Bumper generator tray
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14527
Printed Date: 06 May 2024 at 2:18am
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Topic: Bumper generator tray
Posted By: Colonel Podder
Subject: Bumper generator tray
Date Posted: 08 Apr 2021 at 3:54pm
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I found what looks like a possible solution to my generator transportation issues. I have an SUV and really not much room for a generator. I also have a high percentage of tongue weight and could use some weight moved to the rear. So, I have been looking at options. The Mount-n-lock GennyGo generator rack looks interesting. With this rack and generator the total added weight would be around 92-112lb range with the larger generators I am considering. (3000-4000 watts). They also make a product to add support to the factory bumper, which helps with the added weight, "SafetyStruts Heavy Duty Bumper Brackets". My other option would be a 2500w generator and soft start for the A/C, and this generator be transported in my SUV. But I really like the option above for the extra wattage, and for the reason of not taking up space in the SUV. Anyone care to share your thoughts or experiences? Thanks! https://mount-n-lock.com/index.php - mount-n-lock.com ------------- 2021 R-pod 196 |
Replies:
Posted By: podwerkz
Date Posted: 08 Apr 2021 at 4:15pm
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Does your r-pod have the square bumper? My 171 does not. ------------- r･pod 171 gone but not forgotten! |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 08 Apr 2021 at 8:24pm
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It won't work. The RPods do not have a square rear bumper to which it could be clamped. The stock factory hitch won't take that kind of stress. You don't want your generator bouncing down the highway. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: Colonel Podder
Date Posted: 08 Apr 2021 at 8:27pm
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Podwerkz, ------------- 2021 R-pod 196 |
Posted By: Bounder
Date Posted: 08 Apr 2021 at 8:58pm
While I would always be VERY cautious about putting much weight on it, my 2021 196 has a square rear bumper of the industry standard size. It's how it is attached to the rather minimal rear frame that give me pause... ------------- Bounder 2021 196 Hood River |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 08 Apr 2021 at 10:04pm
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Okay. I stand corrected. What does the documentation or label for the bumper say about weight capacity? I have not seen the 196, so I can't say. My 179 does not have a square bumper. It has no bumper, just the hitch and spare tire carrier mounted in it. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 09 Apr 2021 at 6:45am
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There is more to the weight issue than just balancing tongue weight or having a sufficiently strong bumper. The trailer frame itself is not engineered to add heavy stuff back there. I checked the loading calcs and it's weakest point is the rear of the axle attachment bracket. It is quite marginal as it is, and at least one member here has had a frame failure at that point.
I have an SUV and keep my generator in a cookies sheet in the cargo area, as far forward as possible. Works fine. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: Colonel Podder
Date Posted: 09 Apr 2021 at 7:10am
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I could chose to remove certain items from the TV to create space. But, that is just one of the issues. When dry camping in a parking lot overnight, I may need the generator to run the A/C, and the only way to get to it would be to unhook the trailer in order to open the rear hatch. Not sure I want to do this in a parking lot, or for a one night stay. I just can't imagine that the rear structure of the 196 will not support another 100lbs. I do realize that the 100lbs would create more force over bumps, but the COG of the added load would only be 5" past the bumper. The frame appears to be made of 4x2 square steel, and the bumper 4x4. But I'm sure it is fairly thin metal.
There are no stickers about a suggested weight or weight limit on the bumper.
------------- 2021 R-pod 196 |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 09 Apr 2021 at 7:51am
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Because there isn't a sticker doesn't mean there aren't limits, of course there are.
The frame is a cantilever structure supported by the axle attachment There is in addition a moment applied by the torsion axle at that same point. So when your trailer axle goes over a bump you get the combination of the two trying to bend the frame at that spot. I did the load calcs on the frame and torsion axle loads (with nothing additional on the bumper) and got a safety factor under 2g at yield. 2g is not much of a bump load, most guidance is to design for around 3g or even higher. Rpods are lightly constructed, to be generous. The calcs were posted a couple of years back, you could do a search for then if you wanted to. And we have had one at least failin bending there. That was for the 179, don't know what it would be for your trailer. Of course, you can do what you want, just be aware of the risk involved. Or, you can reinforce the frame in the axle attachment area, I've been v thinkig about doing that myself. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: john in idaho
Date Posted: 09 Apr 2021 at 9:04am
| look at a product called 'Jack E Up". I have used one for several years. It allows one to take the trailer jack off of the front and allows the tailgate to open. One can also step across the tongue easier . Jack stores in the compartment when underway. |
Posted By: Colonel Podder
Date Posted: 09 Apr 2021 at 9:16am
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Thanks for the opinions and comments, not sure what I will do, just researching and thinking through things. I do have a welder and have the ability to do some welding, but would rather not, at my age these things are harder to do. Thanks again! ------------- 2021 R-pod 196 |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 09 Apr 2021 at 11:39am
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I think that FR gets the frames made by Lippert. At least they used to. ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: Dengle
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2021 at 6:58am
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. ------------- 2015 Rpod 179 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee,V6 w/tow package |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2021 at 7:37am
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Thanks Dengle.
