kklasman
New England
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I'm thinking of carrying/using my Honda EU2000I generator up on the roof rack on my TC. I like it because it's out-of-the-way, relatively secure, gets the exhaust (CO) up and away from windows and people, and I don't like other options I've come across. My state (NH) requires me to leave my front license plate where the maker designed it, which pretty much eliminates a carrier in my front hitch. I tow a boat trailer sometimes so a rack in the rear hitch won't work either. And I don't want to just set it outside on the ground/whatever when using it.
I realize the putting it up there makes my rig a bit taller, makes starting and filling somewhat inconvenient. It also increases the consequences of a spill or fire...is this the compelling reason to not put it on the roof?
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Dshultz50
Oregon
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Joined: 06/23/2006
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I, for one, would not let DH do that! For all the reasons you mentioned...heighth and spills/fires. DH sets ours just inside the door on a mat. Then sets it outside when we stop for the night....they're not that heavy. Here's a rule of thumb I use....if you don't see other people doing it, then it's probably not wise or reasonable.
"I tried sniffing Coke once, but the ice cubes got stuck in my nose"
Dee & Bob
1990 Fleetwood 5er
2 cats - Donner and Dasher
12 grandkids
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ILLINOISAMF
SWANSEA IL USA
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Joined: 09/03/2004
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Vibrations thru the roof also?
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kklasman
New England
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I fully expect most people will think just setting it outside on the ground at night is acceptable. I do not. If you're totally in the boonies and no one else is around, then OK. If you're in a public place (not a CG), then the risk of theft is just too great, not to mention it bothering others, which I do not want to do.
I want to install my generator in a permanent spot, where access (for me) is reasonable, it is secure and I don't want to spend $1000 for some fancy box that I don't have a place to put anyway.
I've read all the posts on where people mount theirs, seen all the photos. I like Reddog1's solution the best, but I'm not a fabricator so I won't be building one of those.
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Dshultz50
Oregon
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kklasman, we've boondocked for years and have never had a theft problem.......I've heard of it happening though, even with those items put in "boxes". We lock ours to the frame of our 5er with a motorcycle cable. It takes more than cable snippers to cut those.....they'd have to use a blow torch according to DH.
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kklasman
New England
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If I'm parked in a state park parking lot (not a CG) or a turn off by the beach for the day I may need to run my genny (my TC is a mobile office) and it just doesn't seem reasonable to set my genny outside somewhere.
Not to mention setting up and break down "camp". I'll have enough to do just getting my "office" into workable arrangement...I don't need to mess with the generator.
That's why I bought a TC in the first place...I want to be able to drive somewhere, park for awhile and work with minimal hassle.
Clearly having an LP genny in the gen-ready cabinet would have been the most convenient, until you factor in the hassle of filling propane tanks. Gas can be found on any street corner...propane is another story, and I like not having my genny deplete my cooking and heating fuel.
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ernestfortier
Palmdale, Calif.
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You could have a front hitch installed and have a offset mount built which would allow your front plate to be visible while carrying the genset.
Ernie Fortier
99 Bounder 34V
2 honda 2K paralled (for economy)
5.5 Onan onboard
96 Geo Tracker 4x4 Auto. convertable
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kklasman
New England
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The law in NH is poorly written, but states that the plate must be in the manufacturer's original location, which pretty much rules out a front carrier since the hitch mount (at least the one I've got) is partially hidden by the plate. I asked the state police about moving the plate to the front of the carrier, where it would be visible and essentially where the manufacturer had it (center) but they wouldn't OK it.
Now would I ever get stopped for such an infraction? Probably not.
But I don't like mounting it up front either (another hazard in a front end colision, even a minor one), potentially blocks airflow to the engine and trans cooler, inconveniently located, obvious I'm using it, makes my rig longer (I'd rather be taller) etc.
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Dshultz50
Oregon
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You don't want the hassle of taking it out every night....what about the hassle (and safety)of climbing on top your rig every night to start it? It sounds like you've made up your mind. Go ahead, let us know how it works out.
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Spott
Ypsilanti, MI
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Joined: 12/03/2003
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Dshultz50 wrote:kklasman, We lock ours to the frame of our 5er with a motorcycle cable. It takes more than cable snippers to cut those.....they'd have to use a blow torch according to DH.
Sorry to go off topic, but...
If your cable goes through the handle of your Honda and around the 5'er frame, they won't mess with the cable, they'll just cut the handle with a hacksaw, pull the cable out and walk away. 
Just an FYI.
Me - Kim - Spot
2006 F-350 4x4 DRW V10 - 2005 Northern Lite 10-2000CD
2005 204 ssi on the water - TCM article
What's behind the name? Screen name that is.
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