GENERATOR
LOCATION
The most desirable location for the generator set
is
between the vehicle's main frame members However,
this
is
seldom possible. Most units must
be
installed
on
the side
of
the vehicle and are difficult to reinforce.
Many
recreational
vehicles
have
been
factory
equipped with
an
area for the generator set. Some
vehicles may even have a generator compartment,
provided by the vehicle manufacturer.
Plan the generator location based
on
the following:
•
The
generator
set
must
be
installed
on
a
framework
that
is
part
of
the
recreational
vehicle,
as
outlined
in
the
para-
graph
entitled
"Generator
Support."
•
The
location
must
provide
an
access
opening
that
is
large
enough
to
permit
generator
removal
(unless
the
genera-
tor
is
to
be
removed
from
underneath
the
supporting
framework.
•
The
location
must
provide
easy
access
to
frequently
ser-
viced
components,
such
as
filters,
oil
drain,
spark
plug
and
other
common
maintenance
parts.
•
The
location
must
provide
sufficient
room
to
allow
mini-
mum
clearance
of
at
least
1
inch
(2"
recommended)
between
all
sides
and
1
inch
(2"
recommended)
on
top
of
the
generator.
If
sound
insulation
is
to
be
used
on
com-
partment
walls
and
ceiling,
the
minimum
recommended
applies
to
the
space
between
the
generator
and
such
insulation.
•
The
location
must
provide
adequate
cooling
and
ventilat-
ing
air
flow
for
the
generator
without
a
great
deal
of
work
and
expense.
GENERATOR
SUPPORT
The generator must
be
securely attached
to
a metal
framework that has been made part of the vehicle
frame structure by bolting
or
welding. The metal
framework
on
which the generator will rest and which
will restrain the generator set should consist of at
least two horizontal beams. These beams should
con-
sist of (a) 1-1/2 inch square, i i gauge steel tubing
OR
(b) 1-1/2 inch,
11
gauge angle iron. A typical sup-
porting frame with horizontal support tubing,
is
shown
in
Figure
12.
SUPPORT
TUBING
LOCATION AND SUPPORT
The generator
can
be
installed
so
that
it
sits
on
top
of
the horizontal support tubing,
if
the vehicle design
permits. Another method
is
to suspend the generator
below the horizontal support tubing by means
of
suit-
able, structurally sound metal framework. The follow,
ing general rules apply:
•
Vehicle
construction
MUST
be
capable
of
supporting
the
weight
of
the
generator.
•
Whether
the
generator
is
mounted
above
the
horizontal
support
tubing
or
suspended
below
the
tubing,
the
sup-
porting
frame
used
must
be
structurally
sound.
•
If
the
generator
cannot
be
bolted
directly
to
the
support-
ing
frame
or
support
tubing,
consider
using
additional
tubing,
angle
brackets
or
other
supports
to
give
the
sup-
porting
frame
sufficient
strength.
SUSPENDED
MOUNTING
If
you are going to suspend
th(:;
generator below the
horizontal support tubing, the suspension method you
use with the vehicle frame members must have the
following:
(a)
be
able to support the weight
of
the gen-
erator; and
(b)
provide sufficient restraint for the gen-
erator. One typical suspended mounting system
is
shown
in
Figure 13. The location of a suspended
mounting system must
be
carefully planned, keeping
the
following general rules
in
mind:
•
Protect
the
generator
against
road
splash
and
debris.
Baffles
or
splash
guards
may
be
required
to
protect
cer-
tain
areas
of
the
generator.
To
make
sure
the
generator
is
adequately
protected,
road
test
the
installation
through
mud,
water
and
slush.
SUPPORT
TI.IBINGr-------c"'
GENERATOR
MOUNTING
HOLES
fOR
3/8"-16
BOLTS
(BOTH
SIDES)
0
GENERATOR
SUPPORT
FRAME
•
The
installer
must
make
certain
that
selected
location
will
permit
adequate
cooling
and
ventilating
air
flow
to
be
supplied.
-15-
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