How I mounted a generator on my TT Bumper... - RV Pics

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RV Pics > Share Your Best Shots > Repairs, Mods and Additions How I mounted a generator on my TT Bumper...

Repairs, Mods and Additions Close-ups and narrative showing how you improved or fixed a problem with your RV.

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(#1)

stugpanzer

Member

Posts: 24Join Date: May

2007Location: Illinois

How I mounted a generator on my TT Bumper... - 05-30-2007

While looking around the internet and after reviewing many ideas, both good and bad, I came up with a solution that makes me happy. The first thing about mounting anything to the bumper of a travel trailer is to take into consideration the fact that it is not made to carry anything but the spare tire. Mine is 1/8" thick steel and the bumper was welded to the frame like most without any other support for the bumper.

The first thing I did was to weld some 1/4" thick angle iron to the frame under the bumper where I welded it there as well.

http://www.rvpics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=392 (1 of 17)7/20/2007 6:14:51 AM

How I mounted a generator on my TT Bumper... - RV Pics

Then I bought two Curt brand RV bumper hitches. I moved my spare tire from the middle of the bumper over to the side. I mounted the two Curt hitches on the bumper.

http://www.rvpics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=392 (2 of 17)7/20/2007 6:14:51 AM

How I mounted a generator on my TT Bumper... - RV Pics

I bought two 6" rise tongues and used those to weld a custom frame to.

http://www.rvpics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=392 (3 of 17)7/20/2007 6:14:51 AM

How I mounted a generator on my TT Bumper... - RV Pics

I found an aluminum utility tray. This one is nice, because it is not very wide and I figured it would work well for what I needed and this way, I wouldn't have to make more structure.

http://www.rvpics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=392 (4 of 17)7/20/2007 6:14:51 AM

How I mounted a generator on my TT Bumper... - RV Pics

Then I bolted the frame (above) to the tray. I put my generator on the tray and used ratcheting straps to lock the generator down to the frame. I bought a Master Cinche lock and locked the generator to the frame and bumper. The idea of my design is to place some of the load on top of the bumper as I feel that is better than something hanging way out off the bumper

Here's the finished product:

http://www.rvpics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=392 (5 of 17)7/20/2007 6:14:51 AM

How I mounted a generator on my TT Bumper... - RV Pics

Finally, I took the finished product to a local canvas shop and had them make a nice custom cover that snaps to the frame. I told them I wanted it to resist the elements and be able to take the highway speeds. Also, I bent and welded a 1/4" piece of steel to act as a leg so when I set the whole thing on the ground, it will sit fairly level.

http://www.rvpics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=392 (6 of 17)7/20/2007 6:14:51 AM

How I mounted a generator on my TT Bumper... - RV Pics

I bought a 3 gallon explosion proof gas can. So, with the generator fuel tank and the gas can, I can run about 18 hours at full load.

http://www.rvpics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=392 (7 of 17)7/20/2007 6:14:51 AM

How I mounted a generator on my TT Bumper... - RV Pics

Thats it. Thanks for looking!

http://www.rvpics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=392 (8 of 17)7/20/2007 6:14:51 AM

How I mounted a generator on my TT Bumper... - RV Pics

(#2)

Don Webmaster

Posts: 181Join Date: Mar 2006

Location: Turlock, California

Re: How I mounted a generator on my TT Bumper... - 05-30-2007

Wow, nice work. Do you have any idea how much the whole thing weighs with gasoline and cover? I would also be curious about how much it bounces up and down when you're going down the road. I've pretty well decided that if (when) I get a generator, it will go in the back of the pickup truck under the tonneau cover when not in use. Thanks for the great pics and description.

Don

Camera Equipment: Canon 20D, Canon D60, Sony DSC-T1, Olympus Stylus 1000RV: 2008 Glendale Titanium 30E35SA, triple slides.TV: 2007 GMC Classic 2500 Crew Cab 4X4; Duramax Diesel, 6-spd Allison transmission

(#3)

stugpanzer

Member

Posts: 24Join Date: May

2007Location: Illinois

Re: How I mounted a generator on my TT Bumper... - 05-30-2007

It weighs in at about 180#. As for bouncing, because of how it rests on top of the bumper, there is minimal to no bounce. And, because it is on top of the bumper I have no worries about it dragging the ground when entering/leaving sites, parking lots, etc.

