Last Updated on March 31, 2024 by Jessica Lauren Vine
If you don’t want to lug your generator around in your truck bed, you might wonder how to mount a generator on an RV.
The best way to mount a generator on an RV is to use a specific generator mount for the type of RV you have. Depending on your RV, one type of generator mount may be better than another for your setup.
There are five main (and safe) options to mount a generator on your RV:
- Hitch carrier mount
- A-frame cargo carrier
- Cargo bracket for cargo box
- Rear-mounted frame-connected hitch platform
- Rear-mounted bumper storage box
Which RV Generator Mounts are the Best to Install?
You don’t want to use just any type of RV generator mount. I don’t know about you, but it makes me worry if my heavy generator isn’t secured correctly even after proper installation. I’m a little afraid I might cause a Final Destination type situation for someone behind me. So, I’ve gone through the search to make sure the generator mounts are safe for you but also safe for the people traveling behind your camper.
No flying generators, please.
1) Hitch Platform Carrier Mount for Trailer Bumper
- 60x24x6
- 500lb Capacity Hitch Rack
- Waterproof Cargo Bag Straps
- Locks
- Net
- Stabilizer
- Sturdy
- More depth than some carriers
- Great customer support
- Included reflectors may not be sufficient
If your RV has a hitch on it, this is one of my favorite ways to attach a generator to an RV. You basically use your hitch to put a big platform, where your generator can sit, on the back of your RV.
However, make sure that you check the weight capacity of your trailer bumper. If the generator you choose is too heavy, it could actually damage your RV’s bumper, and over time, it could weaken the metal and may end up bending it. As long as your generator isn’t a heavy beast, you should be good, but make sure to check.
You may also be able to go to an RV repair person and have them strengthen your bumper, so you don’t have to worry as much about your generator causing problems due to it being too heavy.
2) A-frame Cargo Carrier Mount for Mounting Generators
Tray brackets can be mounted on your A-frame at widths varying from 14″ to 55″
- Universal fit
- Complete trailer tray assembly
- Lightweight
- Easy to install
- Strong
- It takes a while to install
This is another cool option when it comes to how to mount a generator on an RV because you can put it on the front of your bumper pull travel trailer. This goes beautifully over your RV’s propane tanks, so you are able to keep all your important energy bits in one place.
This makes me feel much safer than worrying about the RV bumping around and trying to offload the generator onto the car behind me. It’s easy to see that everything is secure and it isn’t putting stress on your back bumper.
A-frame carrier mounts can support around 300 pounds, so it’s definitely better if you have a heavy generator. If you find a generator that is heavier than this, let me know. It’s quite the beast.
3) Cargo Bracket for Cargo Box for a Camper
All you have to do is install these brackets and then you can use the cargo box of your choice to store your generator while you're pulling the RV.
- Simple to install
- Still means you need to watch the weight of your generator
This is pretty easy and inexpensive to install when it comes to how to mount a generator on an RV, but if you decide to go with this method, make sure your bumper is strong. Using an RV bumper generator mount is great, but you have to make sure you know your limits. The bracket might be strong, but you can’t put the full weight of what it can carry on the bumper of your RV. So, when you get ready to haul something, make sure you know the weight limit before you start packing the pounds on the brackets.
4) Rear-Mounted Frame-Connected Hitch Platform
- CURT 13703
- 2-Inch Receiver
- 3,500 lbs
- Fits Frames up to 72 Inches Wide
- Strong & dependable
- Versatile design
- Easy to install
- You need a non-standard 17/32 bit to install it
Since this rear-mounted frame-connected hitch platform is connected to your trailer’s frame, that makes it a lot more durable than some of the options out there, like the hitch carrier mount. It is super sturdy, but it isn’t that difficult to install. All you have to do is securely bolt it into place with a few basic tools. However, it does require a non-standard 17/32 bit, so if you don’t have that, it could put a little glitch in your installation plans.
