Does it matter where you place one. In other words if I place it on top of the van does it matter? I always see them placed on the bottom half. It sticks out to much to me and says someones living in there when you see them hitch to the back door. Or am I wrong? If I hitch it to the back whats the best way to say "Its not there?" Hope this is making sense its 4 a.m. here and I've not have a cup of java yet.
Generator placement
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<P>Get a cargo tray and build a simple box for it. Perhaps build the box to fit the entire tray and make seperate compartment on one end for the generator. Port it to the back of the box with a little rain shield so you can run it while in the box. If need be have computer converter and multiple fans on a toggle switch to help vent. Run the extension cord through a small hole on the bottom, zip tie to the hitch and run it up through the floor. Then you can use the rest of the box for tools, water, whatever. Put a lock mechanism on the lid and spray paint the whole thing black.</P>
Oh thanks that sounds simple enough. Except for the fans. What kind of fans ,tiny ones? Just put them in the box and go? Don't know much about this as you can see. Thanks again <img border="0" align="absmiddle" src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif">
<P>I guess bigger sized computer types. Like 3 inch or something. I don't know, I'm just thinking out loud about that. Probably don't need them at all. I don't know if it would get too hot in the box or what. It would be simple enough though. You can get a power supply cheap used and fans are a few dollars a piece. Just lay the supply in the bottom of the box and plug it into the genset outlet. It has connections already for the fans. If not just splice the 5v wires. Toggle switch probably isn't needed but extremely simple to wire. Actually come to think of it the power supplies usually have on/off switches built in so all you'd have to do is flip it on once the genset is started.</P>
VanTrekker
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<p style="margin: 0px;">I'm contemplating a hitch mounted cargo rack thingy as well. Here's an idea that just occurred to me.</p><p style="margin: 0px;"> </p><p style="margin: 0px;">If I build a box, I might make it look like there are propane containers under the cover... Maybe a sticker or a hose? It could make a good decoy. (The box would be locked, of course). I have a Honda EU2000 generator and don't want someone thinking the generator is under the cover. If they think it's just a couple of propane bottles, potential thieves might just walk past... (Unless their grill ran out and they want to cook a steak)</p><p style="margin: 0px;"> </p><p style="margin: 0px;">Food for thought...</p>
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<p style="margin: 0px;">I had a Honda 1000 (now I have a Honda 2000) and I always carried it inside the camper with me. They have a very good gas cap that lets very little gas vapours escape. I've carried it inside my camper and in the back seat of my super-cab pickup for over 4 years and never semelled gas. The 1000 was small enough to fit inside a a Rubbermaid tote so after a few years I started carrying it in a tote with the lid on. I noticed a gas smell when I took the lid off. Apaparaently it does let vapours out, but so little I never smelled it until it was concentrated in the sealed tote. The 2000 is larger and heaveier, so I just carry it inside my converted cargo trailer. I've never noticed a smell. I haven't tried putting it in a tote, but I think it would fit. </p><p style="margin: 0px;"> </p><p style="margin: 0px;">What generator are you going to get? Bob</p>
VanTrekker
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<p style="margin: 0px;">She,</p><p style="margin: 0px;"> </p><p style="margin: 0px;">You can't go wrong with the Honda EU 2000. One light pull and it purrs to life.</p><p style="margin: 0px;"> </p><p style="margin: 0px;">Lots of us here have them and they are great machines. The Yamaha is also a good generator, too, but I thought "go for it". Over the last year I've been thinking that this or that was a good or bad decision but the one thing I would do again would be to get the Honda. You'll love it, I'm sure. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"></p><p style="margin: 0px;"> </p><p style="margin: 0px;">Like Bob, I don't notice the vapors either unless I forget to slide the switch on the cap to "off". When you do that, it lets out very little fumes.</p><p style="margin: 0px;"> </p><p style="margin: 0px;">VT</p>
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<p style="margin: 0px;">The Honda 2000 cost $1000, and my thinking was I wanted that much money inside the van with me. Plus, I don't think there is any way to mount it on the outside and not loose your stealth. I'm sorry to say that but I am quite sure it is true. If you put it on the roof, can you get it up and down to start it, turn it off, fill the gas and change the oil. I'm sure I would find that such a hassle I would never put it on the roof. The 1000 weighs 25 lbs, and the 2000 weighs 50 lbs. I can handle that no problem-even with one arm. You may want to go to a Honda dealer and lift them up and carry them around a bit to make sure you can handle the weight. </p><p style="margin: 0px;"> </p><p style="margin: 0px;">The 1000 is better in nearly every way, but it can't run a microwave. If you can live without that it may be a better choice because its small, lighte, burns less fuel and cost less. if you want to run a microwave--get the 2000.</p><p style="margin: 0px;"> </p><p style="margin: 0px;">A bigger problem than the generator itself is where are you going to carry the gas can. They nearly all leak gas vapours and stink. I have a Nato type metal can that is metal that does not allow any smells out, I can carry it inside, but they are expensive and now very hard to find. The best place to carry a normal gas can is on a hitch-haul attached to the trailer hitch of the van. Bob </p>
