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10-25-2016, 08:29 AM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Vermont
Posts: 79
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Generator Space Needs????
So, I just bought a Champion 3,100/2,800 inverter generator with a remote for our travel trailer. I have not had a generator before. What are the space needs for it. What I mean by this is, can it be in the bed of my truck with the tonneau cover over it to keep it out of the elements or will it produce too much heat/need more air flow? Will it be a carbon monoxide issue if it is under the slide? I am trying to think about safe and easy ways to keep it protected and out of the elements.
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10-25-2016, 08:56 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: FL
Posts: 11,281
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We have the same generator and a soft tonneau cover. We strapped the generator into the right rear corner of our long bed F350, behind the wheel well. It rode there very nicely all summer.
We ran the generator daily from that same position with the tailgate open. We ran it in 'econo mode' for about 2.5hrs with no problem or overheating (ambient temps in the mid 70's with the tonneau closed). When rain threatened, I loosened the straps and moved the generator a few inches toward the center of the bed and about a foot or so forward. Again with the tonneau closed and tailgate open, the generator stayed dry (of course YMMV depending upon wind direction etc.) without a problem.
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Sherm & Terry w/rescue Eydie (min Schnauzer) & Charley (std Poodle)
SOLD:2015 Jay Flight 27RLS, GY Endurance (E), Days: 102 '15, 90 '16, 80 '17, 161 '18, 365+ '20
SOLD: 2006 Ford F350 PSD, 4WD, CC, LB, SRW, Camper pkg., 375,000mi
Full timing: Some will think you're crazy, some will be envious, just enjoy the freedom!
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10-25-2016, 10:38 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Campbell Hall
Posts: 2,835
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An internal combustion engine needs LOTS of air!
Both for cooling and burning of fuel.
If you can't lower the genset to the ground, at least open the cover.
Also, has the genset been set up for standby or portable use? Check the bonding jumper and set it properly.
__________________
TT 2015 19RD "TheJayco"
TV 2003 F-350 "Montblanc" - Housebroken chore truck
Sitting in The Cheap Seats.
And proud of it!
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10-25-2016, 11:07 AM
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#4
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Vermont
Posts: 79
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If you can't lower the genset to the ground, at least open the cover.
I can lower it to the ground, but if not necessary then would rather not. I am actually not sure that I would want it in my truck bed because I somewhat worry that I won't remember to unplug it and take off in the truck. Is under the slide fine in terms of carbon monoxide?
Also, has the genset been set up for standby or portable use? Check the bonding jumper and set it properly.[/QUOTE]
I literally just ordered it yesterday so I haven't done anything to it yet. I have no clue what bonding jumper is or what it means to be set up for standby or portable use.
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10-25-2016, 11:16 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Campbell Hall
Posts: 2,835
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flintsters
If you can't lower the genset to the ground, at least open the cover.
I can lower it to the ground, but if not necessary then would rather not. I am actually not sure that I would want it in my truck bed because I somewhat worry that I won't remember to unplug it and take off in the truck. Is under the slide fine in terms of carbon monoxide?
Get the engine as far away from the RV as possible to:
- Allow exhaust gasses to dissipate
- Allow good circulation of cooling air
- Limit the damage if the fuel or oil catches fire
- Not have the reek of raw fuel near living spaces
Also, has the genset been set up for standby or portable use? Check the bonding jumper and set it properly.
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I literally just ordered it yesterday so I haven't done anything to it yet. I have no clue what bonding jumper is or what it means to be set up for standby or portable use.[/QUOTE]
In any AC power system you need exactly one point of bonding between neutral (power return path) and ground (safety). A genset configured for portable use provides that point of bonding. A genset configured for backup/standby power for a house uses the house's bonding. Read the manual for you genset when it arrives.
You can make or buy a "bonding adapter" if you want to use your genset in either role.
__________________
TT 2015 19RD "TheJayco"
TV 2003 F-350 "Montblanc" - Housebroken chore truck
Sitting in The Cheap Seats.
And proud of it!
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10-25-2016, 11:44 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: State of
Posts: 423
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Noise
Can anyone comment on their un/happiness regarding the sound level of that generator? Thanks
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2016 19RD Elite - Thermal
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10-25-2016, 11:50 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: CENTRAL NEW YORK
Posts: 984
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I wouldn't put it under the slide. I thought about doing that but then realized its a flimsy built camper and not the space station..Lol. I would hate to wake up dead.
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2013 33 RLDS
2004 Chevy Avalanche 2500 8.1
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2015 Chrysler 200C AWD
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10-25-2016, 11:52 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: FL
Posts: 11,281
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flintsters
I can lower it to the ground, but if not necessary then would rather not. I am actually not sure that I would want it in my truck bed because I somewhat worry that I won't remember to unplug it and take off in the truck. Is under the slide fine in terms of carbon monoxide?
I wouldn't do that: Some years ago I read about a couple that moved their lit charcoal BBQ grill under the side to keep it out of the rain and went to bed. They never woke up. True? Urban legend? I don't know. Besides, engine exhaust doesn't smell very pleasant.
Also, has the genset been set up for standby or portable use? Check the bonding jumper and set it properly.
