Lifting a heavy generator

[jl241]

We just bought a Honda Eu3000is and are headed out to Montana with our 24 ft pull behind camper. I knew it was heavy but didn't think about the logistics of getting in and out of the truck.

I found the portable lifting tool, which is about $100 and thought about ramps. But both of those will take up precious cargo space.

Just wondering if anyone has and DIY lifters or any other ideas for us.

[Dces175]

I have the same issue with my generator. I will be using a Viking Solutions Rack Jack II.

[jrollf]

I use a 'hideaway' truck crane for things like heavy generators. The stand tucks behind the fender well and the arm stows above the fenderwell, really minimizing space.

Also fits below tonnau covers... but double check the that the latches don't interfere.

Harbor Freight and Northern Tool have them for about $120. Note, you likely won't be able to lift the Max rating of 1,000 lbs unless you add some reinforcements that connect the base plate to the truck frame.

https://www.harborfreight.com/pickup...ity-60732.html

https://m.northerntool.com/shop/tool...2540_200672540

[TravelSolo]

get an extension cord for the RV and leave it in the truck bed?

[Fiesta48]

I've got a 8000 watt generator in our DP. The only time we use it is for running the A/C. Really consider how much you really need it before buying.

[tap4154]

Originally Posted by TravelSolo

get an extension cord for the RV and leave it in the truck bed?

If he has a sloped driveway at home he could back down the driveway so the rear wheels are in the gutter, open the tailgate, which will be low to the ground, and then two people could get it up into the bed.

[jl241]

thanks everyone!! I'd be nice if we didnt need the geny but we'll be remote with out electric and its in the 90s. thank you!

[happy2rv]

I havent come up with a great solution either. The best ideq I've seen is a hitch mounted deer hoist. Not sure if thats what you were calling a portable lift device or not.. My biggest problems with these are weight, hassle, and storage. Not necessarily in that order.
Most of rhe ones i have seen weigh somewhere around 50 lbs. Lighter than the generator, but still not light.
You would have to pull the weight distributing hitch off the truck to plug it in. Also not light and a hassle.
I might think about bulding something similar, but smaller, out of aluminum. It would be lighter, but still a hassle.

Watching for more ideas...

[Big Bear Local]

I use the Hideaway hoist as well. I put a 1/4x12x12 plate under it so it wouldn't bend the bed. Lifting a Honda 3000i.

[TravelSolo]

The other option is, depending on your trucks setup, is a DC-DC charger. I have a 40A Renogy DC-DC and when my truck is running it will dump 26-29A into my batteries just idling.

Then no lifting a genset and you just need to be able to park your truck near the trailer to plug it in

[happy2rv]

The Viking Solutions Rack Jack II is the best option I've found so far:
https://www.etrailer.com/Hunting-and...10-VRJ001.html

They offer a ground stand to use it without connecting it to the hitch:
https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories...10-VRJ002.html


Some of the reviewers of the Viking on etrailer mentioned shortening it. Since it's built for dressing wild game, it's quite tall. I might consider shortening the upper section and the draw bar that goes into the hitch. My new RAM My new RAM will have the multi-function tailgate, so I don't need to extend as far out to load.

Still watching for better alternatives and thinking about how to build something.


OP might comment on their criteria, but here is mine:

• Solution needs to be portable. Not looking just to get it in the back of the truck at home and leave it. Although I might use it in the back of the truck, I see occasions when that would be a problem.
• Solution should not be permanently attached to the vehicle. I only use the generator occasionally and I think a truck crane would get in the way for most other truck use. Especially with rambox truck bed.
• Ideally solution should not require drilling or other permanent modifications to the truck.
• Solution should be transferable to other vehicles with minimal effort.
• Ideally solution should support loading the generator into the truck bed or a tongue mounted rack on the trailer.
• Solution should be compact, easy to store, and fit within the closed bed with tonneau cover.
  • Ramps might be a good option, but take a lot of space and with 4x4 short bed, ramps that fit in bed might be a steep climb.
• Shouldn't be more than half the weight of the generator. The lighter the better.
• Ideally wouldn't have to remove the weight distributing hitch from the truck in order to use the receiver.

[Dr. Mike]

If you have (or can add) a hitch to your trailer, you can add a lift for the generator (see photo).

Best

Dr. Mike

[Edd505]

25ft 30 amp cord just reaches the electric port. Gen set stays on the rack and I add the cord. Yours in the truck maybe even closer, leave it locked in the truck and power up. BTW wife made a vinyl cover for the weather.

[Big Bear Local]

Originally Posted by Edd505

25ft 30 amp cord just reaches the electric port. Gen set stays on the rack and I add the cord. Yours in the truck maybe even closer, leave it locked in the truck and power up. BTW wife made a vinyl cover for the weather.

Does it vibrate the trailer?