Generator on Tongue - Relocate Propane and Battery?

Started by LivinLite AZ, August 24, 2017, 08:49:27 PM

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LivinLite AZ

Hi All.

I have a 13QBB and would like to mount my 4000W 95lb generator on the tongue.

I'm investigating what might need to be addressed to mount my generator on the a-frame tongue. I first thought to mount it behind the propane tanks and move the battery in front of the propane tanks. But alas, my 18"x18"x18" generator would still not fit unless I rotate the propane tank tray off to one side, parallel to the frame rail. Maybe I could get some 1/4" aluminum sheet and fab a custom tray to lay across the entire a-frame that can allow the genny, propane tanks and battery to sit in a harmonious configuration. I assume the weight of the battery and full LP tanks are close in weight to the generator and therefore would maintain balance left to right after moving things around a bit.

I realize I'll have to be very strategic with weight when packing - for example, using water containers in the rear to balance out the tongue weight. I also have the optional rear deck at the moment (will be removing it soon to get some departure angle back), but I don't want all that generator weight back there anyway.

I would probably use some rubber isolators to reduce noise and vibration from the mounted genny, and make it easily removable if I decide to drag/roll it an extension cord's length away to a quieter distance.

See my current and proposed arrangement in the photos. Do you foresee any problems if I move in this direction?
I assume that this would make for easy wiring for the batt/genny.

Thanks,
   Steve
2014 Camplite 13QBB. TV = 2006 Porsche Cayenne Turbo

Capt J-rod

They make a bracket that puts a platform up above the propane. I thought about putting my bikes in there but the rear bumper mod won.

LivinLite AZ

Quote from: Capt J-rod on August 24, 2017, 09:23:02 PM
They make a bracket that puts a platform up above the propane. I thought about putting my bikes in there but the rear bumper mod won.

Hey Capt J-rod.

I saw one of those brackets online recently. Certainly could be useful for something. But moving weight up higher is something I'd like to avoid, hence my thought to rearrange the deck furniture lol. I keep looking at the current LP & battery placement and it seems that all the wiring and gas line lengths would work well with my repositioning plan. I'll continue to analyze it until my devil's advocate rains on my bliss of ignorance.

Thanks for the suggestion.
    Steve
2014 Camplite 13QBB. TV = 2006 Porsche Cayenne Turbo

FastEddieB

Might it be an idea to relocate the battery to the rear bumper?

LivinLite AZ

Quote from: FastEddieB on August 24, 2017, 10:37:04 PM
Might it be an idea to relocate the battery to the rear bumper?

Hey Fast EddieB.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll do some more measuring tomorrow to see what can fit where. With uncertainty surrounding my exact plans for the rear bumper/deck, plus my consideration of doing the dual 6V battery upgrade, moving the battery too far from its current location will likely have to wait.

: ) S
2014 Camplite 13QBB. TV = 2006 Porsche Cayenne Turbo

thudd3r

would you have enough room if you moved the battery back on the tongue against the camper from wall and them moved the tanks  back as well...leaving space for the generator near the front of the tongue?

i ended up moving my tank (and adding one) forward and my battery (and adding one) forward to make room for a fuel cell, but i had the benefit of a slanted front, giving me extra room


LivinLite AZ

#6
Quote from: thudd3r on August 25, 2017, 01:36:06 AM
would you have enough room if you moved the battery back on the tongue against the camper from wall and them moved the tanks  back as well...leaving space for the generator near the front of the tongue?

i ended up moving my tank (and adding one) forward and my battery (and adding one) forward to make room for a fuel cell, but i had the benefit of a slanted front, giving me extra room


Nice mods thurr3r.

Love the fuel cell. Looks like you're geared to go! I have attached a pic of mine from the side. It's not an optimal angle to see what I'm working with, but I'll shoot one from a better orientation tomorrow. The 13s are great because there're so short, but not much room on the front to put stuff. Plus the curved bulkhead prevents any tall items from living there. Also, I have a friction anti sway bar on the passenger side with a bracket that must sit 24 inches from the coupler that creates interference with the dual propane tanks. Hence my unconventional rearrangement idea to accommodate my generator.

Thanks for sharing your cool setup!
   Steve
2014 Camplite 13QBB. TV = 2006 Porsche Cayenne Turbo

thudd3r

ahh...that side pic helps clear things up.  not a while lot of frame there in the front to play with

LivinLite AZ

Quote from: thudd3r on August 25, 2017, 10:05:56 PM
ahh...that side pic helps clear things up.  not a while lot of frame there in the front to play with

Never got around to shooting more pics today, but as you noted, not much front deck on mine. Compactness does have its tradeoffs.

: ) S
2014 Camplite 13QBB. TV = 2006 Porsche Cayenne Turbo