Last edited by stugpanzer : 05-30-2007 at 12:33 PM.

(#4)

http://www.rvpics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=392 (9 of 17)7/20/2007 6:14:51 AM

How I mounted a generator on my TT Bumper... - RV Pics

AZCampinfool

Super Member

Posts: 93Join Date: Aug

2006Location: Gilbert,

AZ

Re: How I mounted a generator on my TT Bumper... - 05-30-2007

Very nice work! Are you getting any vibration in the trailer? I posted pics here awhile back of my generator box but I soon found I did not like the vibration that was transfered to the fiver when my twin Hondas were running. I ended up placing a rubber mat under the box to absorb it.

Me, "outnumbered" by three red heads...my dear wife& 2 DD's. 2006 Montana Mountaineer 319 BHD w/Trailair pulled by 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD Crew Cab 4X4 8.1L big block/Allison w/XM & Lowrance iWay500c GPS

(#5)

stugpanzer

Member

Posts: 24Join Date: May

2007Location: Illinois

Re: How I mounted a generator on my TT Bumper... - 05-30-2007

There is a little vibration but not a whole lot more than the AC but it is noticeable. We have not boondocked yet and really not sure if we will. I wanted this for our long drives where we stop to have a sandwich or something and I wanted to be comfortable with my AC. Also, we were thinking of taking a bunch of my kids friends to an area amusement park and while they played all day, DW and I can stay in in the parking lot in comfort, relax, read, watch tv, etc.

(#6)

edjunior

The Headache

Posts: 165Join Date: May 2007

Location: Roman Forest, TX

http://www.rvpics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=392 (10 of 17)7/20/2007 6:14:51 AM

How I mounted a generator on my TT Bumper... - RV Pics

Re: How I mounted a generator on my TT Bumper... - 05-31-2007

Stug,

Nice job. I have the same generator (older model, but the same). I see where you just have it "strapped down", but do you also have it actually locked down in any way? I ask because it being on the back, it could be an easy target for someone who thinks they need it worse than you do. Also, that's a nice custom made cover. Good ideas also about the long drives and stops.

Ed Jr.2003 F-250 5.4L2005 Kodiak Skamper, 26ft, little slide, great ride

(#7)

Freedom

Super Member

Posts: 94Join Date: May 2007

Location: Mead, Washington

Re: How I mounted a generator on my TT Bumper... - 05-31-2007

edjunior, I think he answered your question above: "I bought a Master Cinche lock and locked the generator to the frame and bumper."

Jim Erdman <°)))><

2000 2619 Trailmanor2000 GMC Jimmy SLE w/Vortec 4.3L, 4X4 & towing package

(#8)

edjunior

The Headache

Posts: 165Join Date: May 2007

Location: Roman Forest, TX

http://www.rvpics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=392 (11 of 17)7/20/2007 6:14:51 AM

How I mounted a generator on my TT Bumper... - RV Pics

Re: How I mounted a generator on my TT Bumper... - 05-31-2007

Uh, oops. Thanks Jim. Sometimes I just like looking at the pictures. (Bet you've heard that before!! )

Ed Jr.2003 F-250 5.4L2005 Kodiak Skamper, 26ft, little slide, great ride

(#9)

stugpanzer

Member

Posts: 24Join Date: May

2007Location: Illinois

Re: How I mounted a generator on my TT Bumper... - 05-31-2007

No problem! Besides the cinche lock, one of the pins in the hitch is a lockable type.

