Generator Platform for Trailer

admin

This is preliminary and I'm trying to get an idea of what gauge material to use.I want to make a platform behind my travel trailer to hold my generator.specifics:     generator weight: 160 lbs   extra gas can: 45 lbs   maybe some other stuff: 50 lbs   I'll guess 75 lbs for the platform    trailer frame is 2.5"x10"x3/16" I-beam    frame rails are 68 " apart   the trailer frame already has mounting brackets (would fit 2.5" tubing perfectly) that I can bolt onto. 39" apart, welded to the I-Beam, one at the end   cantilever out 9" beyond the back frame rail/mounting bracket to avoid the welded-on back bumper   load is 17" wide, so centered about 8.5" beyond the upright behind the bumper so 17 " beyond the back mounting bracket .I'm thinking 2.5" sq x  .120 wall or so for the frame should do it ?sorry, I'm working on some pics.. -frieedjust to clarify, I'd be mounting to two frame rails 68" apart, not a single center rail.Last edited by frieed; 09-01-2014 at 09:48 PM.MillerMatic 252, HTP 221 w/cooler, Hypertherm PM45, Lincoln IdealArc 250 AC/DC"I'd like to believe as many true things and as few false things as possible"
Reply:I just built one of these for my neighbor's new trailer. He's gone camping for a week but I'll get pics when he gets back. It also carries the spare tire and folds up to a vertical position when the genset is not needed.Miller 211Miller T-bolt ac/dcVictor o/aMilwaukee ChopsawDewalt, Milwaukee minigrinderDelta drill pressDelta bench grinderair grinder, die grinderHF pipe benderHF horizontal bandsaw
Reply:sweet..Can't wait to see the pics and specsMillerMatic 252, HTP 221 w/cooler, Hypertherm PM45, Lincoln IdealArc 250 AC/DC"I'd like to believe as many true things and as few false things as possible"
Reply:Forget it.The trailer's frame won't tolerate that much live load aft of the axle.You can freely add weight between the hitch and the axle, if you add some compensating weight aft of the axle to keep the tongue weight reasonable.150 lbs of genset plus 70 lbs of platform will leave you with negative tongue weight.I planned the same idea right after I purchased my travel trailer in 2009. It's not practical to concentrate that much weight so far from the axle. Look at where the genset and water tanks are placed from the factory. Then you will understand how the pros solved the problem.Be wary of The Numbers: Figures don't lie,. but liars can figure.Welders:2008 Lincoln 140 GMAW&FCAW2012 HF 165 'toy' GTAW&SMAW1970's Cobbled together O/A
Reply:220 lbs 6 1/2' behind the axle will negate 900 lbs 16' in front of the axle ?????Last edited by frieed; 09-02-2014 at 12:18 AM.MillerMatic 252, HTP 221 w/cooler, Hypertherm PM45, Lincoln IdealArc 250 AC/DC"I'd like to believe as many true things and as few false things as possible"
Reply:Originally Posted by frieed220 lbs 6 1/2' behind the axle will negate 900 lbs 16' in front of the axle ?????
Reply:this just in from Jayco customer service...Good Afternoon Eric,Thank you for contacting Jayco customer service.  There is a bike rack/cargo tray that is available for your unit.  The maximum weight is 250lbs.  I hope you find this information helpful.  If you are looking for those parts, they can be purchased through your local Jayco dealer. If  you are needing further assistance please let us know.Sincerely,Lisa LuceCustomer Service SpecialistWarranty/TechnicalJayco, Inc.Looks like I'm good to go on weight...And if it adversely affects trailer handling, I will certainly move the generator back to the truck bed....Last edited by frieed; 09-02-2014 at 12:59 PM.MillerMatic 252, HTP 221 w/cooler, Hypertherm PM45, Lincoln IdealArc 250 AC/DC"I'd like to believe as many true things and as few false things as possible"
Reply:Originally Posted by frieedLooks like I'm good to go on weight...And if it adversely affects trailer handling, I will certainly move the generator back to the truck bed....
Reply:Sorry about my negativity earlier. My attempt was on an 18' 2165 lbs trailer. The loads weren't worth it.I just settled on propane and 12VDC to power everything.Be wary of The Numbers: Figures don't lie,. but liars can figure.Welders:2008 Lincoln 140 GMAW&FCAW2012 HF 165 'toy' GTAW&SMAW1970's Cobbled together O/A
Reply:Originally Posted by BistineauOr you could add a corresponding amount of weight in the front of the trailer to compensate, like some of your foodstuffs or a loaded ice chest on the floor near the front. I'm not talking out on the tongue either.
Reply:Originally Posted by frieedsweet..Can't wait to see the pics and specs
Reply:More....By the way.... this is on a 32" tandem axle trailerMiller 211Miller T-bolt ac/dcVictor o/aMilwaukee ChopsawDewalt, Milwaukee minigrinderDelta drill pressDelta bench grinderair grinder, die grinderHF pipe benderHF horizontal bandsaw
Reply:I have a reese caddy I built that goes behind my trailer. The one I built is a lot smaller than that sweet one you built and does not fold up.Originally built so I wouldn't have to haul gas cans or propane tanks in my suburban. It was replaced by my small 4x8 trailer in 2007 and then forgotten about. The reese caddy sat in my back yard when I lived in Virginia and the ply wood floor rotted out and that would have been the end of it, but when I rebuilt my small 4x8 trailer in 2011 I put a reese hitch on the back of it and my reese caddy found new life after an intense sand blasting session.The way I used it was when I had too much stuff for my 4x8 trailer I would take the lightest weight bulkiest item that would fit on the caddy and cargo strap it to the caddy to free up trailer floor space. Or I stick it on the back of my suburban when I need to fill up gas cans or swap propane tanks (its original use). Much easier than hooking the trailer up if its not already on there.Another way to add tongue weight is put a tool box, deep cycle batteries for a power inverter or propane tanks on the tongue A-frame if you have room.I took up the wasted space and increased tongue weight to my small 4x8 by adding a tool box and welding on a mounting and tie down point for a 5 gallon fuel can.old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder
Reply:I get out from behind every one of those i come up on , In my mind I an sure some chinese  welder put it together for a bowl of rice , they are usually the reciever mounted one and loaded to the a**  rocking back and forthor leaning down almost touching the road.  gxbxc
Reply:Got a guy at work calculating the required wall thickness for the 2-1/2" sq tube.In this case I'll defer to the guy with the PHd in mechanical engineering...MillerMatic 252, HTP 221 w/cooler, Hypertherm PM45, Lincoln IdealArc 250 AC/DC"I'd like to believe as many true things and as few false things as possible"