My generator mount
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Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3689
Printed Date: 10 May 2024 at 3:24pm
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Topic: My generator mount
Posted By: techntrek
Subject: My generator mount
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2013 at 10:00pm
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I needed a way to mount our generator which wouldn't transfer vibrations through the frame, would block the sound in the air, and wouldn't require me to move it before using it. I also needed a way to protect it going down the road and while its operating, but easily fuel it, start it, and give it good ventilation. So I mounted a receiver hitch on the front of the truck and mounted a cargo tray to it (which we will use to move our bikes locally). I then built a box which opens like a clamshell, and the sides open as well for ventilation while still giving protection from rain. There is room inside for a smaller gas can. I'll be picking up a 2 1/2 gallon can shortly.
Two 2 x 4s keep the sides propped open, or I can use one of them to hold the top open while fueling, seen below. They go in the back of the truck for travel.
I didn't have enough paint for the inside, yet.
Fully closed for travel. I'll add a tie-down over the top since nothing is really keeping it in place except the really big chains on the back. They go through holes in the box to two large padlocks attached to holes I drilled in the genset's frame (seen in a prior pic). Since the chains go through the tray's frame too, nothing should be able to "walk". I'll use a smaller chain for the gas can. I added removable corner markers to help me - and other drivers. This tray can fold up which is why I made the poles removable, although it won't fold up properly when mounted on the front, only on the back. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Replies:
Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2013 at 10:43pm
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Very Well built!! It reminds me of the generator box I built when I had a 1979 Winnebago (Toyota) motor home, except mine was mounted on the rear of the MH. Yours is better engineered and I like it.
------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2013 at 9:40pm
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I got the 2 1/2 gallon can today. Unfortunately it is about an inch too wide to properly fit inside the box while it is closed up, however I was still able to make it fit by forcing things a bit. When faced with a problem use a bigger hammer, right? I still need to get the wiring in place from the front of the truck to the back, a job for tomorrow. ------------- 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: Sleepless
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2013 at 10:26pm
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Will you be adding 30 amp connectors at the back of your TV and then another to a cable hard-wired into the trailer power supply, or using the existing pod 30 amp cord when on site and plugging it into a connector at the back of your truck? When I first looked at your photos, I was wondering about your proposed connection to the pod. ------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
Posted By: Seanl
Date Posted: 04 Jul 2013 at 9:14am
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I love this idea except there is no way I could get this rig in my driveway. It has to steep a slope. ------------- Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition 
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 04 Jul 2013 at 11:13pm
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My plan was to run a semi-permanent line along the truck's frame, with a 15-amp plug on the front left plugged into the generator, then a 30-amp outlet at the rear of the truck where I could plug in the pod's power cord. I have the parts but didn't get to it for this trip. My plan now is to run a heavy-duty extension cord on the inside of the truck. I'll run the plug out of the driver or passenger door to the genset when I get where I'm going, and run the pod's power cord into the rear hatch to keep the connection out of the rain. ------------- 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: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 04 Jul 2013 at 11:32pm
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I might have the same generator. Mine is a Yamaha 2400ishc. It's the only generator I've ever had -- so can't compare -- but I've been very happy with it. I also use a front-mounted cargo carrier, which I got for the geny (but I get a lot of other use out of it), and I have exactly the same orange markers mounted on the front corners of my cargo carrier. I use a Yamaha cover for the generator on the road. I dismount my geny and leave it at the campsite once I get there. While I like the idea of your box for use in the rain and as a sound barrier, I'm nervous about heat and oxygen issues so I'm still working on a campsite solution that address those. It seems that the extra weight on the front of the vehicle levels me out pretty well while towing the pod and actually increase my gas mileage. TT |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2013 at 11:27pm
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Yours is the newer model. Supposed to have more A/C starting power, but it lacks the ability to pair it with another 2400. My only worry for this trip is that the tank may not be big enough for a complete overnight stay. Great minds think alike! Its working out well so far. I ran it over an hour while we made dinner and got things situated tonight (at Wal-Mart as planned). I just went out to top off the tank so I can go to bed soon. It didn't feel too warm, or the box, so no worries about ventilation yet. ------------- 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: Thinker
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2013 at 5:23pm
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Both Yamaha and Honda make these little inverter generators. The Honda model has a fuel pump though. This means with a special cap you can connect it to an outboard motor fuel tank and not have to transfer fuel.
