Lantley
Ellicott City, Maryland
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Joined: 08/23/2005
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Seems like it took me forever but my Gen Box is now installed. I had a welder replace the standard OEM bumper with a 3/16 steel bumper. He also extended the bumper and created a 24” platform to mount Gen Box onto.
I then mounted Gen Box to the platform using ½” eye bolts and ratchet straps. I now have a semi permanent 4300 watt generator installed on my TT. My Subaru 4300is genset is enclosed in the Gen Box and can remain inside a locked compartment 24/7. However the genset can easily be removed by taking off the Ratchet straps and lifting genset out of Gen Box. It does take 2 people to lift genset out of box. Empty genset weighs 163 lbs. 4.2 gallons of gas adds another 50 lbs.?
First impressions are good. The Gen Box has a built in fan that attaches to the 12 volt output of the genset. When the key is turned to start the genset (electric start), the fan automatically starts. The genset ran the A/C from inside the Gen Box with no problems. The box became plenty warm but not hot enough to be an issue. I ran genset about an hour on the initial test.
As always the platform is larger than I envisioned. I would also prefer spare tire to be mounted closer to rear of TT on inside portion of platform not on outer edge. That is a minor issue that I may correct myself. The platform is heavy and weighs about 175- 200 lbs. All in all I added about 425 lbs to the rear of the TT. Interesting how these post seem to overlap, but there was just a thread concerning the need for a Sherline tongue scale. I used my tongue scale to check the effects of the weight I added to the TT. Before the genset platform install my tongue weight was 1400 lbs. plus. After installing the platform I measured 1,150 lbs. Filling my fresh tank lowered my tongue weight to 975 lbs. Less than 1000 pounds. Also my loaded weight came in at 11,040 lbs. I had several issues. First I needed to shed at least a 150 lbs. So I went through the TT and removed anything of any weight that I had not used. I Quickly came up with and E-Z up canopy, a few cordless tools, hammock, chairs, blender, wood blocks etc. Found 200 lbs or so pretty quick. Next I moved all the heavy stuff to the front storage area. I tried to keep only light weight stuff behind the rear wheels. In the end my TW came up to 1200 lbs with a full fresh tank. My goal is 1300 lbs. of TW. I can achieve my goal by emptying my fresh tank. My loaded weight is right at my 10,892 lbs. limit. Keep in mind; I carry 150 lbs. of Porta–Bote, a 9.9 hp outboard motor, plus fuel for the outboard.
Prior to installing the Gen Box and platform I read a lot of post on the matter. I PM’d a few members and I tried to determine the feasibility of the install. I looked mostly at TTs; 5’ers have a totally different dynamic so I limited my research to TTs.
There were several members who have successfully attached gensets motorcycles and other items to the rear of their TTs. A few members advised me not to do it. Many were curious as to the outcome. Now that I have the platform I am happy so far. But truthfully the verdict is not in just yet. How well my TT holds up over time will determine if I’m successful with my genset quest. The added weight to rear of the TT is for real. Unless you have a full frame TT with a heavy 1300 lbs. to 1400 lbs.+ TW to start with. I would advise not to do it. You can really notice the see saw effect of the heavy rear. If your rig is a light weight or reduced weight model I would advise not to do it. If you want to try to add 400 lbs. to your rear be sure to invest in a Sherline tongue scale. Lastly my GVW is now pushing 11K. Be sure your TV can pull the added weight. My heaviness is not solely the result of the Gen Box but the platform with genset adds a quick 400 lbs to the CCC.
Now that I have the genset, my travels will be different. No more fast foods and negotiating various parking lots. I plan to pull into rest areas and take advantage of having a rolling condo. Fuel stops can be food stops etc. Wal-Mart over nights are now air conditioned. I may do some wintertime trips to the local ski resorts and casinos. I can just park on the outskirts of there lots and hangout for the weekend. I will add an additional CO detector the rear of the TT and enjoy all the pleasures of RV’ing wherever I am.
For the next few trips I plan to watch my weights very carefully. I am within my limits, but I need to pay close attention to my GVW and my TW. Upcoming Trips through the mountains will let me know how well my rig handles with the added rear weight. Enough for now. Check out the photos
01 PSD X,06 Trailvision 31BHDS Edge Evolution
4"exhaust,AFE,C-Betr,Tornado
Firestone air bags,TomTom,Atwood 3500
Hensley,Prodigy,exhaust brake,Swift Hitch
14'PortaBote9.9hp,6"PVC,Thule,Combi-Cam
Toppoprails,Bodiak,Sherline,Maxx Air
Subaru 4300is w/Gen Box
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BurbMan
Long Island, NY
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Joined: 09/20/2001
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Hey Lantley, that's a sweet install! Wish I had your $$$.....Good luck with it and happy camping. FWIW, the Hensley is much less sensitive to tongue weight than traditional WD hitches. While it's good to use the Sherline and know what you've got, I wouldn't worry about the tongue being too light, that even helps in the GVWR dept of the Excursion. My install was less complicated, my itty-bitty 2000 only weighs in at 46 lbs. Although having that remote start so you can start the genny from inside is really luxury...
