Generator Storage?
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3678
Printed Date: 31 May 2025 at 3:24am
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Topic: Generator Storage?
Posted By: Sleepless
Subject: Generator Storage?
Date Posted: 29 Jun 2013 at 12:44pm
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I ordered a new Dometic LW3000 portable generator and received it yesterday. It is physically larger than I expected, weighing 60 plus pounds. I originally planned to carry it in my tow vehicle, but that could prove to be a hassle. Where to you store your generator (if you have one) while on the road? I had originally planned to mount it next to the battery box on the tongue. Bob ------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
Replies:
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 29 Jun 2013 at 2:52pm
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My Champion weighs about the same. It rides in the back of the truck bed next to the tailgate.
------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 29 Jun 2013 at 4:13pm
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Thanks for the reply. Our TV is a Santa Fe so we don't have the luxury of a truck bed for storage. I could probably squeeze the generator in the back of our vehicle, but then there is the problems of fumes and possible spillage. I would have the same fears if the generator were stored inside the TT. That leaves the tongue area and outside the rear of the pod. I can't think of a practical mod for either area. Bob ------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
Posted By: Podsible Dream
Date Posted: 29 Jun 2013 at 5:59pm
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On the forums there are several folks who have created carriers for generators based on the rear receiver hitch that the spare tire holder is plugged into. Neutralizes the fume concern, but has to be taken into account for effect on tongue weight. ------------- Chris and Walt '10 RP-171 'Free Spirit' '13 Dodge Durango Crew 5.7 L Hemi V8 |
Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 29 Jun 2013 at 6:11pm
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I had the same thought until I read some accounts about the weakness of the rear receiver and problems with them dragging on the pavement. This is all second hand information to me, so maybe it has more merit than I have been led to believe. It is something that merits me looking into. Thanks. Bob ------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
Posted By: RPodWeGo
Date Posted: 29 Jun 2013 at 6:23pm
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Search the forum as someone welded a storage basket onto the tongue and the generator rides on that storage basket as well as toolbox, batteries and LP. ------------- RPodWeGo RPod 177 04 v8 Toyota 4Runner |
Posted By: Podsible Dream
Date Posted: 29 Jun 2013 at 6:32pm
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Bob, I saw carrier the week of the NC rally that was about 42"x24" deep and the width of the pod. It appeared to be supported by 1" tubing welded to the side frame members. The box was plywood with a lifter supported lid. The owners carried their anti-gravity chairs, some small bikes and similar stuff. Must have been at least 60 lbs. there is also a podder that created one that carried the generator and was vented and insulated for sound. He also had supported the box with extra welded on rails. Walt ------------- Chris and Walt '10 RP-171 'Free Spirit' '13 Dodge Durango Crew 5.7 L Hemi V8 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 29 Jun 2013 at 9:36pm
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I had the same problem with our genset - no bed to store it in, and for our long trip coming up I didn't want to have to move it around to use it. I also didn't want to mount it on the pod since the vibration will travel through the frame making it impossible to sleep. My solution was to mount a front receiver hitch on the truck and get a cargo tray. I've built a box that opens on the sides, front and top so I can fuel it and start it but leave the sides open while it runs. That protects it from the rain. Fully closed it is protected going down the road. I'm hoping to post pictures of it soon. The truck absorbs most of the vibrations and then nothing gets past the hitch ball into the pod's frame. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 29 Jun 2013 at 10:38pm
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My generator rides in the back of the SUV - its not ideal, but I generally only bring the genny along to campgrounds within 3 hours of home, so its usually not in there for long. If I was the OP, I'd seriously consider mounting a cargo tray to the tongue and rearranging the battery and propane tank to accommodate the genny. ------------- Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150 |
Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 29 Jun 2013 at 10:40pm
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Our first motor home was a 1979 20' Winnebago on a Toyota chassis. I built a similar box enclosure for a Coleman generator, mounted on an angle iron platform which was an extension of the vehicle's frame. Ground clearance was not a problem, but vibration was. I installed resilient motor mounts between the generator and the floor of the box. Those "cushions" greatly reduced vibration. Doug, I suggest you incorporate something similar in your design. Living on the east coast of Florida, I have a 5500 watt generator used only for prolonged power outages during severe storms and hurricanes that pass near our area. It is one loud generator, typical of most larger units. I built a 3-sided enclosure for it, and lined the inside with insulation to muffle and funnel the sound away from our home. It makes a big difference in the sound level. ------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 29 Jun 2013 at 10:57pm
Our trips are considerably longer, up to 6000 miles, so the back of our SUV would not be the wisest choice. I am thinking about the tongue-mounted cargo carrier. Has anyone else checked out the Dometic LW3000? Almost as quiet as Honda, electric start, and much less expensive. Unfortunately, it is much larger than the Honda 2000 watt generator. ------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 30 Jun 2013 at 1:05am
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I have a Honda 2000 it is build in a box in the back of the trailer. I diverted the exhaust to the ground insulated the box, reduced noise by 50%. The generator is mounted on a floating bottom that I can raise with a bottle jack and there for eliminating 99% of vibration. ------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 30 Jun 2013 at 9:38am
I studied the photos of your installation yesterday. It is a very neat set-up, but would not fit into the layout of my 173. I have a jack-knife sofa across the back (not enough clearance under it) and the dinette across the front. Same problem. My Dometic is 19.7" high, much higher than your Honda 2000. But thanks for the suggestion. Bob ------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 30 Jun 2013 at 10:32am
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I don't think it has anything to do with the layout, because everything is outside. ------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 30 Jun 2013 at 10:41am
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Sorry, I better look at the photos and narrative again. Bob ------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 30 Jun 2013 at 9:07pm
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Sleepless, happily no need for vibration dampening with my setup. I ran a test 2 months ago with the generator running on the cargo tray in front of the truck when we did a boondocking trip. I could barely notice it with the A/C off. Once the A/C was on it was impossible to hear or feel the genset over the A/C. Since it is an inverter model it idles down pretty low, and doesn't even break 3000 rpm when in overload mode. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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