------------- Tow Vehicle: 2013 Pathfinder 4WD R-POD Model 171 
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Posted By: Thinker
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2013 at 5:24pm
| Question: Will your Yamaha start and run the A/C on the pod. |
Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2013 at 5:41pm
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After comparing almost all the inverters available on the market, I bought a Dometic LW3000 inverter unit. It easily started the Dometic 13.5K A/C on my last trailer and does the same thing with the Coleman A/C on my pod. Best of all, it is key (electric) start purrs compared to my older generator. Rated at 2.6K for continuous running. I would think the Yamaha (and Honda) would perform similarly. ------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2013 at 7:54pm
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No problem with my Yamaha. Ran the A/C all night 2 nights ago. ------------- 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: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2013 at 8:53pm
Mine is the Yamaha EF2400iSHC and yes, it will. Not all air conditioners are the same, so it might or might not work with yours. I chose this generator specifically because it would start and run the AC. The smaller 2000w Yamaha and Honda generators won't do this by themselves, but will let you pair two generators for roughly 4000 watts. That gives you enough power to run the AC and the microwave and just about anything else at the same time, which the 2400 will not. If I want to use the microwave I have to turn off the AC. Ditto if I want to use the microwave while running a 1500w space heater. The only real hassle for me is remembering to turn one thing off to use the other. My generator shuts right off if it's overloaded, so I'm learning to remember through negative reinforcement. There has never been a time yet when I couldn't get by without climate control long enough to cook whatever I wanted to cook. One generator is all I want to carry around if I can help it. And I wanted a quiet generator that wouldn't break my bank account. Neither Hondas nor Yamahas are cheap, but the 2400 is cheaper and quieter than any alternative I could find that would run the AC. So far it's been extremely reliable -- starting on the first pull every time. And without AC, the thing runs forever on a tank. I forget how long it ran at the Outer Banks last month -- 12 hours, I think. TT |
Posted By: Thinker
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2013 at 9:05pm
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I have the Honda 2000i and the Companion 2000i they both are set up to run off outboard motor tanks and will run 24 hours. I have them for emergency house power. We are near the Gulf coast and have outages during hurricanes.
I have a single room A/c that will run off a single Honda but I have to take it out of economy mode. With two paired they can both run in eco mode. In that mode, rpm adjusts to load. Have not tried with the pod yet, been camping in campgrounds or friends yards by the river with a 30amp outlet. I was thinking of a roof basket with a fuel tank. No matter what, carrying gasoline has increased danger. |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2013 at 9:12pm
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Mine starts on the first pull with fresh gas, but I learned that year-old gas (with sta-bil) requires 10-20 pulls. Ran fine, just didnt want to start. Lesson learned. ------------- 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: techntrek
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2014 at 1:35pm
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Quick update on this project. I have purchased a Honda EU3000is to replace the Yamaha shown earlier on this thread (the Yamaha is for sale). It is about 3 inches taller than the Yamaha, but it will fit length and width w/o any changes to the box - only because I left room for a small gas can in my original design. I shouldn't need a gas can now but even if I do I can chain it up on the tongue if I have to. I'll have to increase the height of all 4 sides to make it work, fairly minor. A new project for a rainy weekend. ------------- 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: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2014 at 7:25pm
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Why won't you need a gas can? TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2014 at 8:36pm
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I needed the gas can to get through a full stay before, but this new one should be ok on one fill-up. Then I'll refill the next day when we fill up the truck. ------------- 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: Budward
Date Posted: 22 Apr 2014 at 8:58pm
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You'll like that EU3000is. I've had one for several years. I use one at my camp in the NC mountains to run an AC in the summer in our "cabin". It is a heavy thing though, don't like to move it much. |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 22 Apr 2014 at 9:23pm
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Nice set up! ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 23 Apr 2014 at 7:59am
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Definitely needs 2 people to move that Honda; I can move the Yamaha by myself. I'm still trying to figure out how to secure a lock to the frame w/o inflicting too much damage to the body. It was easy on the Yamaha since the main frame extends out to the handles. ------------- 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: Budward
Date Posted: 23 Apr 2014 at 3:57pm
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I secured my EU3000 to a hitch hauler when I had a big slide in truck camper by drilling a hole through the bottom sheet metal. A bolt then threaded into a nut inside the generator, accessed by opening the side door. The nut would spin if someone saw the bolt through the bottom and tried to remove it...without opening the door one couldn't access the nut to put a wrench on it.... When the generator was mounted on the hitch haul and it was slid into the receiver on the truck, which was locked via a 5/8" pin lock, the door couldn't be opened. I used to set the whole thing on and off the truck receiver at home using a hoist since it was all way to heavy to pick up. IIRC I still had a steel security cable wrapped around the whole thing for extra security. I also repainted the red parts of the generator the same color as the end caps so it didn't scream HONDA GENERATOR come steal me! |
Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 23 Apr 2014 at 5:34pm
I know some members don't agree with my box on the back of my pod, but I sure don't worry about somebody stealing my Honda.
