Generator A-Frame for 21C

[DT6]

We currently have a 19 but have a 21C on order. We do not plan to get the front window so we are looking into the possibility of mounting our Honda 2200 generator on top of the propane tanks using an A-Frame similar to the one shown by the link below.

My question is has anyone found a way to have a generator mount like this and also have a storage box? It does not have to be the one that you can buy from Escape (although we like that one) and can be smaller, but I don't see how we get by without some some storage box.

Worst case I guess I keep carrying the generator in the back of the truck, but wanted to give this idea some thought before finalizing our order here in the next month or two.

"https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Cargo-Ca...tails=.reviews"

[JeffinBC]

Here are a couple of photos from my 21C. I don't think the Stromberg would fit with the standard box because the uprights would contact the propane tank cover (if I'm understanding the installation correctly). A smaller box would presumably allow you to set the rack further aft.

[DT6]

Thanks Jeff. That looks almost identical to our 19, and I agree the standard Escape box will likely not work with any A-frame that is installed to hold a generator. An ideal solution for this is probably a long shot, but still worth exploring.

[Ron in BC]

What are you carrying at the rear of the trailer?

If nothing besides the spare tire why not under mount it at the front and carry the generator in a box mounted in the rear receiver?

Ron

[Eggscape]

I made a simple slide in the rear of the truck. I can just pull it out into clear air for operation. This way it is locked to and in the the truck…out of sight out of mind. It also says clean and is available at the cabin for when we go there.

[sofmerc]

Originally Posted by Eggscape

I made a simple slide in the rear of the truck. I can just pull it out into clear air for operation. This way it is locked to and in the the truck…out of sight out of mind. It also says clean and is available at the cabin for when we go there.

nice setup!

[DT6]

I think the back bumper would need reinforcement as it is only rated to 100 pounds. Granted the generator is less than that and likely still less than 100 pounds (maybe) inside an enclosure. Unfortunately I've heard of a lot of horror stores where bikes, boxes, etc. come off the back because of a rear bumper failure.

Has anyone on the forum reinforced the rear bumper to take more weight?

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by DT6

I think the back bumper would need reinforcement as it is only rated to 100 pounds. Granted the generator is less than that and likely still less than 100 pounds (maybe) inside an enclosure. Unfortunately I've heard of a lot of horror stores where bikes, boxes, etc. come off the back because of a rear bumper failure.

Has anyone on the forum reinforced the rear bumper to take more weight?

Good grief, where do these stories come from? Is there any Escape that has had the rear receiver fall off? Lot's of dumb folks have had bike racks etc. come off the back of vehicles but that's a whole other story.

If you're really worried about that aspect it's easy to have two extra receivers welded on like Jim B. He carries a monster box with two bikes on top.

In my case, after deducting the weight of the spare and adding my box with "stuff" my net weight gain was about 25 lbs.

I built the box to hold bulky stuff, not because I couldn't carry it in the back of my truck but because it's frequently used stuff and so much more convenient to access.

As a bonus I discovered that the top matched my spare portable solar panel. So I made quick release clips for it. Even when travelling it's hooked up and while not in an ideal location is still providing some output depending on orientation.

Ron

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

Good grief, where do these stories come from? Is there any Escape that has had the rear receiver fall off?
Ron

Seems to be confusion between the rear receiver and the rear bumper.

[sofmerc]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Seems to be confusion between the rear receiver and the rear bumper.

I agree..they aren't the same

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Seems to be confusion between the rear receiver and the rear bumper.

Originally Posted by sofmerc

I agree..they aren't the same

I agree. The receiver is the receiver and the bumper is the bumper. When they're welded together it's kind of a moot point.

BTW, the receiver has a 150# rating.

Ron

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by DT6

I think the back bumper would need reinforcement as it is only rated to 100 pounds. Granted the generator is less than that and likely still less than 100 pounds (maybe) inside an enclosure. Unfortunately I've heard of a lot of horror stores where bikes, boxes, etc. come off the back because of a rear bumper failure.

Have you heard of this in Escapes, or just other brands? Some other brands have pretty flimsy bumpers.

The receiver rating may have more to do with trailer stability than structural strength. No matter how strong the structure might be made, the trailer will not be stable with excessive mass attached to the back.

[emers382]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

Have you heard of this in Escapes, or just other brands? Some other brands have pretty flimsy bumpers.

The receiver rating may have more to do with trailer stability than structural strength. No matter how strong the structure might be made, the trailer will not be stable with excessive mass attached to the back.

Yes but with the exception of the 5.0. Look at Jim B.'s big rear storage box.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by emers382

Yes but with the exception of the 5.0. Look at Jim B.'s big rear storage box.

The 5.0 is just bigger, has more forward mass distribution, and is connected to the tow vehicle at a more stable point - the mass on the rear is still undesirable, but you can get away with more.

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

The 5.0 is just bigger, has more forward mass distribution, and is connected to the tow vehicle at a more stable point - the mass on the rear is still undesirable, but you can get away with more.

And that's what's nice about moving the spare from the rear to under the tongue.

70# from the rear now up front gives you a bit of leeway for adding mass to the rear.

Ron

[DT6]

The reports of things falling off the back bumper are from various reviews I've read about accessories for the back bumper. They were not Escape specific.

In any event, the only place I really wanted to put it was over the propane tanks, but it does not look possible unless I can find a smaller storage box that will allow the shelf to be installed over it.

The generator fits fine in the back of the truck, so it is not the end of the world, just one more thing to move around if it is needed.

Thanks for the comments.

[Rockhead]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

And that's what's nice about moving the spare from the rear to under the tongue.

70# from the rear now up front gives you a bit of leeway for adding mass to the rear.

Ron

Hey Ron, about how much does your setup weight

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by DT6

We currently have a 19 but have a 21C on order. We do not plan to get the front window so we are looking into the possibility of mounting our Honda 2200 generator on top of the propane tanks using an A-Frame similar to the one shown by the link below.

My question is has anyone found a way to have a generator mount like this and also have a storage box? It does not have to be the one that you can buy from Escape (although we like that one) and can be smaller, but I don't see how we get by without some some storage box.

What you need is the over-the-propane generator shelf made by Orbital Machine Works. Trouble is I’m not sure if they are available anymore.
https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...elf-11151.html

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by Rockhead

Hey Ron, about how much does your setup weight

I posted the numbers when I posted the mod but I forget the exact numbers. All I remember is the difference in weight, with the spare moved forward was pretty minor. Of course that could change with how it's loaded. The stuff that I carry is bulky but not very heavy. I could carry my generator but I hate generators so I save it for home emergency use only.

It's based on an Ericsson cargo carrier, aluminum frame with a steel tube that goes into the receiver. The box is semi-monocoque construction. It's light aluminum sheet and gets it's strength from the round corners. So overall weight isn't all that much.

Ron

[Rockhead]

Very nice set up might have to copy it. Yea more welding ughhhhhhh lol