Community Forums

gpearston · 01-27-2011, 06:51 PM

Any suggestions/ideas for hauling a generator on a travel trailer? I am considering having a metal shelf welded to the rear bumper/frame and placing the unit there but wondering if there are better ideas. The generator is a 6k so it has some weight to it.

Thanks

Ray,IN · 01-27-2011, 07:24 PM

From a quick internet search a 6KW genset weighs around 175#. This much weight on the rear bumper will do two things. First this bouncing weight will tear a standard rear bumper off of a trailer. Second, this much weight on the rear of a trailer will remove too much tongue weight from the hitch, which will make the trailer unsafe for highway travel. If you wish to do the math, tongue weight must not be less than 10% of loaded trailer weight for safe towing. Another way of looking at it is: properly set-up trailer will have 60% of it's weight in front of the axles.

RVhauler · 01-27-2011, 09:09 PM

You did not state brand/lenght of TT or what you are using. for TV. Also how much overhang from rear axle. Do you already have the 6KW or just considering purchase. A pair of Honda 2000's connected would probably furnish the needed power and are much lighter in weight

mhs4771 · 01-28-2011, 06:38 PM

6KW is really big for a TT, that's bigger than a lot of MH have. 6KW will furnish 50 amps. Not knowing you TT, but most are only wired for 30 amps. Why so big, or did you fall into such a good deal you couldn't pass it up?

450Donn · 01-30-2011, 11:12 AM

Personally that much weight I would NEVER consider placing behind the trailers axles. It will wreak havoc with your handling geometry. Place it in the truck bed or sell it and get a much smaller one that is easier to handle.

TXiceman · 01-30-2011, 11:44 AM

As you have been told, it is not a good idea to hang that big of a pendulum on the back of a trailer.

It would be better to store it in the rear of your truck...provided you can take the additional load in your tow vehicle.

Also, to run one A/C and the MW, you can use a 4500W.

Ken

gpearston · 01-31-2011, 06:05 PM

Thanks to everyone who responded, I appreciate the insight and suggestions. I am taking them to heart and am now looking at a pair of Honda/Yamaha/Kipor 2k generators that I can run in parallel if I need the additional wattage.

Thanks for keeping from doing something stupid.