I thought about adding an Onan with remote start, but unfortunately not in my budget anytime soon.
As an aside, I would consider adding rear tail lights to the back of that rack in place of the static refelctors....that thing sticks out far enough that it would be warranted IMO. Should be easy enough to do, just tap into the tail light son the back of the TT.
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JJBIRISH
Butler, PA, USA
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Joined: 10/06/2002
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looks good even though I am one that don't agree with this...
it looks like you run your bumper mounts are about 18" up the frame rails... that is enough to hold the 400# no problem... my main concern is and always has been closer to the axles, and hope it is a non issue for you... my other concern is shifting weight farther away from the axles... this changes the handling geometry of the unit... this is true even if not adding weight but moving it to the extreme ends...
the example I like to use is to hold a broom stick in the center and hang a one pound weight near both sides of your hand and rotate back and forth... its easy... now move the two weights to the ends of the stick and feel how hard it is to rotate and change directions... it wouldn't make much difference if the stick was 30' long as long as the weight is near the grip point, but if you moved the weights 15' out you would have almost no control...
I wish you all the luck and success with your trailer... pay special attention to the slide operation... if it just sounds different I would do more checking and do visual inspections of the frame rails at or near the rear and front spring hanger areas often...
Love my mass produced, entry level, built by Lazy American Workers, Hornet
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Adam-12
Northern CA
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Joined: 03/11/2008
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JJBIRISH wrote:this changes the handling geometry of the unit... this is true even if not adding weight but moving it to the extreme ends...
the example I like to use is to hold a broom stick in the center and hang a one pound weight near both sides of your hand and rotate back and forth... its easy... now move the two weights to the ends of the stick and feel how hard it is to rotate and change directions... it wouldn't make much difference if the stick was 30' long as long as the weight is near the grip point, but if you moved the weights 15' out you would have almost no control...
I agree here. It' like when one calculates the wieght & balance formulas for airplanes, many people forget that trailers have a concern for balance as well.
I believe the issue with the generator weight/balance is called "arm." Changing the "arm" even just a by moving the load as little as an inch or two (forward or backwards from the axels) can change EVERYTHING! Driving and safety characteristics MAY be affected by the addition of the generator & platform.
Although, wish you the best of luck and success with your new set up. It does look marvelous. Very clean and professional looking.
2008 Silverado 2500HD Duramax/Allison DIESEL/4x4/CC/Z71
2008 33ft. TT/BH-Super Slider
Parallel Honda EU2000i's
Yaesu 857d
Dipoles/random wire/tuners
Fishing equip.
Quads
Life member: NRA
ALCOHOL 
TOBACCO 
&
FIREARMS!
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JJBIRISH
Butler, PA, USA
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Joined: 10/06/2002
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Adam-12 wrote:JJBIRISH wrote:
2008 Silverado 2500HD DMAX/ALLISON/4x4/CC/Z71/locking rear
9000lb. Mile Marker Winch
2008 33ft. BHS
Reese WD
Integrated GM brake controller
2 Honda EU2000i parallel gens
The misses + rug rats
Yaesu 857d/LDG-200pro/random wire
Quads
Beer
BEER... is that the dog???
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Peg Leg
Anderson, IN
Senior Member
Joined: 06/20/2004
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Here's how I mounted my spare. I bought a spare tire hoist just like the one on my truck. The spare's always out of the way and accessable any time it's needed.
KA9ATV
K2500 7.4 3.73
Michelin 245/70R19.5 XDS2 on Vision Type 81's
31' Dutchmen
Yamaha EF3000iSE
retired gadgetman
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Peg Leg
Anderson, IN
Senior Member
Joined: 06/20/2004
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I see all the comments for the pics didn't get pasted. I clamped all the pieces under the trailer so I could adjust the position before tack welding. I drilled the access hole, deburred, painted and lined it with some clear oxygen tubing I had on hand. The square tubing provides 3 contact points to keep the spare from wobbling or moving in the up position.
I inserted the lowering rod for alignment. Access is between the rear steps and it works in either the up or down position. After fine tuning the location I tack welded it and used wet rags to protect the fiber membrane and the holding tanks. I removed the assembly and welded, primed and painted. I then welded it to the trailer.
I lift the spare with the valve stem pointed down so I can check the pressure easily.
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Wildwilly101
Central PA
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Joined: 01/31/2006
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Howdy,
Looks great, however keep a close eye on your trailer frame rails. I had a couple buddys do that mod and cracked their trailer frame. That weight gets pretty extreme when bouncing.
W.W.
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