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I literally just ordered it yesterday so I haven't done anything to it yet. I have no clue what bonding jumper is or what it means to be set up for standby or portable use.[/QUOTE]
I made my own bonding plug. You can find info online.
__________________
Sherm & Terry w/rescue Eydie (min Schnauzer) & Charley (std Poodle)
SOLD:2015 Jay Flight 27RLS, GY Endurance (E), Days: 102 '15, 90 '16, 80 '17, 161 '18, 365+ '20
SOLD: 2006 Ford F350 PSD, 4WD, CC, LB, SRW, Camper pkg., 375,000mi
Full timing: Some will think you're crazy, some will be envious, just enjoy the freedom!
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10-25-2016, 11:54 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,036
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 33 RLDS
I wouldn't put it under the slide. I thought about doing that but then realized its a flimsy built camper and not the space station..Lol. I would hate to wake up dead.
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Buy or build a Gen-Turi generator exhaust system and be safe.
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10-25-2016, 07:21 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Memphis
Posts: 234
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I certainly wouldn't put it under the slide. Turn the lights off in your TT and have someone shine a flashlight up under and around your slide from the outside. Chances are you will see some light. They are not airtight around the bottom and corner seals. At least mine isn't. I would not want a carbon monoxide source anywhere near my TT, even with detectors inside.
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10-25-2016, 07:41 PM
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#11
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Vermont
Posts: 79
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So if you don't keep it in the back of the truck, and you don't keep it under the slide, then where do you keep it?
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10-25-2016, 08:25 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,036
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Get a small camp table, a tarp, and a chain with locks. Place the generator(s) under the arrangement and behind the RV.
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10-26-2016, 06:31 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Calgary
Posts: 885
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A bit of rain won't hurt a generator. Lock it to a tree in the bush or leave it in the back of your truck with the cover rolled up.
Why does it need to be out of the elements?
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2014 Jayco Swift 281BHS, 300W Solar!
2015 F250 XLT 4x4 Crew Cab, Short box, 6.2 gas
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10-26-2016, 06:49 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Campbell Hall
Posts: 2,835
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flintsters
So if you don't keep it in the back of the truck, and you don't keep it under the slide, then where do you keep it?
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For the handful of days camping, it will be OK in the elements.
For security chain it to a tree.
Keep the source of noxious fumes, heat and noise as far away from the RV as the cord will reach.
__________________
TT 2015 19RD "TheJayco"
TV 2003 F-350 "Montblanc" - Housebroken chore truck
Sitting in The Cheap Seats.
And proud of it!
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10-26-2016, 07:17 AM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: .
Posts: 580
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My generator is always on the ground at the back of the camper. I lock it to the back bumper.
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10-27-2016, 06:30 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Nashville
Posts: 470
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If you can stand the additional tongue weight this is what I use. I have my Honda 3000 bolted on and cover it with an outboard motor cover when towing. In camp I just bungee a beach umbrella over it if it looks like rain.
https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Car...on/CC-255.html
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10-27-2016, 07:19 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Maple Ridge
Posts: 160
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i put mine under cover of the back corner away from any open windows or slides. Facing the exhaust outwards to open air. Chained it to the back bumper as well to make it hard for the opportunistic thief. Don't hear it much there either.
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2017 Eagle 324 BHTS pulled by 2014 Ram 3500 CC CTD Laramie. Air bags. Deleted with EFI live 4 stage tune.
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10-28-2016, 06:36 AM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Indiana
Posts: 1,424
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Generator Space Needs????
If I remember right they actually offer a "generator garage" for this very purpose. I too just got my Champion inverter generator (the dual fuel version) and so far love it. Just as quiet as the Honda version
https://www.gentent.com/
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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1999 Suburban 2500 4x4
2016 Jayflight 23RB Elite, Fiberglass, Polar Package
400w Renogy RV solar kit w/ Bluetooth, 100w Renogy solar suitcase
430 amp/hr 6v battery bank
1000w Renogy hard wired inverter
2011 F350 Lariat, DWR 4x4, 6.7 turbo diesel
2017 Open Range, Mesa Ridge 374BHS
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10-28-2016, 10:28 AM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 1,880
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Higgy
i put mine under cover of the back corner away from any open windows or slides. Facing the exhaust outwards to open air. Chained it to the back bumper as well to make it hard for the opportunistic thief. Don't hear it much there either.
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X2
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2012 Ford Expedition EL
2016 28BHBE, Elite and Thermal Packages.
Equal-i-zer 4-point Sway Control, Southwire 34930 Surge Guard 30A, Tire Minder TPMS A1A
(2) Yamaha EF2000iS Generators, Micro-Air EasyStart™ 364 (3-ton) Soft Start, Garmin RV 890, GoodYear Endurance ST225/75-15 Load Range E
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10-28-2016, 10:52 AM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Orange County
Posts: 644
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When I used an external generator, I always thought it a good idea to cover it from direct rain. I used some rubber-backed mats we kept in the trailer, and just bungee-corded them to the top of the generator frame. Kept the water out of the electronics and the stator and rotor. Those aren't well sealed, and over time will eventually degrade from the water. And we all know what water does to most electronics. Above all, you don't want the generator breathing its own exhaust, nor bellowing that carbon monoxide toward or under any part of the living quarters.
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2006 Jayco Seneca 34SS
2006 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Toad
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