Be careful when you’re driving down steep hills or hitting big bumps because the hitch might end up hitting the road. We had that happen with our cargo carrier due to the terrible roads up North, and it was pretty scary.
5) Rear-Mounted Bumper Storage Box for Travel Trailer
If you don’t want debris from the road to be able to hit your generator, this could be a good option for you when it comes to how to mount a generator on an RV. Using one of these boxes can help you keep your generator safe while traveling.
You just attach an enclosed storage box to your camper, and you’re good to go. Make sure to measure your generator so that you know it is going to fit, but it’s pretty simple, so you’re able to get it installed for your next camping trip quickly.
Make sure to strap the generator in place, even after you mount the box, and put the generator in the box. Failing to mount the generator could mean the box lid pops open when your camper hits a bump or something. You don’t want it to go flying out when you go for a ride. Proper mounting and strapping it down is key, even with box mounts for RV generators.
Choosing the Perfect Mount for Your Generator
With this information about how to mount a generator on an RV, you might think that is all you need to know. Besides how to mount a generator on an RV, you also need to know what to look for in generator mounts.
A Brand You Can Trust
When I buy anything, I always look at the brand. When you’re looking at how to mount a generator on an RV, it’s a major deal if you don’t get the right product. It could cause an accident or some other problem.
Going with a bigger brand can help you know that you’re protected in case something happens. These RV mount companies know they have a lot to lose if they create a faulty product.
When you’re looking into the brand, make sure the company has good customer service in case you have any questions about the mount you buy.
Durability
If you take a lot of road trips in your RV, this generator mount will go through a lot of stress. Checking the durability of the product is another important thing to look into when it comes to how to mount a generator on an RV. You can look at what other customers have to say about the generator mount and check if they mention any problems with it being flimsy.
The Right Fit
Don’t just buy the first mount that comes to mind or across your screen. You need to make sure the generator mount can fit your travel trailer or another type of RV that you have. Taking time to check the size and fit of the mount can keep you from having to do a return.
Within Your Budget
You have probably found some pretty cool mounts, but looking at what is within your budget is a must. However, don’t skimp on your mount. As I mentioned above, you might have some terrible accident if the mount you choose doesn’t hold up the generator for your RV.
How to Mount a Generator on an RV – Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I mount my RV generator?
Depending on the type of RV you have, you might decide to mount it on your trailer bumper, or you may want to put it over your propane tanks over the trailer hitch.
How do you transport a generator on a travel trailer?
You can transport a generator by attaching a generator mount to your travel trailer, or if you just need a place to haul it, many people put it in the back of their truck of inside their RV while they’re driving.
Can a portable generator be installed in an RV?
No. You cannot install a portable generator in your RV like it is a generator that is made for an RV.
How far should your generator be from your RV?
Your generator should be around 5 to 10 feet away from your RV when it is running. The generator emits carbon monoxide and could cause carbon monoxide poisoning if you have your generator too close to your RV.
How to Mount a Generator on an RV – Conclusion for the Best Ways
Now you know more about how to mount a generator on an RV. Some people might try to use other methods, but I don’t think they’re all safe. Make sure you get everything in order for a safe trip, not just a “possible” trip.
I’ve seen more than a few people drop things off their RVs because they’ve failed to secure them properly. You don’t want to be that person. Mount the generator to your RV properly, and you’ll be glad that you did.
There are a lot of options for mounting generators, from installing the mount on the trailer bumper, mounting a generator on the a-frame above the propane, or you might even rig it up some way that is a little sketchy—I’ve seen it before. Whether you’re in a motorhome, a camper, a travel trailer, or another type of RV, you need an RV generator to run your appliances and other things. This is why so many people work to make sure the generator will work with their trailer weight and won’t hurt their trailer frame. As long as you keep this in mind while you travel, you should be good to go.
When Jessica was older and had a family, she took her crew on the road for 2.5 years. They lived in 2 different RVs during that time. One 18 foot long and one 28 foot long. Both pull-behind RVs.
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