from rain.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	DSCN0389.jpg
Views:	206
Size:	262.3 KB
ID:	195588  
__________________
Tim
TAC MI 14

Everyday is a Saturday
tkasten is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2013, 10:08 AM   #22
Rivet Master
 
robwok's Avatar
 
1964 26' Overlander
Richmond , Virginia
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 790
Images: 35
Hey, how bout mounting on the roof? 2 45 lb generators can't weigh more than my heatpump. Run a line down the side, electric start up.
robwok is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2013, 10:12 AM   #23
Rivet Master
 
Hittenstiehl's Avatar
 
1962 28' Ambassador
1961 19' Globetrotter
1962 26' Overlander
Mesa , Arizona
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,996
Images: 9
Pics of Slideout

Joe Palmieri
If you get a chance to post any pictures of your truck slideout setup we would love to see it as that is likely a route we will go. No hurry it will be a while for us.
Thanks
__________________

Hittenstiehl
Hittenstiehl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2013, 10:15 AM   #24
Figment of My Imagination
 
Protagonist's Avatar
 
2012 Interstate Coach
From All Over , More Than Anywhere Else
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,868
Quote:
Originally Posted by robwok View Post
Hey, how bout mounting on the roof? 2 45 lb generators can't weigh more than my heatpump. Run a line down the side, electric start up.
Good luck refilling the generator's fuel tank, though…

Also, do you intend to remove the heat pump to install the generators? "can't weigh more than my heat pump" is no guarantee the roof will support the weight of the generators AND the heat pump.
__________________
I thought getting old would take longer!
Protagonist is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2013, 10:24 AM   #25
Retired.
 
Currently Looking...
. , At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
Before anybody complains again about Airstreams being unique about not liking items added to the rear bumper area, almost every new SOB comes with a warning not to add anything to their back bumpers as well. If you do, it will void the chassis warranty.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	image.jpg
Views:	182
Size:	351.7 KB
ID:	195589  
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
overlander63 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2013, 11:03 AM   #26
Rivet Master
 
robwok's Avatar
 
1964 26' Overlander
Richmond , Virginia
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 790
Images: 35
Quote:
Originally Posted by Protagonist View Post
Good luck refilling the generator's fuel tank, though…

Also, do you intend to remove the heat pump to install the generators? "can't weigh more than my heat pump" is no guarantee the roof will support the weight of the generators AND the heat pump.
Nah, they come with fuel lines for reserve tanks. You could mount a reserve gas tank in the frame, and modify a fresh water fill.... you know, I was joking about the whole deal, but now I'm kind of thinking about the gas tank. What would be the problem of mounting a 4" deep stainless tank in the frame and filling that up with gas when you pull through the service station? You then somehow create a fitting so you can add the supply line for one of these small generators instead of carrying a separate supply line. A good size is similar to that which VTS carrys - 16 gallons. More than enough for the weekend, and you don't need to carry around a separate tank. Just add a vintage water fill on the side, but clearly mark it for gas (boy that'd be a disaster)

As far as mounting on the roof, that's a joke. The vibration could be awful. I was just suggesting you could build an aluminum frame that included 2 ribs and set them up there out of the way. (some people have made luggage racks with that method) You could even hide 2 of them inside one of the old style AC shrouds. Not getting rid of an AC, but I have seen some PO install AC's in the back vent opening. NOT the right way to do it, but hey, if it's already been done...

I'm looking at my trailer at other options. I have a few access doors on my trailer. I plan on converting one of those so that it looks original, but when you open it, it's an outdoor shower.

These gensets are so small, it seems you could put them on slides. Build a box inside the trailer, then a drawer slide so that when you park, you open a side hatch, then slide the generator out on that. The box inside the trailer provides the sound break, but the generator is outside.

In my trailer, I removed my battery from the rear storage compartment, then set it under the bunk so that it was opposite the freshwater compartment, thereby moving the weight to just over the axles like the water was. Now I have the rear compartment free. I could possibly put one there for storage, but wouldn't want it to actually run in the camper.

The only other really cool option is to mount them under a bunk like they are in motor homes. Since you'll be running AC Power, you'd want to create active venting, through the floor if possible. That would hide everything inside (oh and include that gas tank between the rails).

Dang, now I'm going to be up all night thinking through the possibilities....

