I am a new RV owner. The onboard generator (onan 4.0 KY) is inoperable and will require $ 1200.00 to fix. I was curious if it is safe to mount a portable generator (Champion 400 w) on the back or the RV (on a cargo carrier hitch securley mounted) and operate it while driving with the 30 amp shore plug connected. I would do this to run the rooftop AC. Any help would be appreciated!
1. Add another zero to the champion generator power (4,000 not 400)
2. Find a way to secure the shore power cord outside the RV so it doesn't snag or drag on the ground.
3. Find a way to make a secure mounted cargo carrier. Rear bumper mounts are generally not sufficient.
1996 Suburban 4x4. 350, 4.10 3/4 ton
2005 Jayco Jay Flight 27BH
1986 Coleman Columbia Popup.
Yes, the Champion is a 4000 w. That was a typo. I have a class three hitch and thought a cargo carrier that attaches to that hitch as a platform with generator mounted to it would be sufficient.
Yes.. I would just for security.. place a cable or chain around it as to keep it from becoming someone’s NEW hood ornament.. Zip tie the cord to the frame and check it every time you stop. Good luck..
Never do anything you wouldn't want to explain to the Paramedics...
Papa Bob
1* DW "Granny"
1* 2008 Brookside by Sunnybrook 32'
1* 2002 F250 Super Duty 7.3L PSD
Husky 16K hitch, Tekonsha P3,
Firestone Ride Rite Air Springs, Trailair Equa-Flex, Champion C46540
"A bad day camping is better than a good day at work!"
It will be interesting to see how well a portable generator runs while going down the road at 60 or 70 mph. The barometric pressure immediately behind the coach will be measurably lower and might adversely affect the running of the engine. I first noticed this phenomenon as a little kid when riding in the back of a pickup truck going pretty fast. It is somewhat hard to breathe.
It'll work fine. I did that on a travel trailer I had before this rig. I built a heavy duty mount, as the 4" tube isn't going to cut it. But you have a hitch receiver for a carrier, so that's a moot point.
The only real problem will be noise. Portables are usually 3,600 RPM compared to an Onan's 1,800 RPM, and have minimal muffling. I used a Briggs & Stratton canister muffler I retrofit, and enclosed the jenny with foil based insulation glued to aluminum diamond plating. It toned it down a lot, but it was still more noisy than a built in jenny.
If the vacuum at the back of the rig is enough to kill a running engine, (while traveling) I about guarantee the RV's siding or back window will get pulled apart. There isn't THAT much vacuum behind a flat-back rig.
And, as mentioned, the cord needs to be SECURE.
FMCA# F355513. 40 foot Safari Continental, one slide, Cat powered Magnum Blue Max chassis, PAC brake PRXB, Allison MD3060, Aqua-Hot, 7.5 KW Quiet Diesel, Howard PCS, Velvet Ride suspension. 2006 Jeep Commander.
It will work, as I have mine on a carrier hitch to the back end of my 5er. I use two tie down straps to hold it in place, and lock it with a heavy chain and lock under neath the carrier. Hard to cut it also I use a lock type pin for the carrier to the hitch. I have a 3500 with 4000 peak Champion. I run it also on the carrier, hardley any vib if any. Only have to block the sound some with a samll folding table.
2005 gmc 3/4 hd, sb, 4x4, 8.1 gas/allison 17,000 and climbing.
2005 Lakota, by Monaco, 3 slds, 29f.
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But you have a hitch receiver for a carrier, so that's a moot point.
