Would this be a good idea?

[user 423]

Running the generator this close to the LP tank?  The exhaust is on the left end of the gen. and I would put a door or vent of some kind there.

The lid would be open when using.  I want to avoid having to take both out of the box each time I need to run it.

 

[highdesertranger]

Me personally I would not, but I wouldn't even run the generator by itself in that box. Highdesertranger

 

[user 423]

..... I wouldn't even run the generator by itself in that box.

Because it might overheat?   Adding a good sized fan on the other end or just set one in while it's running would seem like it would keep it cool enough.

 

[bullfrog]

I wouldn't use a tote after storing a propane bottle in one and having it leak in extremely hot weather. I could see using expanded metal but you still will have to check/change the oil and refill the propane bottle. I think I would mount them outside on a shelf on the rear doors or better yet a swing away rack similar to the bumper mount swing away spare tire mounts making sure you had access to do easy oil changes and checks as well as only having to lift the propane bottle off a holder instead of a foot or more out of a tote. You could secure them and cover them with some kind of canvas bag or cover if you wanted.

 

[ckelly78z]

Is the tote for hauling it around, and storage, or will it be used as a noise dampener while operating ? Don't run those two together, you may not realize the danger until it's too late.

If you plan on trying to cut the noise down on the gen set, make sure you ventilate it properly before you start it, and while it is running to eliminate any settled gas low in the tote.

 

[user 423]

I left out a little info. These sit in a large Contico box mounted on a swing-away carrier. I realize now that I'd probably want to remove the tank while it's running but I think the box is roomy enough to allow enough air circulation with just the gen. in there.

The connection hose is just 5' long, so the tank would need to sit on something to raise it up off the ground. I may look into getting a longer hose.

Sound deadening was a consideration but mainly I just wanted not to have to take the gen. out each time. I've seen online some nifty examples of gen. boxes fitted with fans to circulate cooling air.

The box isn't dust proof, so I'd want to wrap the gen. in a plastic bag for those BLM roads. So that means taking it out each time anyway...LOL.

I hadn't really thought about the tank getting too hot carried in a box but I did just that last year thru the summer. At least it's on the outside of the van!