Rob
robwok is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2013, 11:21 AM   #27
Rivet Master
 
TouringDan's Avatar

 
1966 24' Tradewind
1995 34' Excella
Lynchburg , Virginia
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,225
Quote:
Originally Posted by tkasten View Post
I've never had a problem running the gen. on the tailgate. In this position it is pretty well protected from rain.
I like Tim's slideout idea- no weight penalty and no cost.

Dan
TouringDan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2013, 11:23 AM   #28
Figment of My Imagination
 
Protagonist's Avatar
 
2012 Interstate Coach
From All Over , More Than Anywhere Else
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,868
Quote:
Originally Posted by robwok View Post
The only other really cool option is to mount them under a bunk like they are in motor homes. Since you'll be running AC Power, you'd want to create active venting, through the floor if possible. That would hide everything inside (oh and include that gas tank between the rails).
My Interstate has a 2.5kW Onan propane generator under the rear sofa/bed. Which is fine because I'd never be running the generator at night while I'm sleeping anyway.

Here's a (tongue-in-cheek) idea… Mount a generator under a built-in recliner. Then if it vibrates while running, call it a massage chair!
__________________
I thought getting old would take longer!
Protagonist is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2013, 11:33 AM   #29
Rivet Master
 
TouringDan's Avatar

 
1966 24' Tradewind
1995 34' Excella
Lynchburg , Virginia
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,225
Quote:
Originally Posted by panheaddale View Post
I like the idea of mounting them on the roof of the cover on your truck. Up and out of the way to leave more space for other things.Might have to add some support to the top, Not very likely to have any problem with people trying to steal them. The height would be legal but you would have to watch where you drove to, Probably no drive thru windows anywhere, no parking garages or anywhere that has low clearance. If you go that route post some pics to let us see how you did it.
Surely you jest. The cg of trucks is high enough. Another recipe for disaster.

Dan
TouringDan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2013, 12:02 PM   #30
Rivet Master
 
TouringDan's Avatar

 
1966 24' Tradewind
1995 34' Excella
Lynchburg , Virginia
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,225
[QUOTE=CanoeStream;1353687]TouringDan -- thanks for the post and unfortunately this is only a snapshot in time. Sadly, to make this work one would need to double or triple the vertical cross section of a beam.

Ever been in an old San Francisco building with the engineered diagonal earthquake resistant cross-bracing added? I'd really need to see detailed pics of how the Springfest guy went above the floor and created such a rigid structure. Just sistering I-beams or adding plate reinforcement doesn't convince me until I know more.

Bob

I understand your concern since I have a mechanical engineering degree. However, I think that lots of folks on this forum have what I will refer to as the "Chicken Little" mentality concerning adding weight like a bicycle rack to the rear of an Airstream. Of course all this goes back to the rear end separation that some older Airstreams have experienced. Nobody really knows the consequences of adding a bicycle rack to the rear end of a modern Airstream unless somebody actually does it, and then we can observe the consequesnces. I believe that Mr. Springfest will experience some severe consequences over time. None of us knows how long that will take. Hopefully we will find out when and if he ever becomes part of this wonderful forum. However, maybe he won't have problems. Then we will need to find out how he designed and installed the additional structure.

Dan

ps: I would really like to know how much weight he is actually hanging off the back end.
TouringDan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2013, 12:15 PM   #31
"Cloudsplitter"

 
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas , Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,000
Images: 1
Dan,

Looks like his WB# is 3157, maybe we could ask him.

His trunk is open...

Bob
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
ROBERT CROSS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2013, 01:26 PM   #32
3 Rivet Member
 
panheaddale's Avatar
 
1964 26' Overlander
1968 30' Sovereign
Vintage Kin Owner
somewhere , Tennessee
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 211
Quote:
Originally Posted by TouringDan View Post
Surely you jest. The cg of trucks is high enough. Another recipe for disaster.

Dan
I JEST NOT! I don't care if you have 5 engineering degrees 150 lbs on top is NOT going to cause any CG problems whatsoever. You would not even know that was up there other than clearance problems.
panheaddale is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2013, 02:26 PM   #33
Rivet Master
 
AldeanFan's Avatar
 
1977 23' Safari
Niagara on the Lake , Ontario
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 984
Images: 3
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sbb View Post
I had a friend who mounted his generater on tongue on top of batteries behind propane...toally not legal but dealer did it anyway. The trailer was a sob. That was a disaster waiting to happen.

Why is this not legal?

