Generator storage box for Casita

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After we got our new 17-foot Casita SD last year, I decided to get a Honda EU2000i generator. But, where to store it in transit? Since we pull the Casita with a Nissan Pathfinder, I couldn’t carry it in the back of the tow vehicle. I liked Mike Sanders’ nifty storage box, but I didn’t want to lose the second propane tank. I decided to have an aluminum box made to fit on the tongue between the propane tanks and the tongue jack.

To make the space I needed, I replaced the original rigid propane tanks cover with a vinyl, zippered cover, available at Camper World for $20. The generator fits snuggly in the box, which has two hinged lids, one on top and one on the one end. (See the accompanying photo.)


There were several additional modifications required. First, since the tongue at this point is not level, I had two brackets welded onto the tongue. Second, the box interfered with the handle on the tongue jack, so I extended the handle up about 5 inches. Third, I added a shelf behind the propane tanks to accommodate three, 1-1/4 gallon plastic gas cans (see photo).

A couple of observations: This adds about 60 to 90 pounds to the tongue weight, depending on the amount of gas you are carrying. If this is a problem, it can be compensated for in part by allowing one propane tank to be empty or nearly so, and keeping your black water tank empty (and don’t pile your closet full of heavy stuff). On the plus side, the vinyl propane tank cover is really nice. No more taking the cover off to turn the tanks on or off, or to switch the regulator. Just pull the zipper open and reach in.

If anyone would like details, send me an e-mail, and I’ll be glad to share.<img src=http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/uploads/3e36cc8d15abbGenerator box.JPG/>

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Looks good Dave,

You didn't say how much the cost of the box was.

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Dave, Yours is protected by your box, which should help some, but -

Those soft-side propane tank covers can blow off in transit. They need to be tied (or bungeed) down, across the bottom.

The one we had had elastic around the bottom. Lasted barely over a year, then, whoop, it was gone.

:sunny

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if someone will buy me the Honda EU2000i :o :o

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Rick-I am suprized at you. A man of you calibar. Bumming on this forum.:nono :laugh

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I was thinking if we all took a trip together, I'd want behind Mary's trailer. I could sure use a tire cover. is that bumming?

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Jana-Thats taking advantage of a friend.:nono A little sneaky for a me.;)

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To answer a couple of the questions:

I had the box made at a local sheet metal shop. I don’t remember the exact cost , but I think it was around $150. It is made of 0.090 aluminum diamond plate with stainless piano hinges, which made it a little pricey. Steel would have been cheaper, but I didn’t want to have to paint it.

As for the tank cover blowing off, I doubt it, although time will tell. While the box isn’t smack up against the tanks, it is quite close and also serves as a wind break. More importantly, the bungee cord holds the gas cans tight up against the tanks, so they should hold it on if nothing else does. In reality, I haven’t given it a good road test yet. I’ll try to remember to let you know.

Thanks for your interest.

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posted by Dave>>As for the tank cover blowing off, I doubt it, although time will tell. While the box isn't smack up against the tanks, it is quite close and also serves as a wind break. More importantly, the bungee cord holds the gas cans tight up against the tanks, so they should hold it on if nothing else does. In reality, I haven't given it a good road test yet. I'll try to remember to let you know<<
I think your right. Looks good and snug in there to me too, but as I've never had a propane cover.. :conf Now which road are you taking that trip??? maybe I'll just come follow behind. :E :E :)

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Jana, :wave

It'll take awhile before that cover blows off - and, as Dave says, his may be so well sandwiched in there it'll never go.

Or he might add a couple of grommets along the bottom and tie it down anyway. Such an easy thing and only would need to be undone when pulling the tanks off to refill; as Dave said, the zippered top of the cover provides easy access for turning the propane on and off.

Now Carol Christensen shared her pattern with me for making a propane tank cover, but if we want to talk about sewing, we should probably move it to a New Topic, huh? :laugh

:cblob

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My propane cover is much tougher than the flimsy white one I started with. But I will probably replace it with a hard cover sometime this year.
If it was yellow instead of Casita blue Jana could have it.

<img src=http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/uploads/3e37fc5c0d8cbPropane Tank Cover.JPG/>

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Humf!! :wak Carol!! you should have thought of that before you made it. :sad like *I'll use this a little while, then give it to Jana, so I better make it yellow.* :reye2 Maybe there is a Casitaite that could use it. Casitan.. :conf

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Got my dad looking for a slightly used genset in Quartzite AZ tomorrow. He seems to remember seeing lots there. They're probably hot - but I hope not. :E :E

$850.00 for a new one is not in the plans - yet. :reyes

With the propane (2-30lbers) and battery cover on my Bigfoot I don't know where to mount it, if at all. :wak

<img src=http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/uploads/3e38497e133ffDSCF0001.jpg/>

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My first thought was... do you really use both tanks when camping? maybe you could take one tank off and put it there.

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That is a great idea - the thought never occured to me - thanks! :)


(wonder how hard it is to take of the cover)

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Well, when you do, make sure and get it back on really good, I can't follow you and Mary everywhere.

I just love that picture. which name did you settle on? I can't remember you saying.

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We haven't given too much thought to the tradition of naming our trailer yet.

Upon further reflection M-EGG-A doesn't quite fit as a Bigfoot doesn't really have the eggshape like the Casita, Boler, Trillium, etc.


How about YETI (as in the Tibetan Sasquatch/Bigfoot)? I can hear Sue now "Rick - we've been driving for hours.....are we there YETI?"

:laugh :laugh

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Rick, why don't you look around for an Onan Micro-Lite 2800 that runs on propane and put in the storage compartment. I found a used one in the Buy and Sell and installed it my trailer, just turn on the propane start it up from inside the trailer.

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Orginally posted by Rick
With the propane (2-30lbers) and battery cover on my Bigfoot I don't know where to mount it, if at all. :wak

One generator owner removed one of his propane tanks and put the generator on the hitch where that tank used to be. If I remembr correctly, the propane bottle and the generator were within about 5 pounds of each other in weight. He then enclosed the generator and propane bottle with a homemade aluminum plated hitch box.

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Sorry to get off the topic of the original message but this is for...

Rick:

Hey 'Leadfoot in a Bigfoot', if you haven't come up with a name for that little jewel, how bout.....

'Toe-Jam'

or would it be

'Tow-Jam'.

..........hope it brought a smile, anyway:wave