Bumper generator tray

Looks like the 196 has a 5" C channel frame that runs the the entire length. It could be a box frame, not sure since the bottom is enclosed, but I would doubt that FR would use box tubing. With the rear kitchen and pantry area, maybe the frame is a little more robust in that area? I know these models did not exist more than a couple years ago, so maybe there have been some changes over time.

Originally posted by offgrid I have an SUV and keep my generator in a cookies sheet in the cargo area, as far forward as possible. Works fine.

offgrid: I enjoy reading and following your posts since having a 2015 Rpod 179 towed by a 2020 Grand Jeep Cherokee (6cyl) w/trailer package (having a 6200 tow capacity), somewhat exceeding your SUV Highlander. I have an inverter generator (50 pounds) and also have concerns re tongue weight. Question 1: What do you mean by generator in/on a cookie sheet within the cargo area of your Highlander? 2. What's a cookie sheet? 3. What about smell of gasoline should the generator be within the SUV or positioned in trailer near tongue? 4. You're a boondocker - Do you carry a small portable fuel can for gasoline? If so, where do you carry it? 5. Perhaps not tongue weight, I intend removing bicycle front wheels (2 bikes) and carrying in SUV cargo area. Yes, I have a Fastway E2 Equalizer Hitch. Haven't carried this stuff before and am cautious. Without these items, the trailer pulls nice and quite doable with the SUV, as you often say about your Highlander.

offgrid: Thanks for reply. Yes, I know a cookie sheet. I now recall you converting your generator to propane. Forgot about that post. I cannot do with my Westinghouse iGen2600 received as gift. Re my gasoline question: I thought about a one gallon, quality metal can mounted next to the single battery on the tongue. Strapped securely, I don't see a problem. I'm in a dilemma where to put the generator. Not on the rear bumper for sure. Comments?

Stromberg-Carlsen Trailer Tray is a good option for the smaller generators. Not so for the larger ones. They are too big and heavy to lift up to there.

Dengle, before adding a generator and rack on the tongue you should get the tongue weight of what you have already. That should include full propane and water in the fresh water tank if you plan to carry that. With water in my fwt and water heater, a single full propane cylinder, and my (very heavy) dual batteries, I had to remove everything heavy from my storage compartment and shift other supplies rearward to get my tongue weight down to 500 lbs, which is my Hilanders max.

Your Grand Cherokee is probably rated for 620 lbs (most are set at 10% of max trailer weight) but check your manual.

Almost all the generator and rack weight is going to get added to the tongue weight so once you have your current tongue weight you can calculate about where you'd end up

Your wdh doesn't change any of your max vehicle ratings, but it needs to be able to the loads put on it, which includes both the trailer tongue and stuff it's lifting in the back of the Jeep, so I think 600 lbs is going to wind up being a bit too light for what you are considering. But wait and see what your tongue weight is.

There are a couple of ways to get your tongue weight. One is to buy a tongue scale, Sherline makes the one mist folks here use. Or you can go through a public scale, once with and once without the trailer, and subtract the Jeep total weight from the second weighing from the combined weight of the Jeeps two axles (trailer axle not on the scale) from the first run. Be sure your wdh is untensioned or it will throw off your measurements. Leave it on the Jeep for the second run, and put the bars in the back of the Jeep.

On other caution. While the weakest place on the trailer frame is just behind the axle, the second weakest is right about where the a frame attaches to the frame rails. It's not as close there so you have some headroom, but adding extra load at that point, whether batteries, water, generator, or yanking down on the frame with the wdh bars all add up and at some point that will become a problem area too. Basically rpods are lightly constructed trailers and there's no real good place to add heavy stuff to them without having issues.