What if you removed one of the propane tanks to make room/save weight and built an appropriate frame to hold the generators? I have seen people add spare tire carriers, fuel tanks and bicycle racks to the tongue.
__________________
1977 Safari Land Yacht
2005 Toyota Tundra SR5
2022 Toyota 4Runner SR5
AldeanFan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2013, 02:55 PM   #34
Rivet Master
 
Wayne&Sam's Avatar
 
2014 25' Flying Cloud
Cuddebackville , New York
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 4,333
Images: 21
I carry a Honda 1000i on top of my battery box. I riveted tracks to the cover of the box so the generator can't slide and then tie it down with straps and put a locking cable on it for security. A 2000i could fit, but taking it on and off might scratch the Airstream, so I went with a 1000i.
Wayne&Sam is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2013, 03:02 PM   #35
Figment of My Imagination
 
Protagonist's Avatar
 
2012 Interstate Coach
From All Over , More Than Anywhere Else
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,868
Quote:
Originally Posted by panheaddale View Post
I JEST NOT! I don't care if you have 5 engineering degrees 150 lbs on top is NOT going to cause any CG problems whatsoever. You would not even know that was up there other than clearance problems.
That depends. A Mercedes Benz Sprinter (such as my Interstate) has a well-engineered metal roof. The low-roof Sprinters have a rooftop cargo capacity of 600 pounds. The high-roof Sprinters, still with a well-engineered metal roof, have a rooftop cargo capacity of 300 pounds, only half as much. The roof is just as strong on both models. The difference between the two models is in rollover stability, and a mere sixteen inches of extra height cuts the rooftop load capacity in half.

When it comes to rollover stability, how high the load is DOES make a difference. You can't finesse the laws of physics.

Unless you're qualified to do the calculations on rollover stability yourself, or hire someone who is qualified, you shouldn't consider it.

Having expressed concern for your safety, we still have to admit that you're free to ignore any and all advice and go ahead anyway.
__________________
I thought getting old would take longer!
Protagonist is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2013, 03:42 PM   #36
1 Rivet Member
 
2012 27' FB International
Kirkland , Washington
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 11
I have a roof rack on the top of my truck that should be able to handle more than 150 pounds? Clearance and drag are my main concerns there. I do like the slide out idea, but I'm planning on traveling for months at a time, and will use the back of my truck as a storage room loaded up with all kinds of equipment so having to leave it wide open in order to use the generator isn't ideal for me. I plan on mostly camping off-grid in isolated areas. Why is running the generator unattended or at night so bad (they come with an auto shut off feature if it gets too hot or runs out of oil)? What are the risks and concerns here? As I mentioned I have two small dogs, so my thinking was, if it's hot outside and I go for a hike or leave for a few hours, I switch on the generators and turn on the AC to prevent sweltering interior temps. I have ordered a temp alert to go with a video alarm system, but that only alerts you, it does nothing to change the fact that it is too hot. It doesn't take long for an animal to die in a hot vehicle and these are not really dogs, they're my two sons
Maia is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2013, 04:08 PM   #37
3 Rivet Member
 
panheaddale's Avatar
 
1964 26' Overlander
1968 30' Sovereign
Vintage Kin Owner
somewhere , Tennessee
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 211
Quote:
Originally Posted by Protagonist View Post
That depends. A Mercedes Benz Sprinter (such as my Interstate) has a well-engineered metal roof. The low-roof Sprinters have a rooftop cargo capacity of 600 pounds. The high-roof Sprinters, still with a well-engineered metal roof, have a rooftop cargo capacity of 300 pounds, only half as much. The roof is just as strong on both models. The difference between the two models is in rollover stability, and a mere sixteen inches of extra height cuts the rooftop load capacity in half.

When it comes to rollover stability, how high the load is DOES make a difference. You can't finesse the laws of physics.

Unless you're qualified to do the calculations on rollover stability yourself, or hire someone who is qualified, you shouldn't consider it.

Having expressed concern for your safety, we still have to admit that you're free to ignore any and all advice and go ahead anyway.
If you were putting a thousand pounds up there or something very tall on top I would agree. 2 of those small honda generators you will never even know they are up there.
panheaddale is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2013, 06:43 PM   #38
"Cloudsplitter"

 
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas , Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,000
Images: 1
Question

Maia,

Consider carefully transporting/running two generators on the roof of your truck.

