Overnight Camping---Generator use

[Explorer03]

Has anyone done any overnight camping at Walmart, Sams, truck stops, rest stops, etc, that allowed overnight camping and used a generator to run the AC in the hot summer months/areas? If yes, what are some tips to their use and how did you secure them from walking off? I have two Yamaha 2000si that I connect together for my 30 amps.

Thanks

[Jagiven]

What kind of generator do you have?

There are items out there to make it easier to secure the genny.

Ebay Honda Security Handle accessory.

[Denise]

Originally Posted by Explorer03

Has anyone done any overnight camping at Walmart, Sams, truck stops, rest stops, etc, that allowed overnight camping and used a generator to run the AC in the hot summer months/areas? If yes, what are some tips to their use and how did you secure them from walking off? I have two Yamaha 2000si that I connect together for my 30 amps.

Thanks

We use these businesses on long distance stop overs when traveling. Although we haven't needed a generator overnight (-one, we don't have one; -two, we c/g hookup in the heat for the night otherwise LOL), we have stayed in a Costco, WM, etc parking lot overnight.

Make sure you check with the manager of the store before parking (even when going to a Wm that Online listings say it's ok). More than likely, if you park in the 'north forty' that the manager points you to, your generator won't bother anyone.... as long as it isn't one of those clonky ones.

Other members will definitely make suggestions on how to secure one, but if you are just overnight and not site-seeing for the day while parked there, you might be ok (?).

[Westerncanuck]

I cable lock mine to the trailer bumper, I camp mostly in Provincial campgrounds and haven't had issues with theft from our campsite

[xkuzme1]

I also cable lock mine to the bumper. I have overnighted several times during longer trips in Walmarts and Casinos.

Just chain to the the bumper on the down wind side and you'll be fine. As for sleepovers, I highly recommend casinos over Walmart's. Casinos always have security patrol the premises. The last casino I stayed in, the security folks met me right as I pulled in and welcomed me kindly. They asked that I just didn't pup out a slide (which I don have one) which I was happy to abridge. He explained that they do a security sweep of the paring lots ever 20 minutes, then told us about how amazing the breakfast buffet was if we needed in the morning. The lot that I was in had about 5 other overnight guest.

I took a panormaic pic.


X

[Siamese]

I'm a frequent user of the Walmart and similar campgrounds.

Our generator won't power the AC, but I do run it for a couple hours each day. I have it strapped in the bed of my F-150, inside the fiberglass topper. I close and lock the rear gate and topper, and open the sliding, screened windows on the topper. Exhaust is removed with a small, AC fan that plugs into the extra outlet on the generator.

Being inside the topper takes care of the security issue, and also makes it considerably quieter. Also, makes for a cleaner "campsite". One of the reasons we have a trailer with no slides is to be less conspicuous when camped at a Walmart, so were just a truck hooked to a trailer, with nothing else. If we're asked to leave, departure is quick and simple.

[Force]

If it's just going to run for a couple hrs and I'm not setting up camp for more than a day I just leave it in the truck and chain it to the hitch (I have a fifth wheel)

When I'm set up for multiple days I chain it to the front landing gear.

I have a Champion 3100W inverter fwiw

[CampNow]

Generator Cage

We fabricated this cage for our generator. It's locked to the rear platform on our Jayco Eagle with two padlocks. The platform is locked to the trailer's receiver hitch with a hitch lock. When we run the generator we swap out two of the end, side covers with another set of covers that provide ventilation. Even if it rains the generator is still protected from the elements while it's running. Because the platform is mounted directly to the frame the generator does kinda drone inside the trailer while in use (more noticeable in the rear kitchen area). For us it's a small price to pay to keep it from walking off. We're fortunate the a/c connector for our trailer is located only 3-4 ft. away from the generator on the very rear, left side. It only takes about 2 minutes to hook-up and run when we make a stop.

In the future we may purchase a generator with remote electric start and install a transfer switch. A propane generator may even be in our future since Jayco was nice enough to provide a propane outlet just underneath the right-side bumper, about 2 ft. away from the generator cage.

[Atlee]

I've never deployed my generator while overnighting at a Walmart or similar place, for several reasons.

Up until now, I've never been able to lower the tailgate in order to get the generators out. I just replaced the original FIC 3500-2 ETJ with a new Barker, and I was able to turn the Barker sideways so now I have clearance.

