I recently purchased an aluminium generator box with side breathing vents, purposely designed to house Honda 2kva generators. I intended to fit this box to the rear of my motorhome. Following construction of a supporting frame for the aluminium box, I secured the generator inside and then mounted everything to the rear of the motorhome. Being very pleased with myself, I decided to trial everything. It all worked beautifully until i tried to plug in the electrical cord. This is when I discovered a problem with the unit. For anybody considering doing the same, please be aware that when you try to connect your 15amp electrical lead into the Gennie through the breathing vent, you will be unable to do so, due to the vents being too high. The vent just doesnt line up with the female connection. It misses by approx 30-40mm.
However, there is a solution to rectify this matter and that is to buy a 15amp male plug that has a flat front, with the cord emerging from the bottom instead of the usual plug that is connected to every lead. As my brother is an electrician I had him make me a short extension lead that I have plugged into the generator on a permanent basis. Now all I have to do, is start the generator, open the vents and connect my other long lead to the short lead, and I am away.
I hope this information (whilst a little long-winded) will help other people thinking of buying an aluminium generator box. It's food for thought.
-- Edited by Lyons Den on Tuesday 5th of July 2016 08:06:48 PM
Aus-Kiwi said
09:01 PM Jul 5, 2016
Why not fit an external weather proof power point ?
aussie_paul said
09:08 PM Jul 5, 2016
I was going to do the same BUT the guy who made my genset box recommended not to run it in a vented box as you end up with every interior surface covered in soot which you get on you clothes etc. I lift my genset box cover off and run it that way.
I will take a further pics tomorrow with the security shown.
Aussie Paul.
-- Edited by aussie_paul on Wednesday 6th of July 2016 03:56:14 PM
Here's my version of a generator box which I built out of scrap Aluminium, then built an angle frame and welded it to the rear bumper, It's water proof and vented at the rear, also has an S/Steel exhaust tube on it, ( l/hand side of box ) so the Generator can be run in all weathers...............
I have access to the twin 15amp Power outlets through the small door on the R/H side, There is a grove at the base of this door which allows it to close over the power cables, should it start to rain.
K.J.
-- Edited by kiwijims on Wednesday 6th of July 2016 03:50:22 AM
Just a quick one.........All of these generators use a air cooled motor and need a good amount of free air around them also to keep them self cool. I would be taking the generator out of your boxes and chaining them to your draw bar while running. Maybe not a problem with overheating down south or light loads, but for those who would be traveling up north, running the generator and also the air conditioner. This maybe a problem with over heating for the generator.
Lyons Den said
08:58 AM Jul 6, 2016
My problem is now fixed as I stated. However, i did look at fitting an external power point but was the more expensive option but thanks anyway.
Lyons Den said
09:02 AM Jul 6, 2016
That is something that i will keep an eye on and if it becomes a problem i will address the issues. Thanks
KJB said
12:10 PM Jul 6, 2016
For those towing a van or fifth wheeler with a ute or truck the set up that I built works really well. Generator is a Honda 3Kva ,electric start (which I have converted to "remote start" ) and is permanently plugged into the van . Only reason to go near the genset is to refuel (infrequent) and the 3 Kva gen set is super quiet as it rarely runs at more than a fast idle. Can be started from in the tow vehicle cab or from within the van - via a simple key fob remote (similar to a garage door remote controller ) Cabinet is weather proof , ventilated and secure. "Mains -Off -Genset " switch in the van controls electricity supply source.
Thought this setup may be of interest to someone. I can supply details of where to obtain the Remote Start System for anyone interested . The Genset I paid $2K for from EBay. I built the cabinet.
Air cooled but forced air cooled . If vents are "well" designed ? Not a problem ..
Lyons Den said
01:38 PM Jul 6, 2016
You have done a great job mate and you have made sure your power connection has lined up with your side opening. If I had constructed my own box i would have done the same. However, as i decided to purchase one already made, i did not think to check the opening position. As they say buyer beware.
