Generator on back bumper of Mini Lite

[OSI 2]

We have a 2109S Rockwood Mini Lite and now have a 3500W generator which weighs about 95 pounds. Can we add an aluminum frame to the rear bumper and secure the generator there? Would that be too much weight to carry in the rear? Our other option is to secure in truck bed over rear truck axle. Thanks.

[bikendan]

Your bumper may have a warning sticker on it, stating that any such mod, may void the frame warranty.
Or your paperwork package may have this statement.
The reason is it's an ultralight frame. Only with welding and bracing that it would be safe. But that mod may also void the frame warranty.
Without doing this, a pair of bicycles on the bumper can crack the cheap bumper welds.

[formerFR]

I've seen a LOT of different ways to 'do' things in the RVing world, and yes, many campers with generators hitched to the back. I think most don't give it a second thought, weight wise, but I'll be the frames can hold more than even most factories claim, but they have to err on the conservative side.
Most folks don't come on these forums and ask whether they 'can' or not, they just do.

Do what you feel is right for your situation, but they'll be many differing answers and disagreements on these forums about almost ANYTHING to do with towing.

[nayther]

search these forums for rear bumper mounts, there should be a lot. Someone makes a reinforcing bracket and I've seen dedicated generator mounts that attach to the 4" square tube bumper. My Wildcatt came with a fold down rack capable of holding 300# per their literature and I've hauled a 3500 Honda on it, worked fine.

[OSI 2]

Thank you all for your information. We are thinking of weight at rear but didn't think of the frame. We will put it in the truck and they won't have to worry!
Thanks again.

[flyflotrtim]

My minilite has a hitch receiver installed as OEM. I read somewhere that the factory suggested load limit was #200 lbs. Inexpensive cargo racks can be found at Harbor Freight and elsewhere. I'd be more concerned about the weight sticking out the back. The leverage might effect your tongue weight (which in turn could be good or bad). If you have plenty of payload, putting it in the back of the TV would be simple. My neighbor keeps his 200 pound generator on a rack behind his TT as it is too heavy to lift on and off each time

[TitanMike]

I put my Champion 3500W Dual Fuel Inverter on my back bumper. Installed the Safe T Struts to reinforce bumper to frame attachment and installed GennyGo platform. Mounts for rhe platform attach to the bumper in a manner that resists any twist in the 4" tube and will support up to 200# centered on the platform.

It's been there for over 10,000 miles of travel and no signs of stress. Not at the welds or in the bumper tube.

Nice thing about the GennyGo platform, if you are parking the trailer for storage and have to pay by the actual foot, the platform can be removed by merely removing two bolts. Goes back on just as easy. Since it's 24" square, that's 2' you don't have to rent.

[67L48]

So, most trailer bumpers are flimsy ... particularly on the light weight ones like Mini Lites. You don't what this to happen:



So, for a 100 lb load, you'd want something to tie it back to the frame, so that the weight weren't supported by the bumper alone. You can buy brackets that are meant to tie back to the frame. I have not done this personally, but you can read more about it here (searching) and elsewhere. Here is an image:

[NavyLCDR]

There are also platforms that attach to the a-frame in front to give you a storage platform above your propane tanks.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by 67L48

So, most trailer bumpers are flimsy ... particularly on the light weight ones like Mini Lites. You don't what this to happen:



So, for a 100 lb load, you'd want something to tie it back to the frame, so that the weight weren't supported by the bumper alone. You can buy brackets that are meant to tie back to the frame. I have not done this personally, but you can read more about it here (searching) and elsewhere. Here is an image:

I've installed these strurs and they do the job.

Rather than focusing the load at essentially the top welds they support bottom and outer edge. A good investment even if all you have on the rear bumper is a spare.

[Palinduff]

Another thing to be cautious about is sway. I have seen a few times when weight is placed at the back that it results in excessive sway.

[pdqparalegal1]

Originally Posted by NavyLCDR

There are also platforms that attach to the a-frame in front to give you a storage platform above your propane tanks.

I did the same, very happy. I needed more tongue weight anyway. The pvc frame is for a custom cover I had made. Zippers on all four sides and eyelets for tie downs. It works well for me. Carrier was easy to install. (2 person job)

👍

[lswartz]

My 2013 bumper would not hold the additional weigh besides the spare tire. Your idea to put the generator in the truck is a good one.

[dalford]

I’ve used the Mount-n-Lock safety struts and the GenneyGo on my RV bumper. I mounted a 100Lb 3500W generator plus a 5 gal fuel container to it. I travel 7000 miles from Florida out to Seattle Washington back the Yellowstone and home. Solid as a rock. Never budged.

My buddy used a cargo rack mounted to a 2” receiver Welded to his frame and his generator got bounced to death. I strapped mine down solid with ratchet straps.

I would recommend it. If you have any questions email them. They have excellent customer surface and will get as technical as you wish.

Check it out... https://www.mount-n-lock.com/

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by Palinduff

Another thing to be cautious about is sway. I have seen a few times when weight is placed at the back that it results in excessive sway.

That just means that the owner didn't pay attention to tongue weight.

Handling that can often be as simple as readjusting the WDH.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by dalford

I’ve used the Mount-n-Lock safety struts and the GenneyGo on my RV bumper. I mounted a 100Lb 3500W generator plus a 5 gal fuel container to it. I travel 7000 miles from Florida out to Seattle Washington back the Yellowstone and home. Solid as a rock. Never budged.

My buddy used a cargo rack mounted to a 2” receiver Welded to his frame and his generator got bounced to death. I strapped mine down solid with ratchet straps.

I would recommend it. If you have any questions email them. They have excellent customer surface and will get as technical as you wish.

Check it out... https://www.mount-n-lock.com/

Cargo racks on receiver hitches have way too much flex built into the "system" for carrying cargo. I'm amazed that more of them don't fall off than actually do. Bike racks are also notorious for bouncing.

[Palinduff]

Originally Posted by TitanMike

That just means that the owner didn't pay attention to tongue weight.

Handling that can often be as simple as readjusting the WDH.

Of course, that’s obvious to some. Just be cautious.

[W9HAM]

In my opinion my Mini Lite 2109S does not have a bumper - It has a square tube to hold my spare tire and sewage hose

[pburch]

I just addressed this issue, as well - i looked at installing a Curt hitch, but it appeared it would run into the back bumper anyway - we had the rear bumper removed, and replaced with a 4" bumper/regular 1/4" thickness, and welded back to the frame - this appears to be very sturdy with a 2" receiver for a bike rack or cargo tray

Presley

[catcottf]

Hi All,
Good evening. Just another day in Paradise. Do you happen to have the site for the gen set mount over the gas tanks? Thanks