Generator Mounting on Tongue Tray

[pteck]

Here's a sneak peak at my current project underway.

I drive an SUV, so accommodating the generator on the AS is important. Several have mounted their Honda eu2000 on the tongue, in the space behind the tanks as it just fits with enough clearance to be comfortable that there is no rub. I have a 27FB, so my largest storage compartment is in the front. Making sure I still retain good access was important.

Here's my take which is to create a mounting tray that is installed over the battery cover. That makes it easy to slide the generator on, while making sure it's aligned and not rubbing the AS or tank cover. Battery cover still opens back as it always has without interference from the piggybacked tray. Likewise, the front compartment opens still without interference.

Additionally, this tray is integral to security of the generator, so that it's not easily removed. Note how the generator feet are keyed to the channels, for positioning and security.

I intend to enclose this whole space with folding covers along the side and top so that it's hidden, secure, and perhaps some noise attenuation. I am attaching the tray with VHB, as well as adding some rubber lining to the battery lid to help reduce NVH while it's running. May take awhile before I finally get it all done as I'm juggling lots of projects around the house.

[FCStreamer]

I carry mine the same way, only I bought a bracket made for that purpose.

I recently bought a larger generator, but I still carry this one as a backup.

http://www.ourflyingcloud.com/2016/0...generator.html

[pteck]

Thanks! That's part of where I got my inspiration from. It's a sure thing turn key solution.

Since I like to DIY, I wanted more width on my tray to be able to slide the generator side to side. Both to help my back so I don't have to reach as far in and drop it on in one go, but to also be able to easily get at the start cord. I seen some people place some tube over the start cord so it's still easily accessed to start.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by pteck

I intend to enclose this whole space with folding covers along the side and top so that it's hidden, secure, and perhaps some noise attenuation. I am attaching the tray with VHB, as well as adding some rubber lining to the battery lid to help reduce NVH while it's running. May take awhile before I finally get it all done as I'm juggling lots of projects around the house.

You need to attenuate heat, not just noise. A hot generator exhaust right next to your propane cylinders is not the best arrangement, so a layer of Prodex insulation on the inside of your propane cylinder cover in between the generator and the cylinders would not go amiss.

[pteck]

Absolutely, and that is not lost on me.

The enclosure won't be anywhere near airtight as the generator has to breathe - intake fresh air, and to your point exhaust.

Primary goal for the enclosure is aesthetics and security. Secondly, I hope to manage the exhaust volume (and heat) by plumbing it out the side in some fashion. Though that feature remains to be further considered in terms of complexity. Might be just a hole out the side.

[AWCHIEF]

Have you tested the transfer of noise and vibration to the trailer interior during operation? I am asking because I looked at a similar set up and the owner had to remove the generator when he ran it because of the noise/vibration transfer. It drove his wife nuts.

[Briandwan]

Looks like a nice clean install.

[Tsunami-v2]

I have looked at several tongue installed generator configurations. I even went so far as to purchase one of the heavy duty theft proof mounts. I have not installed it, yet. Trying to come to grips with the added weight on the front of the trailer and the heat generated when generators in operation. Was seriously considering a mount that would slide the generator out from behind the propane tanks when in use. Was also considering converting the generator over to propane since there is a propane port on the tongue of the AS. Would eliminate having to carry gas can in the bed of the pickup.

[pteck]

I haven't checked out the NVH running the generator on the tongue yet. In another thread, an individual reported it being reasonable.

As I haven't finished yet, I certainly can test it just standing on the battery box. And then again after installing my tray (with the additional NVH measures).

I likewise was seeking a strategy to allow sliding the generator, and this is what I've come up with. There's not enough room for full blown slides, but it does slide nicely, up to about 18" left or right.

I personally won't use propane. I like it being gas as it affords me more flexible use for other use cases around the home. Also, I do bring a 3.5 gallon fuel tote, for both the generator, but just as importantly, backup gas for the tow vehicle.

[slowmover]

Double mount with sorbothane feet

[64airstream]

We used a different mounting configuration on the tongue, that won't work for your model trailer (propane tanks). To reduce the noise and vibration we used two different densities of foam material under the generator. We can still feel the vibration, but it is very reasonable. A few more details of our installation are captured here, if interested, https://www.airforums.com/forums/f39...er-155180.html

I like your approach, but it wouldn't work with our frame dimensions.

Good luck,

Roy and Marie

[Wazbro]

Originally Posted by pteck

I personally won't use propane. I like it being gas as it affords me more flexible use for other use cases around the home. Also, I do bring a 3.5 gallon fuel tote, for both the generator, but just as importantly, backup gas for the tow vehicle.

Do you know that the conversion to propane is actually conversion to duel-fuel so you can use propane or gasoline?

[JMynes]

Last Summer I ran two EU2000s in the bed of the pickup, still hitched up, in a casino parking lot.
I found the vibration and sound to be annoying because it’s not steady. Every time the A/C compressor engaged the hum would change and interrupt the dozing off process.
Finally I got up and put them on the ground. That got rid of the transmitted vibration, and made enough difference to let me get some sleep.
Having them on the battery box, inches from my head, would guarantee a sleepless night for me.

[MandDinSpgTX]

Originally Posted by Tsunami-v2

I have looked at several tongue installed generator configurations. I even went so far as to purchase one of the heavy duty theft proof mounts. I have not installed it, yet. Trying to come to grips with the added weight on the front of the trailer and the heat generated when generators in operation. Was seriously considering a mount that would slide the generator out from behind the propane tanks when in use. Was also considering converting the generator over to propane since there is a propane port on the tongue of the AS. Would eliminate having to carry gas can in the bed of the pickup.

Mind if I ask what you decided on the mount you purchased? Am considering the same thing right now and/or designing something, but also trying to come to terms with the weight factor on the tongue. Running a 7kW ultra quiet generator that's about 210 lbs. Thanks, Mike

[waninae39]

warning

this can add a LOT to increased tongue weight

be sure to measure before and after.

ensure your TV can handle it. also see if the AS tows differently

better safe than sorry

[Steve Bryant]

I did a similar generator installation in 2016. My tongue weight increased by about 230 pounds, but I'm still within allowable limits for both the trailer and the tow vehicle. I have a triple axle trailer and with batteries located near the axles and horizontal propane bottles that are aft of the normal position, all of which shifts the CG aft and reduces the tongue weight. The trailer actually tows a little better than before the modification.

[mccreainmd]

I'm looking for a simpler approach: Has anyone just placed the generator directly on top of the AS battery cover and strapped it down tight? I have a 2014 Flying Cloud 25 RTB. Adding a chain and lock would deter thief. Any thoughts?

Looking for a easy solution,
Penelope Pit Stop