Putting Generator on Roof Rack...

[mogg851]

Wish this could be a reality. We go through about 30-40 sets of batteries a day. 2 batteries per set. At least 8 different batteries on the chargers at same time. Each battery charges at 130-160 watts at 13 amps. So I don’t think any kind of inverter setup can keep up with it.

I do use inverter for smaller batteries and less intensive days.

I’ll look into building a platform in the back to mount it to that will exhaust out the back window when hatch isn’t open.


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Can I ask what kind of batteries/charger you are using. I ask as all an inverter does is take DC to AC. I'm guessing you are using an AC charger, but the battery charges on DC, so if you can cut out the draw/waste from the inverter something like a GoalZero Yeti may actually make more sense.

I've been a little out of the drone/rc loop for a while but if you can use something like this:
Hobbyking(R) DC-4S Balance Charger & Cell Checker 30w 2s~4s
they you bypass the wasted energy needed to convert to AC and back to DC.

P.S.
I'm not doubting that you have looked into this option before, and I could very well be missing something obvious, but now I'm kinda curious why it wouldn't work for my own interests...

 

[ProfessorP]

Looks like a decent compromise if the main mount does not stick so far out so as to make the OP have to lean over it to access the cargo area.

It doesn’t really get in the way to be honest. Plus the cargo space is huge on the larger one. Lots of the constantly accessed stuff that would ordinarily go in the cargo area of the T4R could go in the box.

 

[itsjaredj]

Looks like a decent compromise if the main mount does not stick so far out so as to make the OP have to lean over it to access the cargo area.

This looks to be a great solution! $300 is a bit steep, but it looks versatile too. I wonder if something off the side would be cumbersome or not.

 

[Toffees]

I don't think you'll harm anything by having it on top. It doesn't weigh that much. Just secure it properly.

If you're willing to put a bit of effort into a nicer setup - there's 3 good alternatives I can think of:

1: front receiver hitch and basket. Like the rear mount - only on the front. Easy. Easy to remove the basket for non-use days. Cheap. Not on the roof where it's a PITA to get to/start/etc.

2. Rear swing away. Most 2kw generators are less weight than a spare tire, so you could fab a bracket to mount to any of the spare tire carriers. Use the swing out the move to the side of the rear area when you're working there.


3. Rear slide out - buy a fridge slide and use for the generator. It's inside for traveling and outside when you want to run it.

Or option 4: Buy a Tacoma.

Your first three options seem great. I wanted to suggest #3, but didn't know much about the weight or what types of high duty sliding trays/etc were available.

 

[boyguan]

i actually saw that you can run a cargo basket in the back if you run a hitch riser. It keeps the ability to use the hatch and you gain the space between to stand between the truck. Pretty good setup.

 

[ForRun]

So these wind turbines make energy. Couldn't they add an outlet at each one?

 

[Nobody Special]

Weird, That exact genny in the OP was just $336 on Amazon on the 23rd.
I almost picked one up.

 

[Andrew0257]

If you were to buy the honda eu2000i there is a remote exhaust kit where you can roll the exhaust hose out the hatch while in use and roll it back in when finished. From personal experience the honda is superior to any other small generator made. I used one every weekday for 6 to 8 hrs for 12 years. Ran like a champ, but it was stolen from me but I'm sure its running wherever it is.

 

[mcat707]

If you were to buy the honda eu2000i there is a remote exhaust kit where you can roll the exhaust hose out the hatch while in use and roll it back in when finished. From personal experience the honda is superior to any other small generator made. I used one every weekday for 6 to 8 hrs for 12 years. Ran like a champ, but it was stolen from me but I'm sure its running wherever it is.

I agree Honda’s are the most reliable and dependable portable generators you can buy. Pricey but worth it. I use the eu2200i. A friend of mine works for a company that use numerous portable generators for outdoor events and from their years of experience with different brands they will buy nothing but Honda’s.

 

[delloro]

So these wind turbines make energy. Couldn't they add an outlet at each one?

Sure but the power would not be consumer-quality.

 

[delloro]

OP, this weighs 40 lbs and will charge your batteries. It is not quiet, you need premix, but it is all of $125 when not on sale: 900 Watt Max Starting 2 Cycle Gas Powered Generator - EPA/CARB