How To Transport A Generator? – [3 Steps Guide]
A portable generator can enhance your camping and tailgating experience by providing super clean and cheaper power to operate or charge essential devices/appliances such as electric stoves, lights, projectors, drones, cameras, cell phones, laptops, etc.
Despite this, portable generators require special care and attention during the transportation process.
Throughout this article, we will provide you with step-by-step directions on how to transport a generator safely within no time.
How To Transport A Generator?
Below is the step-by-step guide to safely transport a generator within no time.
1. Prepare The Machine For Transport:
Read the User Manual:
Read the user manual first maybe there is something important written by the manufacturers as per the design and model of the generator you own.
The Generator Should Be at the Room Temperature:
If you have recently operated the machine, make sure to leave it for about 15 – 20 minutes so that the engine and other parts cool down.
CAUTION: As a recently operated machine have a superhot engine and if a little spill/leakage of the gasoline meet with the hot frame of the engine the burring process will be started.
Place the Fuel Valve to the Off Position:
we recommend draining the generator’s fuel before transportation, however, if you have to transport it with the fuel make sure to Turn Off the fuel valve properly.
The vibrations due to the speed bumpers or off-roads can encourage the fuel to get inside the crankcase and make the engine oil dilute.
2. Transportation of the Generator:
Keep the Machine in an Upright Position:
To avoid fuel leakages keep the generator in the upright position, the side position will not only encourage the fuel to enter the crankcase but also spill the fuel to the bed of your pick truck, RV, etc.
We recommend accommodating the vehicle that should at least have space to keep the generator in an upright position.
Secure the Generator:
To prevent the machine from the movements during the traveling make sure to secure it with bungee cords/straps. Also, we encourage you to cover the generator and bed of the truck or RV so that the both machine and vehicle should be protected.
If you own a camping trailer you can also mount the cargo box to the back of the bumper to provide a stable platform to the machine, this is one of my favorite methods as I don’t need to lift the generator multiple times.
Furthermore, you can purchase an affordable hitch-mounted carrier that provides extra cargo space for a Generator, firewood, bulky items, etc.
Drive Carefully:
Keep the vehicle at a constant speed and make sure to reduce the speed at speed humps.
CAUTION: Don’t ever place the generator inside a car or truck with a closed window the fumes from the generator’s fuel tank is extremly dangerous for the health (Source).
3. Storing/Transporting the Fuel:
Generator fuels like gasoline, propane, and diesel are volatile and need proper care before transportation/storage.
Below are some techniques I mostly use to store/transport the fuel safely.
How to Transport An RV Portable Generator?
Most Recreational Vehicles have a built-in RV generator or at least a compartment to place the generator safely, however, we recommend inspecting the lugs and screws of the compartment before a long journey.
NOTE: If the RV or camper doesn’t have an allotted space for the generator, you can get a separate generator box and mount it to the back of the RV.
Safety Tips and Recommendations:
Final Words
Before transporting the machine make sure to skim the user manual and look for the manufacturers’ guidelines. Maybe there is something important written in the operating manual as per the type and design of the specific model you own.
In addition to that we recommend keeping the generator and its fuel outside the passenger’s compartment as the fuel is volatile and can damage the health badly if there is no ventilation.
Hope You can now transport the generator safely within no time, If we have missed something please comment below we are more than happy to assist you!
Frequently Asked Questions – (FAQs)
Can I Lay a Generator on Its Side?
No, laying the generator on its side could not only provide a passage for the gasoline to mix with the engine oil but also leaks the gasoline or engine oil from the crankcase as well.
Can You Transport a Generator With Fuel?
Yes, but you have to make sure all valves should be properly tightened so that there will be no chance of fuel leakages even in off-roading.
NOTE: We recommend draining the fuel before transporting the generator.
How to Transport A Worksite Generator?
The procedure of transporting a generator is the same for all unless your generator is too heavy, you can follow this section of the article to safely transit your generator to the worksite.
Is It Possible to Transport a Generator in a Car?
Yes, you can but never place the generator inside the compartment, trunk, or Hitch Generator Carrier would be perfect for the placement.
Is It Safe to Run a Generator in the Back of a Truck?
Yes, even we encourage our readers to keep the generator outside even if the generator doesn’t have the fuel.
Kashif has been a valuable asset to the electric generator industry for over 5 years. Now, As a skilled energy engineer, he’s been on the front lines of diagnosing problems, fixing broken parts, and performing routine maintenance tasks to keep generators running smoothly.