Bumper generator tray

Thanks Dengle.

A cookie sheet or pan is a just a flat aluminum pan with a little lip used to bake cookies. It will catch any oil drips from the generator, it also provides a slippery surface so it's easy to slide the generator around in the back of the SUV. I side it to the front of the cargo area and strap it.

I solve the stinky gas and gas can problem by not using gasoline. I converted my Honda 2k to propane and run that. There is already propane on the tongue so one less thing to drag around. You can carry a second propane cylinder as well if you want to. Engine burns clean and carb never gets gummed up.

I think you should be fine with your tow vehicle, but I always suggest you load everything up and get actual weights to compare with your specs. That way you have a known good baseline to work from. If you do a search I have written up a procedure to do that at a public scale, and a link to an online calculator which will keep track of all your limiting weights as well as let you play with your wdh settings. Often as a taxpayer you can get your weights for free at your county waste transfer station.

I think that FR gets the frames made by Lippert. At least they used to.

look at a product called 'Jack E Up".  I have used one for several years.  It allows one to take the trailer jack off of the front and allows the tailgate to open.  One can also step across the tongue easier .  Jack stores in the compartment when underway.

I could chose to remove certain items from the TV to create space. But, that is just one of the issues. When dry camping in a parking lot overnight, I may need the generator to run the A/C, and the only way to get to it would be to unhook the trailer in order to open the rear hatch. Not sure I want to do this in a parking lot, or for a one night stay. I just can't imagine that the rear structure of the 196 will not support another 100lbs. I do realize that the 100lbs would create more force over bumps, but the COG of the added load would only be 5" past the bumper. The frame appears to be made of 4x2 square steel, and the bumper 4x4. But I'm sure it is fairly thin metal. 

Okay. I stand corrected. What does the documentation or label for the bumper say about weight capacity? I have not seen the 196, so I can't say. My 179 does not have a square bumper. It has no bumper, just the hitch and spare tire carrier mounted in it.