(#10)

stugpanzer

Member

Posts: 24Join Date: May

2007Location: Illinois

Re: How I mounted a generator on my TT Bumper... - 05-31-2007

Here's a photo of the Master Cinche Lock:

http://www.rvpics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=392 (12 of 17)7/20/2007 6:14:51 AM

How I mounted a generator on my TT Bumper... - RV Pics

(#11)

edjunior

The Headache

Posts: 165Join Date: May 2007

Location: Roman Forest, TX

http://www.rvpics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=392 (13 of 17)7/20/2007 6:14:51 AM

How I mounted a generator on my TT Bumper... - RV Pics

Re: How I mounted a generator on my TT Bumper... - 06-01-2007

Wow, very cool. I didn't know there was such a lock. Not only an entertaining site, but educational as well!

Ed Jr.2003 F-250 5.4L2005 Kodiak Skamper, 26ft, little slide, great ride

(#12)

stugpanzer

Member

Posts: 24Join Date: May

2007Location: Illinois

Re: How I mounted a generator on my TT Bumper... - 06-01-2007

The locks give me peace of mind, but lets face it. If someone really wants to steal it, they will find a way. I just put some deterences in. The cinche lock for one and one of the pins is a lock type where I put the lock side in (underneath) so someone would have to crawl under the camper to drill it out or something. But, Theives are handy little pieces of scum and the only thing one can do is slow them down! BTW, I found that lock at a local Farm & Fleet store which are common stores in my area.

Last edited by stugpanzer : 06-01-2007 at 08:22 AM.

(#13)

edjunior

The Headache

Posts: 165Join Date: May 2007

Location: Roman Forest, TX

Re: How I mounted a generator on my TT Bumper... - 06-01-2007

Yup, that's true Stug. Only keeps an honest man honest. But you do what you gotta do.

Ed Jr.2003 F-250 5.4L2005 Kodiak Skamper, 26ft, little slide, great ride

http://www.rvpics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=392 (14 of 17)7/20/2007 6:14:51 AM

How I mounted a generator on my TT Bumper... - RV Pics

(#14)

milzat Super Member

Posts: 60Join Date: Nov 2006

Location: Prairieville, Louisiana

Re: How I mounted a generator on my TT Bumper... - 06-08-2007

stugpanzer,

Thanks for the photos and explanations of your work. We don't use a generator, but the rack would also make a good storage area for other items.

Mike

Me & DW'06 Rockwood 8315SS * '06 Chevy Z-71 Crew Cab

(#15)

bdougt

Super Member

Posts: 54Join Date: Jun 2007Location: Calhoun,

LA

Re: How I mounted a generator on my TT Bumper... - 3 Weeks Ago

Great description, but I have a question, My 5er undercarriage is enclosed so without ripping the unbderbelly off, can't weld to it. I have a factory mounted 2" receiver that should be rated for 350# minimum. A platform and I think that will be my preferred solution rather than the truck bed. Locks and strapping will be a must, of course. This is kinda the "ONAN Juice Box" principle only a whole lot cheaper.

Anybody have any concerns? I appreciate all feedback. Thanks

Brian, Donna, and Ted the dog.

http://www.rvpics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=392 (15 of 17)7/20/2007 6:14:51 AM

How I mounted a generator on my TT Bumper... - RV Pics

(#16)

stugpanzer

Member

Posts: 24Join Date: May

2007Location: Illinois

Re: How I mounted a generator on my TT Bumper... - 3 Weeks Ago

If it is rated at 350# then someting like my rig will work and....you should be able to use a stock rack. My setup is about 180# and so the weight would be reduced if you bought the aluminum rack and strapped a genny on it. You will probably save up to about 50#.

2006 Four Winds 18b (23') Express Lite pulled by my 1998 Chevy Tahoe

(#17)

stugpanzer

Member

Posts: 24Join Date: May

2007Location: Illinois

Re: How I mounted a generator on my TT Bumper... - 3 Weeks Ago

I just wanted to let everyone know that we fully tested this setup when we went to South Dakota (from Illinois). The Generator and the bumper held up just fine as we drove 950 miles to/from South Dakota each way. Our friends that were with us said that the rig did not bounce at all. We even were able to use it at a rest stop also with no problems.

2006 Four Winds 18b (23') Express Lite pulled by my 1998 Chevy Tahoe

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