Another reason I would not put the generators out is I would need two of them. I would not want to go through the drill of hooking up two of them in order to run the generators. I just want a few hours sleep, and then on the road again.

If I ever found myself in a place where the night time air was so oppressive that I needed air, I would find a CG for the night.

[txbonds]

Not cheap but this approach looks nice Generator security mount systems

[SkyBound]

After years of wanting/needing one, I finally purchased a Champion Inverter Generator. I was very particular about which one I wanted which made the whole process even more intricate, but it's here! My plan is to get a cargo tray that fits into the receiver on the rear of my trailer and carry the genny there. I will double lock it to the trailer bumper and strap it down so it doesn't move. I'm thinking it will be fine to run it there (exhaust side pointed away) and just plug my trailer cord into it on the cargo tray. Safe, secure, easy.

[vcbice]

If I boondocked that much I'd install a genset in my trailer.

For the few times that I do (not in parking lots) the genset is chained to a LG or in the back of the truck.

After driving on some "interesting" sections of interstate I won't put a genset on the back bumper. Just too much stress and overhang for my comfort, YMMV.

[CampNow]

Originally Posted by SkyBound

After years of wanting/needing one, I finally purchased a Champion Inverter Generator. I was very particular about which one I wanted which made the whole process even more intricate, but it's here! My plan is to get a cargo tray that fits into the receiver on the rear of my trailer and carry the genny there. I will double lock it to the trailer bumper and strap it down so it doesn't move. I'm thinking it will be fine to run it there (exhaust side pointed away) and just plug my trailer cord into it on the cargo tray. Safe, secure, easy.

Also suggest protecting it from the elements while it's running or just along for the ride. Not to mention that bright yellow Champion (or red Honda) sitting back there will attract unneeded attention. It may be locked, but some will try---why invite them to try. Suggest finding a way to cover it up for security and to prevent water intrusion.

Not sure if you saw my earlier post and pic in this thread, but we did just like you mentioned and pointed the exhaust away from the rear of the trailer. On our trailer the kitchen and frig vents are on the very rear. Didn't want to take a chance fumes would get sucked in with the exhaust paralleling the rear.

[bono]

I am not visiting Walmart campgrounds as I have small kids and we do not travel too far at the moment. However, I am glad that campgrounds have at least some rules around using generators, i.e. hours when you can use them. There are so many people out there who do not care about others – perfect example: guys with contractor type of generators; those should be not allowed at campgrounds at all!

If I would go to Walmart campground, I would not use the generator just because my neighbor may not like it (regardless of the local Walmart approach). If you need AC in the night, just find a campground.

[CampNow]

Originally Posted by bono

I am not visiting Walmart campgrounds as I have small kids and we do not travel too far at the moment. However, I am glad that campgrounds have at least some rules around using generators, i.e. hours when you can use them. There are so many people out there who do not care about others – perfect example: guys with contractor type of generators; those should be not allowed at campgrounds at all!

If I would go to Walmart campground, I would not use the generator just because my neighbor may not like it (regardless of the local Walmart approach). If you need AC in the night, just find a campground.

We have a local Wal-Mart Supercenter located just off a major interstate. Most nights 4-5 RV's park there for the night. During the summer you can hear the constant drone of generators running as you walk in Wal-Mart. Yes, they're all parked off in the distance, in the "north-forty", but it's still amazing how loud they can be. Wal-Mart has no problems with overnight parking, but the city does. When things are slow (which is not very often) the police will on occasion ask everybody to leave.

[michael.g]

We've used Walmart parking lots a few times a year. We did run our generator in our Motorhome. We would not use a generator that was not integrated into the RV, except in an emergency situation, like during an evacuation.

-Michael

[Siamese]

Of course, always aim your exhaust at your neighbor's campsite. Duh, right?

[Riverman]

Right j/k

[CampNow]

Originally Posted by Siamese

. . . always aim your exhaust at your neighbor's campsite . . .

Every new camp-site presents a new challenge. Never know if your neighbor(s) will be in front, left, right, or towards the rear, of your trailer. Plus, you've got to calculate wind direction for maximum effect---lol! Nah, too much work.

[Siamese]

Originally Posted by CampNow

Every new camp-site presents a new challenge. Never know if your neighbor(s) will be in front, left, right, or towards the rear, of your trailer. Plus, you've got to calculate wind direction for maximum effect---lol! Nah, too much work.

...slacker