They do vibrate some, they will need to be secured while running in a way that will allow them to be re-fueled easily. I see no way for that to be a fun task.
The Honda is an easy start on the ground, starting two on the roof could be problematic. Don't forget your trailer power cord will also have to be routed and secured.

Ladders, generators and fuel containers could very well turn out rather unwell.

Running on the roof and it starts to rain.....I hate going out to roll up the awning , getting the ladder out to climb up on the truck roof, bring them down and put them away.....PITA

Generators running on the roof would be a magnet for the curious. More than curious, and they may be gone, more secure would mean more difficult to set-up and operate.

Two generators running in parallel unattended, on the roof....not sure it's advisable. I would ask the expert...
In fact ask him everything.


We are also dog owners....
If the windows and both vents are open with the fans on high,(one in, one out), I think it would be safe in all but the most extreme cases.

Bob
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
ROBERT CROSS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2013, 07:14 PM   #39
Rivet Master
 
2008 23' Safari FB SE
Boulder , Colorado
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 510
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joe Palmieri View Post
I have a slide out inside the bed of my pickup with a fiberglass cap. My Honda 3000 sits on the tail end of the slide out. When I need AC power I open the cap and tailgate, pull out the slide out just to the end of the tailgate and run the generator in place. No lifting or struggling. If there is a sudden rainstorm I can quickly shut down, unplug and slide the generator in and close things up until it passes. Bad idea to leave the generator running at a campsite with no supervision. The slide out also gives me easy access to the rest of my camping gear as it is the full length of the truck bed and will support the generator fully extended. It is the best solution that I have found for my needs.
Any pictures of the slide out and brand?
bonginator is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2013, 07:23 PM   #40
1 Rivet Member
 
2012 27' FB International
Kirkland , Washington
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 11
Quote:
Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS View Post
Maia,

Consider carefully transporting/running two generators on the roof of your truck.

They do vibrate some, they will need to be secured while running in a way that will allow them to be re-fueled easily. I see no way for that to be a fun task.
The Honda is an easy start on the ground, starting two on the roof could be problematic. Don't forget your trailer power cord will also have to be routed and secured.

Ladders, generators and fuel containers could very well turn out rather unwell.

Running on the roof and it starts to rain.....I hate going out to roll up the awning , getting the ladder out to climb up on the truck roof, bring them down and put them away.....PITA

Generators running on the roof would be a magnet for the curious. More than curious, and they may be gone, more secure would mean more difficult to set-up and operate.

Two generators running in parallel unattended, on the roof....not sure it's advisable. I would ask the expert...
In fact ask him everything.


We are also dog owners....
If the windows and both vents are open with the fans on high,(one in, one out), I think it would be safe in all but the most extreme cases.

Bob
I plan on buying a locking galvanized steel enclosure that is specially designed to house generators. I found them online at a marine supply company and they'll make them to order to fit any model of generator for a fairly reasonable price (they quoted me about $375 for a box to house both). They have slide off panels that allow for air circulation while running or total enclosure while transporting or not in use, as well as access holes to pull the cord and re-fill the fuel. The top of my truck is easily accessible with a folding aluminum ladder. I would mount the steel box enclosure on my roof rack (I have a A.R.E. commercial metal canopy with a rack) hopefully in a way that can be detached while I'm not traveling. The generators would be fully protected from the rain and elements, secure, and out of the way whether they're running or not. I was considering putting a high density 3/4" foam mat under the box to reduce vibration and noise. I have a gym on the 2nd floor of my home with a PowerPlate machine that is basically just a vibrating platform. It shakes your skull and rattles your brains if you're not in a braced position! It also rattles like crazy on hardwood floors but when it's on top of a foam mat like the one I described almost all of the vibration is absorbed. These generators have nowhere near the vibration of the PowerPlate. I spoke with the guy who installed my canopy today and he said it wouldn't be a problem to attach the enclosure box with generators on the roof rack. Like I said, clearance and drag from wind resistance are issues. The enclosure box would be approx 36"W x 18" H x 23"D weighing approx 150 pounds. Thanks for adding the link to "ask the expert", I want to have a clear picture of the risks, benefits, and tradeoffs before I go forward. Better to do it right the first time around than learn the hard way. Why do you say you need to secure the power cord? Are those frequently stolen as well? Geez, I guess anything that isn't nailed down huh?
Maia is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 09:05 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.