Generators in Truck Stop

[AbdRahim]

Anyone use generators to run A/C in a truck stop? I have 2 Honda eu200i's and will need to chain them to the frame under the hitch or the rear bumper. Haven't used these yet, so I am in the learning stage. my concern is CO getting into the trailer or someone walking by and getting burned from the exhaust when parked between two trucks. Advice appreciated.

[MMattox]

I have two genny's too getting burned is not an issue unless a child sticks their finger right in the exhaust pipe, they really don't run that hot. as far as security, the weak link is the handle it is plastic can easily be broken or cut and stolen.

[AbdRahim]

Originally Posted by MMattox

I have two genny's too getting burned is not an issue unless a child sticks their finger right in the exhaust pipe, they really don't run that hot. as far as security, the weak link is the handle it is plastic can easily be broken or cut and stolen.

Thanks MMattox. got the metal handle covers and a very thick chain and lock. Where do you run the Benny's to avoid Co combining into the trailer?

[ependydad]

I saw a guy with a travel trailer. He had the generator running in the bed of his pickup truck with a BackFlip type of truck bed cover. It was cool enough so no A/C was required and he had just a 15/20 amp extension cord running back to the camper. I didn't get close to see how it was secured.

[RPAspey]

When I travel and need genny at night, I simple put my Yamaha genny between the truck and A-frame of the TT. I use a large diameter CABLE with eyes on the ends looped thru the frame and handles. The exhaust is simply aimed at 90' to the vehicle. Never had a problem with CO as the windows are closed. BTW, the noise isn't bothersome to us even though our bedroom is in the front of the TT. If the noise stops, either we ran out of fuel or someone ran off with my genny

[RPAspey]

Oh, the reason I use a cable is it is rubber coated thus not scratching anything and its very difficult to cut. Also its easy to manipulate thru the genny handles.

[AbdRahim]

I have a similar cable. Thanks. Sounds like very similar trailer setup.

[kholmes]

We have stayed in truck stops in Montana and have locked the running generator in the back of my truck. power cord is in the truck and under trailer. Have had no complaints . most of the trucks have their refers running so that is usually louder than the generator. i just make sure i'm parked strategically in the truckstop/

[MMattox]

X2 for the bed of the truck, if money is no object I saw on the internet a company that makes aluminum boxes that have all the little doors and cut outs for your generator they look cool but are not cheap.

[AbdRahim]

TV is SUV. Do you remember who made the boxes? A manufactured product would be ideal.

[Denny and Suni]

HAPCO makes a generator box for the Honda 3000. Diamond patterned aluminum box is $999.00 msrp.

[grayfox]

Check out You Tube for Genny covers and boxes.

[AbdRahim]

Thanks for the responses. Sounds either too complicated ( tongue weight considerations or construction) and / or too expensive. I guess chaining to the hitch will have to do.

[gthomp10]

LowPro LockDown generator security system for Honda EU2000i
Amazon.com : LowPro LockDown generator security system for Honda EU2000i : Generator Accessories : Patio, Lawn & Garden

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by gthomp10

LowPro LockDown generator security system for Honda EU2000i
Amazon.com : LowPro LockDown generator security system for Honda EU2000i : Generator Accessories : Patio, Lawn & Garden

the OP has a SUV, not a truck. he wants to run it, so not something he can do with the obvious limitation of a SUV.

[AbdRahim]

Thanks for the thought though gthomp10.

[Crusadernoob]

Originally Posted by RPAspey

Oh, the reason I use a cable is it is rubber coated thus not scratching anything and its very difficult to cut. Also its easy to manipulate thru the genny handles.

Unless it's about a 5/8" cable or larger all those cables and or chains can be cut very easily with cutters bought at the same home improvement stores you most likely got the cable at.

[techntrek]

My TV is an SUV (Suburban), and I considered several solutions to allow me to run a genset at a truck stop w/o needing to move it around. I installed a receiver on the front of the truck and added a cargo tray, then built a box that allows me to open the sides while running or open the top and front to fuel up. Closes up going down the road to keep rain and bugs off. Then I have a semi-permanent line run under the truck to the rear so I only have to pull the camper's AC line to the rear of the truck, open the sides of the box and start up the genset. The genset and cargo tray is chained to the tow hooks on the front of the truck with a heavy chain.

I have a thread with pictures on another forum, IM me if you want a link.

[The RB]

This summer I saw a little Honda strapped down on the roof of a camper.

Couple of weeks ago I saw a generator running inside a metal wire dog crate, which was chained to the rig it was powering. At first I thought it was nuts, but then realized it was a pretty ingenious plan.

Now that I think about it, a way to top off the security.... Electrify the crate with the the electric fence zapper.

[GreenImp]

Unfortunately nothing is theft proof, but I like this idea which I haven't seen mentioned in this thread yet (copied from another site)...

Use carriage bolts to secure a steel plate to the bottom of the generator frame with the nuts down. The plate should extend about two feet beyond the outside of the frame. Position the generator, then park your vehicle with the tire resting on the plate. Keep the muffler in mind when positioning the plate so that it won’t end up pointing at the vehicle. This method of theft prevention is often used by campers, but could certainly be used at home.

This could be combined with a chain/cable if you're really paranoid.