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Old 02-11-2017, 03:30 PM   #1
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Euless , Texas
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Running the Generator Safely

We are planning to purchase a Yamaha EF3000iSEB when we purchase our Classic next year. Along with that purchase will be a TV and potentially a cover for the bed. My question is, does anybody run their generator in the bed of their truck if they have a bed cover? I know the generator (because of its size) is going to probably require I get a raised hard cover model and I'm wondering, if the raised cover has ventilation, will that be adequate for both ventilation and dissipate the heat?

I like the idea of the bed cover for both security and protection of the items we will be keeping in the bed from both the elements and what protection a locking mechanism might provide. Lastly, I don't relish the idea of dragging the generator in and out of the bed of the truck for obvious reasons.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

Gary
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Old 02-11-2017, 03:44 PM   #2
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If you can provide adequate ventilation, can tolerate the additional noise in the contained space, and can avoid overheating adjacent items.... I see no problem with it.
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Old 02-11-2017, 05:46 PM   #3
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Hi Gary,

I have a 2016 F250 with a Snug Top tonneau cover. I have 2 Honda 2000 generators. I use 2 2000's because of weight lifting in and out of the truck. To answer your question, I ran the gen's once from just inside the tailgate BUT i don't recommend it. The fumes are very strong and get into everything inside the bed including the bed rug EVEN WITH the cover all the way up. I don't do it anymore....

You might want to think about a couple of 2000s instead of one 3000. They are easier to move around. Even with the 2000s, you can only run 1 A/C unit when boon docking in hot weather.

Probably not what you want to hear but it's honest.
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Old 02-11-2017, 05:49 PM   #4
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The Champion 3500 watt inverter fits under that cover.
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Old 02-11-2017, 06:08 PM   #5
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I have a LEER standard height cap, on my Sierra 1500, I ordered it with no side windows (for some security) and have a Honda 7000IS secured and locked in the front of the bed, for safety reasons I converted it to propane (different discussion) and run it in place all the time. The front window in the cap is removable, so I just take that out and have an after market exhaust tube (like dealerships would have for car exhausts) that fits out the little gap between the cap and cab of the truck. When I run the generator I leave the back window open and over the summer in southern Utah had to leave the tailgate open too (it was 112° out) no problems though. So I would think you should be fine with running a 3000 back there.
Be careful with that gasoline though.
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Old 02-11-2017, 08:26 PM   #6
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Briggs & Strattan makes a lower profile 3000w generator that fits under a flat bed cover. Most covers can be flipped back section by section for adiquit ventilation.
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Old 02-11-2017, 08:43 PM   #7
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I think you'll want to leave the tailgate down or the bed cover up to run a generator. There's a lot of exhaust fumes and the engine needs a lot of air..
Make sure it's chained to something solid so it doesn't walk away.
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Old 02-12-2017, 11:34 AM   #8
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I sold my 3000 watt generator because it was too heavy and replaced it with a pair of EU2000s. I run them ten feet away from the camper to avoid any issue with carbon monoxide and secure them with a chain and lock from Tulsa chain. And I protect them from the weather with a 4 ft folding composite table from BJs.
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Old 02-12-2017, 11:50 AM   #9
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I have a pair of Honda 2000's. I lower my tailgate and pull the generator to the edge. Point the exhaust to the side and fire it up. This works well for me.
There are small generator shelter tents available if setting them out in the weather. Try a google search. I remember a thread about them on the Forums a couple of years ago.
I like the 2000's because I can lift them into the bed myself. Pair them up to run one AC or other heavy power demands. Make sure one of them is the companion generator with the built in 30 amp plug.
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Old 02-12-2017, 12:05 PM   #10
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We often run a regular gas Honda 2000 sitting just under our tonneau cover with the tail gate open and the exhaust pointing out of the bed ... We have not noticed fumes in the truck bed being a n issue. This is especially handy if it happens to be raining...

