Best way to utilize Sunny 13's LPG GenSet now.

EMD_Driver · 08-17-2009, 06:53 PM

We've been hashing over the idea, of how to use the Onan LPG GenSet that was mounted in Kitty's T-2499. Since the T-320SR was not factory-prepped for the GenSet, we have to come up with another option.

I had suggested mounting it with a frame-mounted receiver, off the rear of the 320, but Kitty shot that idea down. It's probably not a good idea, to have a 179lb generator hanging back there anyway.

There's no room to mount it in a compartment on the 320, so it will have to live elsewhere.

Our latest idea, is to fabricate a mounting frame for it and make a place in the bed of the pickup for it. It would then be bolted into the bed, but still be removable. We would have to run the camper's power cord to it, to get power to the camper. We would also have to either mount a LPG tank in the bed, or run a line from the camper's twin 30lb tanks.

Does anyone have any other ideas we could consider? We do not want to get rid of it, since it was so expensive and only has 21hrs on it. We would also not want to switch to gas generator(s) and have yet another fuel to have to buy.

We also have the remote switch/hour meter that goes with the GenSet. We would have to figure out the best way to utilize it too...

Thanks!
Gary

kanyonkitty · 08-17-2009, 07:57 PM

Remember Garys' comment (yesterday) about how different Sunny towed with the black water tank full ? HUM, and to think that he even gave ANY thought about hanging a 179 POUND generator on the back bumper. Silly man, but I love him just that same, guesss I'll just have to monitor his decisions more

Kitty

Bobo · 08-18-2009, 04:42 PM

EMD and Kitty,

I don't know if you have a lift or a tractor available, would you consider a slide in unit that goes into the bed of the TV ? I have seen some grass fire trucks that have like a skid mounted pump, tank and hose that can be slid into the bed of a heavy pickup. You can probably build a unit out of lumber and have everything for camping premounted on it. Slide it into the bed when you go camping. When not in use, the bed of the truck will not be tied up with the generator and such.

Just thought of something. Have a free standing mount like a truck camper has and just back under the preloaded skid for easy on easy off.

Bobo

**JohnB** · 08-18-2009, 07:47 PM

Kitty and EMD_Driver

H’mm, this is tough one. Bobo’s idea sound interesting and maybe something to build on. Maybe a lower frame on casters to support everything above it. Roll it in, screw down some jack bolts in 2 or 4 corners to just lift it to make it no so easy to roll. Then to unload, create a storage stand with up side down channel runner tracks or equiv for the casters to roll on. Take tail gate off, hook up ramps and roll it right off or on. Would work in either truck bed.

The truck bed seems to the only practical place. Any where on the camper creates many other issues to deal with.

Hope this helps

John

Bobo · 08-19-2009, 10:52 AM

Bouncing off of John's idea. Roller and rails like a garage door track. Roll in or out of the bed. Secure in place with lock pins similar to the pin system for the hitch head. Just putting out ideas to work with.

Bobo

frank · 08-20-2009, 11:00 AM

Gary / Kitty,

I've seen a few references to Onan making a kit to actually mount the genset below the trailer floor. If you have the space (or want to make it with say an axle flip) that might be a good option. At least you could possibly locate the genny to keep most of the weight on the axles and keep the tongue weight changes to a minimum.

Something like that would also keep the genny wired up and connected to fuel full time, less hassle when setting up/tearing down.

Short of that, and I know you said you'd prefer to not switch generators, perhaps selling it (provided you could get a good buck for it) and switching to something like a honda/yamaha would be the next best option.

- Frank

HappyCampers · 08-20-2009, 03:18 PM

Have you thought of relocating the propane tanks and mounting the Genset on the tongue. You could maybe buy one long thin tank like they use on a MH and mount it under the coach. I'm not sure if it would work, but it's what came to my mind.

EMD_Driver · 08-20-2009, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HappyCampers

Have you thought of relocating the propane tanks and mounting the Genset on the tongue. You could maybe buy one long thin tank like they use on a MH and mount it under the coach. I'm not sure if it would work, but it's what came to my mind.

I suggested that idea on Sunday and was immediately shot down. She wasn't too keen, on the idea of adding 179lbs directly on the tongue...

HappyCampers · 08-23-2009, 01:16 PM

Yeah, my better half has that same habit. I guess sometimes it does keep me in check, but we should keep that a secret.

I don't want her to find out.
I would imagine that your only other option is to mount it in the truck somehow. I'm sure you could get really creative with that. Lots of room to fabricate.

Honda03842 · 08-23-2009, 03:14 PM

Not that I'm suggesting it but when we were building a couple of Geodesic domes the designer came with his pickup truck from AZ to help us construct them. He carried a generator on the roof of his cab.

One thing I can say was that it was definitely out of the way.

Norm

Poppy & Nana · 08-23-2009, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honda03842

He carried a generator on the roof of his cab.

Norm

Oh my!

Honda03842 · 08-23-2009, 06:48 PM

I agree it was different but it was certainly different, no one was going to easily steal it and besides he had all the framing members for a 50 foot diameter in the back of the truck and on a little flat bed trailer.

A day after his arrival we had the entire framework of a 50 foot diameter 25 foot high dome, an amazing wooden spider web.

Norm