Portable generator mounted on the back of an RV

This project was sent to me by ESharpe on RV.Net's Open Roads forum. He found an aluminum utility box at tractor supply company that nicely fit his two Honda 2000 generators. He then mounted the box on the rear of his 5th wheel by bolting a steel rack to the frame in the hitch mount holes. The aluminum box was then bolted to the rack. He says the generators are easy to fill with fuel and easy to start as they are about waist high. The box is lockable and is covered completely with a custom made vinyl cover. As you'll see in the slideshow (lots of great photos), the aluminum box had to be modified with vent louvers for air intake and exhaust. ESharpe says the setup works great. It is out of sight when traveling and easy to use once he gets to his destination because all he has to do is remove the vinyl cover to run the generators. Below is some more information from ESharpe about this project:

• The Utility Chest, Model # 8768TSC was purchased at Tractor Supply and measures 47x20x18. The cost was approximately $200.
• The box is bolted through the floor directly to the steel mesh with a rubber mat in between to absorb vibration.
• The generators were offset in the box to allow access to the pull starter ropes.
• I may add a small pulley attached to the box side and longer pull rope to the B Generator, due to now having to pull almost straight up to start it.
• They are positioned to allow the exhaust to exit the large cut outs in each end of the box which are covered with wire mesh. Initially I used smaller a/c duct vents in the box ends but they did not allow the heat to escape.
• The top straps holding the Gens in position are bolted to the box sides and to the gens with small brackets. I also installed wood blocks on the box floor to help hold the gens in position.
• The gen carbs have plastic overflow tubes which I lengthen and drill holes for each through the box floor.
• The box ends were cut with a cutoff wheel and 1/8 pop rivets were used to attach the screen and frames.
• The vinyl cover was made at a local upholstery shop and is held in place by plastic latches which are sewn into the cover and pop riveted to the box.
• The metal rack was fabricated out of steel which is ready available at any steel supply store. The pipe making up the rear bumper was purchased at Lowe's, heated and bent to shape.
• Grade 8 bolts, 3 on each side attaches the rack to the factory trailer hitch holes. The entire setup can be unbolted in a few minutes and the generators are easily removed from the box by removing the bolts from the straps and gen handles.
• I mounted the parallel cable box and plug on the back wall of the box and simply route the power cord from the 5er into the box up to the 30 amp plug.
• The entire package weights less than 200 pounds and the gens are easily accessible to start, fuel up or service.
• I feel they are far more secure from prying eyes and the weather by being in the covered, locked box.
• I can run the gens while traveling by simply removing the vinyl cover, starting them, plug in the power cord and close the box lid. I do this to cool down the 5er before stopping at night or for lunch breaks.
• I will answer any questions you may have on this setup if you send me an e-mail using the link below.

Pictures, slideshows and other helpful links for this project:

Slideshow with pictures of this project
E-mail ESharpe with questions or comments about this project.
Share your ideas/comments/suggestions on this project