Then when were are finished, we just disconnect the cable, shut the genny down and close the tail gait. (If we happen to take the truck somewhere between uses, we just make sure the generator is secure so it doesn't tip over going around corner.)
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Old 02-12-2017, 12:16 PM   #11
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My 2000 Honda sits in bed while running..unless we are staying for a rew days..
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Old 02-12-2017, 12:23 PM   #12
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Generator

I bought the Briggs and Stratton 3000. It fits nicely under my tonneau cover and unit is really quite. Only drawback is they don't have a propane conversion kit yet and recommend against the universal kits.
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Old 02-12-2017, 03:10 PM   #13
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Yamaha 3000iSEB

I've had a Yamaha 3000iSEB for at least 5 years now and it has been a great generator. Yes, it is heavy so I run it up aluminum ramps into the bed of my truck. With that said, I would now recommend two Yamaha 2000 or two Honda 2000i (one being a 2000 Companion model) since they are lighter and easily maneuverable. You can buy an additional fuel tank that Y's to the generators for plenty of extra fuel when needed. I recommended this to a friend years ago and he has been happy with his selection.
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Old 02-12-2017, 03:10 PM   #14
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Smile Running Generator in Bed

Hi , I'm a Newbe.
Planning on buying a Classic next year - I recently purchased a
2016 Ford V8 F-150 Lariat with the Leer 180 Cap ; I also have the Bedslide CL 1000 - my intent is to secure the generator to the Bedslide- then pull the generator out to clear the Leer cap when in use..Any thoughts on this?

Also - anyone pulling the Classic with a F-150? Problems? Advice.

My wife's family all live in Edmonton - my son is living in Vancouver -
so no doubt the Rockies will probably be our destination.
The F150 is my first truck, the Classic will be our first TT.

Any & all advice will be most appreciated.
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Old 02-12-2017, 08:13 PM   #15
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We have a Honda 3000 that stays just inside the tailgate under a cap. Ope the the tailgate and run the generator. Exhaust is pointing towards the back. Works well for us.
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Old 02-13-2017, 08:24 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ste and Bre View Post
We have a Honda 3000 that stays just inside the tailgate under a cap. Ope the the tailgate and run the generator. Exhaust is pointing towards the back. Works well for us.
That would be my choice too.
When you say "cap" do you mean the flat cover that tilts up or a raised cap that looks like a SUV? I heard the Honda 3000 won't fit under the lift up covers.

BTW, I've tried to find the real height of a Honda 3000is, and every site quotes a different number. 19.5"-22". I think some measure the box.

The reason I don't like the Honda 2000 is the tiny fuel tank, and the pull start (although they work well).
The 3000 is heavy (I've picked one up and it wan't fun) but it carries more gas and could probably run 12 hours on a tank.
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Old 02-13-2017, 08:28 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mollysdad View Post
That would be my choice too.
When you say "cap" do you mean the flat cover that tilts up or a raised cap that looks like a SUV? I heard the Honda 3000 won't fit under the lift up covers.

BTW, I've tried to find the real height of a Honda 3000is, and every site quotes a different number. 19.5"-22". I think some measure the box.

The reason I don't like the Honda 2000 is the tiny fuel tank, and the pull start (although they work well).
The 3000 is heavy (I've picked one up and it wan't fun) but it carries more gas and could probably run 12 hours on a tank.
Is 6 gallons enough?

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Old 02-13-2017, 09:46 AM   #18
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I just measured our Honda 3000 and the height is 20 1/2 inches. On ours the gas cap adds 1.5 inches to the height as it is on top. In other words it is 19 in. with another 1.5 for the gas cap on top. When I wrote Cap or Topper it is one that makes everything the same height as the cab of the truck. We went that way because we were hoping the flow of air up over the truck and then to the camper would be more stream lined and I can crawl in to get things out of the back. I can load the 3000 with a skid loader and it would take a pretty hefty person to pick it up and run off with it. It works well for us and I don't have to pick it up to load it.
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Old 02-13-2017, 07:47 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by redbaron6 View Post
Hi , I'm a Newbe.
Planning on buying a Classic next year - I recently purchased a
2016 Ford V8 F-150 Lariat with the Leer 180 Cap ; I also have the Bedslide CL 1000 - my intent is to secure the generator to the Bedslide- then pull the generator out to clear the Leer cap when in use..Any thoughts on this?

Also - anyone pulling the Classic with a F-150? Problems? Advice.

My wife's family all live in Edmonton - my son is living in Vancouver -
so no doubt the Rockies will probably be our destination.
The F150 is my first truck, the Classic will be our first TT.

Any & all advice will be most appreciated.
That sounds like a really nice configuration, hopefully it serves you well for a long time. I have the 180 it's a great cap, wish I had the bed slide.
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Old 02-13-2017, 07:52 PM   #20
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Is 6 gallons enough?

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Good point!
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