Generator rack is finished

[johndeerefarmer]

Here are the generator rack pixs as promised with more in the next post. The receiver hitch on the GD's are rated for 300 lbs. I unbolted mine, took it in the shop and added two more Curt receiver tubes to it. The Lippert receiver tube is butted up against the main tube and then supported with a piece of flat strap on top and angle underneath. To save weight and be as strong or stronger I cut a hole and inserted my receivers into the main tube. I then welded everything. The tricky part is making sure the tubes stay parallel as you weld.
You can also see the "set screws" that I added to keep the rack from bouncing up and down. I used 2x2x3/16" for the project. Because of my previous experience with the rack on my Columbus- it dragged the ground several times. I put a 6" offset in mine to raise it up. Mitering all of the cuts was more work but it turned out good. I actually drew the whole rack out on the shop floor in full size. Then as I cut each piece I could lay it on the drawing and make sure it was correct. Building the rack was also a little tricky as several times the welds warped it enough that it would no longer slide into the receiver tubes, so I had to cut loose some welds and do it again

The two receiver tubes and the rack weigh about 80 lbs. My Yamaha 4500W weighs 194 lbs so I am under the 300 lbs. I did not weld on the frame or modify it in anyway so as to avoid voiding my warranty. Also if I get another RV down the road I can adapt this to fit it. I set the Yamaha on the rack yesterday and fired it up. It does create vibrations down the frame rails all across the living area. As you step up into the bedroom you can't feel them. It's way quieter and less vibration than the Onan that was under the bed in my toyhauler.
Now I have to get a rubber mat for underneath the generator to see if I can dampen the vibration any. For now I will just secure it with two ratchet straps and a security cable ( as well as a locking receiver hitch pin). Later I will make some steel straps to secure it from moving and theft. For now I will also just run the power cord around to the side. Later on I will install a transfer switch and additional receptacle at the back so the genny can stay connected all of the time.

This rack is also big enough that my Honda EU7000 will fit if I remove the two wheels. So I have the capability if I need it.

To me the weak point of the project is the small 3/16" angle iron (which is not solid welded to the frame). At some point, especially if I decide to carry the Honda I will replace this with 1/4" angle. For now to keep the frame warranty intake it will stay like this.

Got any questions let me know.

[johndeerefarmer]

[johndeerefarmer]

[SkiSmuggs]

Excellent work!

[johndeerefarmer]

Excellent work!

Thanks. Sometimes growing up on a farm is advantageous.

[LCBoyer]

Wow! You do good Work for a green guy!!

[Paul & Deb]

Nicely done for sure. You're a man with a certain set of skills I'm impressed, I wish I could weld.

[johndeerefarmer]

Thanks guys. Growing up on the farm I followed my dad around and watched him fix everything- from plumbing, electrical, welding carpentry, to HVAC. I then went to college and added Electronics and computer maintenance to my list of skills. Not too much that I won't tackle and that's a good thing, as us Germans are known to be frugal.

BTW From 1942-1995 we were "red tractor guys" then in '95 turned green and been that way ever since.

[Canyonlight]

JDF--this German says nicely done too !!!.......I know where I am coming to get mine done My father-in-law is and his dad was Green as well. One brother-in-law is green but another brother-in-law not so much. He with a good size (for this part of the country) three family operation, switches among green, red, Cat mustard......whatever meets the current and proforma numbers work the best and meets the farming needs.

Dan

[Mrhavasu]

Nice job, my welding skills need some help. Thanks for sharing.