In this post, lets explore various options of adding a generator to a travel trailer. Camping in a RV gives you lots of freedom. But, at times you need to have certain appliances or equipment in your RV to enjoy the camping.
Generator is one such equipment that is needed in your travel trailer or RV. Having generator gives you freedom of usage. With other sources like batteries and solar you are left with power that may not be sufficient.
Specially, if you want to run an air conditioner, then you better have a good wattage generator with you. You can also charge your batteries and then make use of them. A generator also needs fuel source and that can put extra weight. Having propane generator is better as compared to others in travel trailers.
Boondocking specially means you are ought to have a genset installed. With most travel trailer you wouldn’t find a built in or an on-board generator. If you have that big class A or class C RV then you would have that cummins onan or any other installed inside.
Onboard generator is great as its properly installed and placed inside a a compartment that secures it nicely. You just switch it ON with a push button and your RV has the power it needs. They are costly though. A cost of more than $2000 is higher as compared to a portable one that can be bought in less than $700.
So, you got that nice generator for your travel trailer and don’t know how to or where to place it? Well, lets explore the options that can be tried for this.
1. Use A-frame above propane tanks
Placing the generator above propane tanks at the front of the trailer is a best method. It makes the ride smooth and its an easy method to carry that 100-170 lbs of generator.
You can buy such A frames online that connect to the A frame directly and allows placing the portable generator just above the propane tanks. With generator just above propane tanks, you may have difficulty in using the propane tanks.
But, this is definitely an option to explore. Do read reviews about such products before going ahead. This also may not work for all. And at times just carrying the generator and using a long capable to connect it works much better. It also keep the noise and smell away from your trailer.
One issue with this method can be increased tongue weight. With all the weight on the trailer make sure you have right tongue weight and it does not increase beyond the limit.
Many a times rvers overload the trailer and that can be bad and also against the rules. A travel trailer needs special attention as far as weight is concerned as your car is going to tow it.
2. Bumper mounting with a hitch
Another place where the generator can be mounted externally is the bumper. One can use a hitch to mount the generator at the bumper. One issue with this approach is whether the bumper will be able to handle the weight or not. If not, then there are chances that bumper may break.
Also, with weight being at the end of the trailer, center of gravity of the travel trailer changes. And that can be an issue as you are towing the trailer using your car. You would also need a generator tray to carry the generator on it, which will be hooked to the hitch with screws.
You can buy the generator mounting kit online as many companies do manufacture complete kits for such mountings which can also be used with car or SUV.
3. Bumper box or a cargo carrier box
Building a custom box to hold the generator at the rear end or the bumper is another technique. With this, the generator can remain firm and also its a better way to hold more weight. A generator weighing more than 80 lbs can be easily placed inside a box. This will also help you prevent the thefts.
This however need to be done carefully as again at the bumper the more weight can not be good. With bumper placing the generator you are also continuously worried as you definitely don’t want the RV generator to fall while moving. With your trailer moving at speeds of more than 60 mph and you sitting in the car cabin, you will always have the doubts.
4. Behind the propane tanks above battery box
Another place at the front end of the trailer is just behind the propane tanks. You need to build a structure that can hold the generator above the battery box. But, you may need to check if there are any such carrier built available or not.
One can built such an carrier as an DIY but need to make in such a way so that it holds the generator firmly. Remember, a generator weighs more than 100 lbs-150 lbs and your carrier should be capable of holding that.
Such generator installation can b done but make sure your generator is firmly placed and there is no scope for any incident while moving on road. Taking help from some rv professional while doing such installation is better if you don’t have such experience.
5. Top of the trailer
You may not install the it at the top but can store it while traveling. This may not be the best way but can be used to store the generator during long trips. If you do not find any of the methods suitable for you then placing the generator at the tops of the trailer can be used.
But, you need to be sure and place the generator with a proper support so that it doesn’t come down falling. This can only be used when you are going on very extended trips and will not need the RV generator soon. Keeping it at the top will obviously make it difficult to bring it down when you need it.
6. Inside the truck bed
If you are towing the trailer using a truck then the truck bed is anther place for keeping the RV generator. But, many people would avoid that as it would take away the space and also because of fuel smell.
Also, many people would be using a car or SUV to pull and thus keeping it inside the car wouldn’t make sense either. With fifth wheels too, storing the generator in truck bed wouldn’t make sense. Fifth wheel by the ways also come with on-board or built in generator. Travel trailer mostly wouldn’t come with such built in generators.
Generator use in travel trailer
Getting the portable generator for travel trailer makes sense. A portable one would make less noise and is also less costly. Here is a list of best portable RV generators you can buy for your travel trailer.
A built in one would anyways be difficult in travel trailer. 5th wheel do come with built in one but they are costly.
Getting the generator installed in travel trailer can help you during boondocking a lot as you won’t have the hook up and generator is your best source to power bigger appliances.
Portable generator not only can help you running your RV appliances, you can also make use of it at home. This is not the case with firmly mounted and placed inside compartment generators, they just can be used for RV purpose only. To know more about both the portable and built in generator you can visit the linked article.
So, why don’t you get the trailers equipped with built in generators? Well this is because the travel trailer are less costly and are normally smaller in size. You do get bigger travel trailers but in general they are meant for less costly rving lifestyle.
And thus, placing special built in generator doesn’t makes sense as per manufacturers. Its not that all travel trailer wouldn’t have them pre-installed, you do get but an additional cost would be added. With high costs one would then either want to go for a class c rv or another motorhome with engine attached instead.
Things To Consider Before you get a generator
If you haven’t bought a generator for you travel trailer yet, then make sure about below points. A generator can power many things in RV but only if it has enough watts on it. So, give a thought before buying that $1000 or so equipment for your RV or travel trailer.
- Noise : Check on noise the generator can make. Generator companies do mention the noise level the generator is expected to make. A portable generator can make noise as low as 45 db. A noise above 65 or 70 decibels can be bad and irritating. So, do check the noise level and also read reviews about the generator before making the decision.
- Weight : Do check how much it weighs. With travel trailer the weight is critical and with mounting the generator externally, the weight of the generator is more important. Normally you would find them to weigh around 70 to 130 lbs or more. Companies like Honda, Champion, generac, Yamaha, WEN make light weight generators.
- Watts : This is the first things you should check. A 2000 watts generator may not run a bigger air conditioner and thus check twice before making the buy. Consider all your appliances and decide on how many watts generator you need for RV.
- Fuel : Getting the right fuel generator is critical when you need it for your travel trailer or any other towing RV like pop up camper or tent trailer. A propane run generator would make sense as you would already have the propane tanks. A diesel run generator for travel trailer would need you to bring extra storage and thus putting in more weight.
Conclusion :
A travel trailer generator can be added at the rear end of the trailer or A frame at the starting point of the trailer. The best way to get the generator added is the A frame one as it supports for proper weight and also keep the generator remains firm. Which ever method you choose make sure the generator is firm and does not put extra weight. Thus, getting a light weight generator for trailer is also important. Generator need to be placed in such a way so that exhaust fumes do not come inside the trailer.
