Generator Bed Mount Ideas

I searched the site and found nothing on this topic.

I’m considering options to mount a Yamaha EF2000iS generator (similar to the Honda EU 2200) in my bed for tailgating or? I was thinking about possibly using a “swing out” type mount that could also double to hold a tool/ammo box. Mount would be near the rear and when the tailgate is down, the mount with the generator/tool box on it would swing out. This might also allow for the usage of a tent or shell and could be swung back in and out of site if away from the truck. This would also make it easier on my older back to load and unload the generator. Also a secure place to hold it and lock it in. Just a thought.

Has anyone else mounted a generator like this or similarly? How do you secure your generator? If so, pics and details would be great. Thank you all.

 

I have a truck with a 6kw mounted in it. 4"x4"x8"x 1/4" steel angle stock on two sides of the frame with a 1" hole in the upright legs. Then, a semi floating 1" round steel bar over the generator frame and through the angle with a weld bead on the ends of the bar. When I need to remove the generator, I just chop the bar in half with a friction saw running off of the generator. Security hasn't been a problem.

 

WorkTrucksUSA has a sweet generator box. https://images.app.goo.gl/DvKYJqfET9p8PxcE9

 

https://images.app.goo.gl/cUfkB9WnM15JAHNM6

 

If you dont plan on leaving the generator in the bed permanently, I would look into fridge slides over a swing out type. Gen will slide straight out onto the tailgate giving you easy access when you need it. Just a thought.

 

One reason I have added a front receiver hitch on my Tundra is to eventually possibly mount a generator up front. Should keep the exhaust fumes and some noise away from me and my activities.

 

Another thought.... have you considered a dc-ac inverter. I use a 3500 watt one with my Tundra running sometimes when I need to run power tools and such. Pretty handy when you don't need full time juice.

 

I am considering an inverter. But thought a generator running might be a better option. Primarily sleeping while using a CPAP machine. Still trying to get my hands around that though.

 

I like what he is doing here. Ty for the vid! Has me thinking…

Good suggestion. However, I’m also trying to keep the bed for a fitted blowup mattress. I guess I should have posted that. This the “swing out idea.”

 

You could also add a little crane/hoist feature to a swing out so you could load and unload from/to a dolly or cart without risking back injury.

 

@Wallygator, Do you have any good solutions to share with regards to generator mounting and/or can you share a link to direct OP toward your secondary battery/charging set up. TIA, happy camping, and safe travels!

 

I put a 100 amp hour battery in my truck with an inverter. My charging is done with a Renogy DCC30S (LINK) which can accept solar as well as alternator inputs. I don't have solar yet but it is nice to have the capability in the future. I don't know how much power a CPAP machine uses but I used mine on a group camping trip and running a camp light pulling about 3 amps at 12V for around 10 hours total and charging 8 or 9 phones over the weekend I ended the weekend with 70% battery left and I never turned on my truck. (Also the math is not hard to size out a battery system if you know the draw)



All of my electrical is in this box that I built which loses me about 3 inches between the wheel wells. I have stuffed a lot more in the electrical section since the build picture. Also hard to see is the big relay that is buried that lets me run everything straight off the alternator as well should I choose.


(Edit for actual product page not the link to the user manual )

 

Whenever I think I have stopped being amazed by this site and the members, I read a post like this. WOW. Thank you for sharing. All good info and real life solutions that are working.

“A sword is just a sword, but in the hands of a capable warrior?”

Thank you for sharing.

 

If you are set on a generator then I feel @2mchfun ‘s idea of mounting to a front hitch receiver is genius. Keeps the exhaust and a little noise far away from you while sleeping. However if you are set on having it in the bed than @Mater ‘s suggestion of a slide out is definitely more practical than trying to fab up a swing out mount.

When camping off the grid I use a cpap but shut off the heater and use it in airplane mode so it uses as little energy as possible. I went with a solar and battery set up to accomplish my power needs and can also hook up to shore power. On shore power the cpap is used like at home. You can see the system in my build thread, link below in sig.
It is not perfect or without challenges at times, especially when the sun hides.
And with a fridge running 24/7 I don’t think I could stay off grid in one spot for three or more days and not run out of juice. The only time I do that sort of camping is when I have shore power available so I have not tested this out yet. I also need to add a dc-dc charger so more expense is needed. Then could just run the engine and be off grid until gas is needed in the truck. Also could also add another battery but again more money.
With all that said, going with a generator is going to be a lot more economical than a system like mine.
But you have the noise and exhaust fumes with a generator. If the noise is no issue than IMO go with it, mount it away from where you sleep, and get out there and enjoy.