 ------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 23 Apr 2014 at 7:14pm
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Very true, no worries with that enclosure! ------------- 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: techntrek
Date Posted: 20 May 2014 at 9:15am
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I've been busy making some mods to accomodate the new Honda. First up, I had to extend the vertical walls of the enclosure (see pics, first post) by 4 inches all around. The new genset fits fine in the other 2 dimensions. The cleanest move would have been to completely tear it apart and cut all new, but it was easier to just scab on extensions. That saved me from removing and reinstalling almost all of the hardware. To be clear, this enclosure is mostly to keep the rain and road debris off, not for security, although when it is all closed it will help with "out of sight, out of mind".
Second, I finally figured out how to attach my security chains to the EU3000is w/o tearing it up. Thought I would post this info for anyone else with the same model. I did not want to wrap the chains around the handles. They are fairly thin, a hacksaw could get through them if that is all a thief had on-hand. I also didn't want to cut holes into the sides if possible so this really limited my options. I took the removable panels off the ends and opened the back so I could stare and think. I finally realized if I unbolted the handles from the frame I could attach the chains to the handle mounting points. I was able to use an existing hole on one side, but I had to drill a new hole on the other side (completely hidden so it still met my requirement) so the locks I used behind the panels would be out of the way when the covers were in place. The chains are fed through the holes where the handles were. Bonus, now there aren't any handles to help a thief carry it off. I can revert it back to stock in about 15 minutes with two sockets and one crescent wrench.
Pics to come, we are camping one night this weekend and I'm taking this along since we won't have hookups. ------------- 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: techntrek
Date Posted: 06 Jun 2014 at 5:16pm
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I finally got some pics of the upgraded box. Since the increased height blocked more of the truck's grill I added scoops on either side which will collect air and redirect it into the lower half of the grill. I will pick up the pod from the dealer tomorrow morning which will be a test run to see if it works. I also got a shot showing the modifications to the genset, with the new security chains (one on each side). The plug in the one outlet creates a neutral-ground bond when in use with the pod. I built a platform with 4 casters to let me roll it around, no way I can carry this thing and now with the handles removed it is difficult even with 2 people.
    ------------- 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: mcstraycat
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2014 at 3:48pm
What material did you build that with? Would love to see more pics.
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Posted By: johnmaci
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2014 at 4:32pm
| By the looks of the picture, your Pathfinder seems to be a bit low in the back. Ever considered a weight dist hitch? |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2014 at 12:51am
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Do you mean my Suburban? Marwayne has a Silverado. I do have a WDH, but it wasn't in place when I took the pic shown in my signature. There is also a bit of an optical illusion because the pod is on a slight incline while the TV is level. ------------- 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: Bulldogpod
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 3:32pm
| I think I've seen the answer for this somewhere on the forum, but I can't find it now. What about mounting it on the back of the pod where the spare is now? Would that work, or is it too heavy? I've never bought a generator before, what will happen if you don't keep it covered? We really want to go dry camping at some of the national parks, but in the south you need AC at least part of the time! Thanks! |