Generator on stock cargo tray?

[Tone]

I ran a search and saw a few old threads on this but wanted to see if anyone has recent experience on a similar model. My 2016 338rets came with the hitch/cargo rack option. Owners manual states the following:

"The receiver may be also used for attaching a cargo basket/ carrier for other items. Ensure the cargo carrier is properly attached to the hitch receiver and all cargo is properly secured in place. The cargo weight carrying capacity includes the weight of the cargo carrier. The maximum total weight when used to carry cargo is 300 Lbs. (136 kg.)"

I was thinking about mounting a portable generator (100ish lbs probably) for tailgating but wasn't sure about the practicality of towing with something that heavy on the back rack. Any advice appreciated!

[TCNashville]

I'm thinking you should be ok. Put it in the center and as far forward as possible. The heavier duty basket, the better. Lots of dynamic forces back there working against you with a single point of connection. We have the pullout rear tray on our Eagle and I wouldn't hesitate putting 100lbs in it, of course it has 2 points of connection to the frame. Hopefully others will chime in on this.

[BigJohnD]

Here's a link to mine on a chopped cargo rack. Welds were reinforced on hitch brackets, genset is mounted on vibration dampeners.

http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f3...hbe-30052.html

[Parcany]

There was a problem with that rack, the hole where the pin goes in when extended would rip apart. there in no support built into the hole. People have lost the rack and whatever was on it going down the road. Don't know if Jayco fixed that problem or not, or whoever makes that rack.

[Tone]

Originally Posted by BigJohnD

Here's a link to mine on a chopped cargo rack. Welds were reinforced on hitch brackets, genset is mounted on vibration dampeners.

http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f3...hbe-30052.html

Nice setup! That's pretty much how I pictured it.

[Tone]

Originally Posted by Parcany

There was a problem with that rack, the hole where the pin goes in when extended would rip apart. there in no support built into the hole. People have lost the rack and whatever was on it going down the road. Don't know if Jayco fixed that problem or not, or whoever makes that rack.

That wouldn't be good. I'll stop by storage tomorrow and check out the current setup and snap some pics.

[BigJohnD]

Lippert makes the hitch. No problems with ours, but, I didn't leave it 100% factory either. It has held very well. All other receiver hitches and frame mods in the past I have fabbed myself with zero failures. I'm not your average shade tree welder either though.

On the existing one, I also have the clamp from insert to tube to eliminate any wobble or vibration.

I would not hesitate doing this to any other rig. It's just a matter of doing it RIGHT.

[2500hd]

I have one that I made myself on my Jayflight out of heavy wall steel tube. It goes up along the I beam about 4feet completely welded and bolted in a few spots.

[2500hd]

another try my pic won't up load. It maybe on another thread. I have posted it before.

[Camper_bob]

Originally Posted by BigJohnD

Lippert makes the hitch. No problems with ours, but, I didn't leave it 100% factory either. It has held very well. All other receiver hitches and frame mods in the past I have fabbed myself with zero failures. I'm not your average shade tree welder either though.

On the existing one, I also have the clamp from insert to tube to eliminate any wobble or vibration.

I would not hesitate doing this to any other rig. It's just a matter of doing it RIGHT.

Hey John,

How do you have that plugged into your shore power? I've been contemplating something VERY similar for my setup. For now, I just run the Genny in my truck and run a 50' 50A twistlock to 30A male adapting cord up to the truck. It works okay, but there's the obvious disadvantage of having to drag out the cord every time I want to run it. And obviously, I can't run it while hauling down the road, which I would like to do on occasion.

FYI, I have a VERY similar generator, and use it in a VERY similar way. Over-nighting at rest stop, or VERY dispersed camping, or stopped for a short meal break. Places where noise doesn't matter, usually because I'm not the loudest thing out there...

[Tone]

Originally Posted by 2500hd

another try my pic won't up load. It maybe on another thread. I have posted it before.

Thanks. I still need to swing by and snap some pics of how the stock tray is set up. I'm thinking probably nowhere close to the setups noted in this thread...