Lyons Den said
01:52 PM Jul 6, 2016
With reference to the generator box problem, I am just attaching a couple of pics. Unfortunately it doesnt really show the actual problem as the Gennie isn't in the box at the moment. However, you can see from the photo that the rich hand vent is too high to line up with the plug connection - theres not enough gap on the side to put a normal plug lead in.
I recently purchased an aluminium generator box with side breathing vents, purposely designed to house Honda 2kva generators. I intended to fit this box to the rear of my motorhome. Following construction of a supporting frame for the aluminium box, I secured the generator inside and then mounted everything to the rear of the motorhome. Being very pleased with myself, I decided to trial everything. It all worked beautifully until i tried to plug in the electrical cord. This is when I discovered a problem with the unit. For anybody considering doing the same, please be aware that when you try to connect your 15amp electrical lead into the Gennie through the breathing vent, you will be unable to do so, due to the vents being too high. The vent just doesnt line up with the female connection. It misses by approx 30-40mm.
However, there is a solution to rectify this matter and that is to buy a 15amp male plug that has a flat front, with the cord emerging from the bottom instead of the usual plug that is connected to every lead. As my brother is an electrician I had him make me a short extension lead that I have plugged into the generator on a permanent basis. Now all I have to do, is start the generator, open the vents and connect my other long lead to the short lead, and I am away.
I hope this information (whilst a little long-winded) will help other people thinking of buying an aluminium generator box. It's food for thought.
-- Edited by Lyons Den on Tuesday 5th of July 2016 08:06:48 PM
I was going to do the same BUT the guy who made my genset box recommended not to run it in a vented box as you end up with every interior surface covered in soot which you get on you clothes etc. I lift my genset box cover off and run it that way.
I will take a further pics tomorrow with the security shown.
Aussie Paul.
-- Edited by aussie_paul on Wednesday 6th of July 2016 03:56:14 PM
Here's my version of a generator box which I built out of scrap Aluminium, then built an angle frame and welded it to the rear bumper, It's water proof and vented at the rear, also has an S/Steel exhaust tube on it, ( l/hand side of box ) so the Generator can be run in all weathers...............
I have access to the twin 15amp Power outlets through the small door on the R/H side, There is a grove at the base of this door which allows it to close over the power cables, should it start to rain.
K.J.
-- Edited by kiwijims on Wednesday 6th of July 2016 03:50:22 AM
Hi all;
Just a quick one.........All of these generators use a air cooled motor and need a good amount of free air around them also to keep them self cool. I would be taking the generator out of your boxes and chaining them to your draw bar while running. Maybe not a problem with overheating down south or light loads, but for those who would be traveling up north, running the generator and also the air conditioner. This maybe a problem with over heating for the generator.
My problem is now fixed as I stated. However, i did look at fitting an external power point but was the more expensive option but thanks anyway.
That is something that i will keep an eye on and if it becomes a problem i will address the issues. Thanks
For those towing a van or fifth wheeler with a ute or truck the set up that I built works really well. Generator is a Honda 3Kva ,electric start (which I have converted to "remote start" ) and is permanently plugged into the van . Only reason to go near the genset is to refuel (infrequent) and the 3 Kva gen set is super quiet as it rarely runs at more than a fast idle. Can be started from in the tow vehicle cab or from within the van - via a simple key fob remote (similar to a garage door remote controller ) Cabinet is weather proof , ventilated and secure. "Mains -Off -Genset " switch in the van controls electricity supply source.
Thought this setup may be of interest to someone. I can supply details of where to obtain the Remote Start System for anyone interested . The Genset I paid $2K for from EBay. I built the cabinet.
KB
You have done a great job mate and you have made sure your power connection has lined up with your side opening. If I had constructed my own box i would have done the same. However, as i decided to purchase one already made, i did not think to check the opening position. As they say buyer beware.
With reference to the generator box problem, I am just attaching a couple of pics. Unfortunately it doesnt really show the actual problem as the Gennie isn't in the box at the moment. However, you can see from the photo that the rich hand vent is too high to line up with the plug connection - theres not enough gap on the side to put a normal plug lead in.