A cookie sheet or pan is a just a flat aluminum pan with a little lip used to bake cookies. It will catch any oil drips from the generator, it also provides a slippery surface so it's easy to slide the generator around in the back of the SUV. I side it to the front of the cargo area and strap it. I solve the stinky gas and gas can problem by not using gasoline. I converted my Honda 2k to propane and run that. There is already propane on the tongue so one less thing to drag around. You can carry a second propane cylinder as well if you want to. Engine burns clean and carb never gets gummed up. I think you should be fine with your tow vehicle, but I always suggest you load everything up and get actual weights to compare with your specs. That way you have a known good baseline to work from. If you do a search I have written up a procedure to do that at a public scale, and a link to an online calculator which will keep track of all your limiting weights as well as let you play with your wdh settings. Often as a taxpayer you can get your weights for free at your county waste transfer station. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: Dengle
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2021 at 7:57am
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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? ------------- 2015 Rpod 179 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee,V6 w/tow package |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2021 at 8:05am
The mid sized rpods use a 4x2X0.1 inch box tube. Box tubes are a very strong shape which lets FR get away with using such a thin wall. But it's really quite marginal, and attaching a torsion axle to it doesn't help. A leaf spring axle would put much less bending stress on it. The important figure of merit for calculating beam stress is the section modulus which is 1.22 in^3 for the 4x2 box tube. Bigger is better and it's linear, meaning that if you double the section modulus the stress is cut in half. If you wanted to compare that to the 5 inch C channel you would need to know the flange depth and thickness. Then you could use this calculator: https://amesweb.info/section/c-channel-section-properties-calculator.aspx Of course the 196 is a bigger heavier trailer which needs a stronger shape just to carry it's load, so you wouldn't get to take all of any additional frame capacity to support stuff hanging off the rear. What I would do to reinforce the frame at the axle attachment on my 179 is to remove the 3.5 inch riser and weld on about 3 ft sections of the same 4x2 tube under the existing tube. That way I'd end up at about the same height but with a much stronger frame (about 4x stronger actually) at that weakest spot. The stresses drop off quickly to the front and rear of the axle attachment so there's no need to run the reinforcement very far. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2021 at 4:55pm
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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. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: Dengle
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2021 at 7:12pm
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[QUOTE=StephenH] Stromberg-Carlsen Trailer Tray is a good option for the smaller generators...
StephenH: Trailer Tray is remaining option. Its weight is 63 pounds. With generator and one gallon gas can, we're looking at 125 approx. My Fastway 92-00-0600 e2 Trunnion Hitch rated at 600 pounds would allow if trailer loaded properly. Offgrid (I think) once posted the liking of about 500 pounds tongue weight on his Highlander tow vehicle. With a single battery and 20 pound size propane tank, perhaps this is feasible. Thanks. ------------- 2015 Rpod 179 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee,V6 w/tow package |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2021 at 7:15am
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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. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: Olddawgsrule
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2021 at 7:19am
This is the stress point OG refers to. I can attest to it being real! ------------- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJduGeZNFgtptH67leItRFQ - Byways no Highways 2017 Tacoma http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=72408 - Truck Camper Build 2004 F150 My Overlander |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2021 at 7:25am
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'zactly
------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: Dengle
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2021 at 8:17am
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Offgrid & Olddawsrule: Thanks for input. Ordered Sherline 1000 yesterday (prior to your post). Offgrid, you've discussed tow vehicle & trailer weight calculations so many times you'd be super rich at one cent each. I'll reconsider the generator idea and perhaps be more practical. Boondocking, unless necessary is no longer on my wife's bucket list, though avid tent campers previously. On the Rpod, I usually store the Rdome, telescoping ladder, folding chairs under the 179's forward bed. Tools etc. fill the cargo area at the tongue. Bikes would go in cargo area of SUV. Carried bikes once on trailer receiver (without incident), having to place spare trailer tire in SUV. Will no longer do this based upon knowledge learned on this Forum. I'll deal with my dilemma, make reasonable decisions and surely have good times. Again, my appreciation. ------------- 2015 Rpod 179 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee,V6 w/tow package |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2021 at 12:50pm
Dengle, you're right about the weight stuff. 
I moved all my tools, tent, chairs, and ladder to the SUV to get the tongue weight down to 500. About the only things left in my storage area are the plastic levelling blocks, the jack crank, and the coax cable for my cell antenna. Nothing under the bed except a couple pair of hiking boots. The weight is in the water, batteries, propane, and 8 inch mattress. Re the generator, if your Sherline tells you you're getting heavier than you want to be on the tongue, maybe sell the Westinghouse genny on CL and get a dual fuel or convertible one that won't stink up your SUV. It would be a shame to have to give up on boondocking or camping in undeveloped state and federal campgrounds. Just a thought..... ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: Dengle
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2021 at 1:30pm
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Offgrid: Agreed. Yea, son-in-law thought I needed an inverter generator, though I never even suggested or discussed - let alone gasoline vs. propane. I would have held back from purchase, but hard saying no to a gift horse. Both he and our son own pick-up trucks and both have taken the Rpod out (once each). The gasoline generator would be a no issue for them. Not many on Forum disclose pulling Rpods with SUVs of medium size, like your Highlander and my Grand Cherokee. Just didn't want something bigger for local transportation. Probably should have held out for V8, but sometimes the "urge" gets the best of you. Guess my post has expanded beyond the subject of tongue weight and generator trays. Got the answers though. ------------- 2015 Rpod 179 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee,V6 w/tow package |