RV Generator SAFETY (in the Real World)

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[@JimAllen-Persona]

Neophyte Q’s about grounding. How do you ground off in an asphalt parking lot? If you’re in an RV park with hookups, do they have a grounding post? If you are in an RV park, can you ground to the RV itself if it’s got a power hookup? Should the RV itself be grounded? I can see both sides of it.. the tires insulate you but you have a post to the ground you’re not really insulated.

[@deanconstantine4866]

Ok , looked for the space heater you guys showed off. The BIG HEAT . They dont make it any more .but after looking and looking ,looking , I found a company that had 14 in stock in Alaska. Ordered done.

[@jerrymyrtle1944]

Added a hitch and basket to the back of the trailer. Generator and gas cans are stowed there. Gas cans on the ground when the generator is running.

[@BobTheBreaker9]

special effects....nice

[@marde55]

Tragically, in my community a house blew up and killed people when there was a propane leak in the basement where the supply line entered. The spark that ignited it occurred when the hot water was turned on to shower. Please keep leaks in mind if you have a propane generator as well. It took down a 2 story 4 bedroom home. One spark. Propane detectors are generally placed in all new RVs, but need to be replaced as needed. Home built bus conversion may not. Be safe out there!

[@sikes185]

I have not read every single comment to this vid. But if you look up this on the web “is carbon monoxide heavier than air?” It is. And it says the the CO detector should be closest to the floor or no further off the floor than the height of your bed. Also the smoke detector should be in the ceiling. Heat and smoke are lighter than air so the ceiling it is. Anyway. Great video. Keep it up. Thank tou

[@alandoesstuff.1254]

I run my built in generator 24x7 when not plugged in. However I have inspected the exhaust system and will continue to do so and ensure it doesn't leak. As well as having CO2 detectors at either end of the slides.

[@Goldchucker1]

Hi Sean. I've had several Kidde smoke detectors with the 10 year guarentee battery. You are lucky if they last 3 years. When the go bad it's during the early morning hours. I quite buying them and went to the "self installed" battery version. No more 10 year detectors for me. Chuck

[@rodneybrowning8358]

Yes the carbon monoxide detector works. We had stopped at a roadside rest area. We had semis park on both sides of us. It was as you said hot and sticky. We did run the generator to keep the ac on. about 5 am got work by the carbon monoxide detector going off. I believe being between the two semis. and no wind at all that night let the fumes work up into the sleeping area. Needles to say we jumped up shut off the generator opened windows and got out for about 15 mins. No one was going back to sleep so we got on the road. I am just glad we had one to warn us. Now we do not sleep now with generator running. Well if i tried i know i would be constantly worried, so I don't even try to sleep with it. thanks for the video.

[@LongLongHoneymoon]

That's a really great point. I alluded to it in a text popup in the video ("make certain no CO is ENTERING through an open window"). Sometimes in Rest Areas we find ourselves parked between 2 idling big rig trucks that are pumping out CO...

[@stephendall2329]

I have a small fan blowing on my inverter away from the occupied space. I have never used a grounding cable on my inverter. I have a fire extinguisher available near my inverter and gas cans.

[@aulii11]

As a retired safety guy with a little more than 17 years in the profession, I have seen the aftermath of a couple of fires attributed to the improper use of "plastic" fuel containers. I personally use ONLY OSHA - approved steel fuel containers for my gasoline transportation and storage needs. A little heavier and more expensive, but I like my truck and all my toys. Just my $.02...

[@LongLongHoneymoon]

That’s a good point. I may do a video about fuel storage. 👍

[@hiltonray4461]

I've got a real fear of running my onboard generator at night, we only use it for stops at truck stops , walmarts etc. But I've thinking about buying one to keep in the bed of our truck as that would prevent carbon monoxide dangers. I'm spoiled and enjoy the ac ..

[@baysword]

The contractors next door to my home did the right thing and set their generator outside the front door. This protected them from the exhaust. Unfortunately the hot exhaust melted my new vinyl siding! So warning the exhaust will melt other forms of plastic.

[@jimc.6127]

One of the main reasons I decided on a T.T. towed with a Truck. My generator will be permanently secured in the bed. My next thought is noise reduction. A system that absorbs and channels noise but still provides proper venting.

[@LongLongHoneymoon]

I wish someone would create a nice generator box for truck beds...a box to protect the genset while also reducing noise.

[@jimc.6127]

@@LongLongHoneymoon I'm a plumber by trade and use asbestos blankets in tight soldering locations. Would solve the external heat problem around the generator combined with some sound board. The venting for continuous fresh air I think is the issue. Some kind of flue?

[@lindagross8112]

There was a discussion on IRV2 forum re grounding generators. A motor home was using a gen when a lightening bolt struck his gen and it wasn't grounded. This was a portable generator. It fried several things in the Rv. A wire hooked to the grounding post tied around a piece of rebar that you pound into the ground doesn't take a lot of work and would ground the gen and make it safer. Happy trails.

[@rmahlbacher]

Pre comment.....Nice job on the video!!! As a retired electric utility worker, first off I have to say: "electrocuted" is dead. I would use the term "shocked by a generator". Second, as a firefighter, I try to help people understand that generators produce carbon monoxide, which will kill you. The more people understand how these work and how to prevent issues, the better. As long as you follow the basics and understand the hazards, you will be safe. Lastly, I have never seen a portable generator connected to a ground rod. Again.... great topic and nice job getting the message out!

[@elzipperooo]

That's a shocking revelation!

[@gerrysohy5806]

Do you have any suggestions on how to carry a generator in a AS/Suburban combination. Would you consider using it on propane only and keeping it in the Suburban? Would have no fuel inside but would have to be lugged out for use and always wait for it to cool down before packing. Love ur videos.

[@narnianut1]

What about running a generator from a truck with a truck topper?

[@douglastoney2843]

We have 2 of the small Yamaha 2000s. We only need both when running the air conditioner in our travel trailer. I have positioned them incorrectly so that one Yamaha was feeding exhaust into the air intake of the other. The didn't have to be as close as you would think. The exhaust choked and killed the other generator as it was trying to enough air to rev up to support the load. It took me a little while to figure that one out.

[@craftytraveler9238]

Great info. I have been watching your videos and finally subscribed. You always have great info. I watched your Yellowstone / Teton National Parks video from 2017 cause we are going there next summer.

[@anniekayadventures5154]

Thanks for the great tips.

[@wanderingfree149]

Put your carbon monoxide closer to the floor. By the time the gas reached high up on the wall while sleeping, you're dead. Rule of thumb in real estate appraisers look for is, smoke detectors high, carbon monoxide detectors low. Love you channel. I learned a lot before going full time. Safe travels

[@johnfletcher1036]

Just one more safety point, run the generator downwind of the RV. One day I used a generator to charge the RV batteries placed about 15 feet from the only low level vent. When I came back after about an hour the CO alarm was sounding off. The wind had blown the exhaust under the RV where it found the vent setting off the CO monitor fixed about 7 feet above the floor.

[@gakrazykajun]

I've got the Champion 3400 watt with remote start, have had it for 2 years and it works great. I am a retired electrical engineer who worked for 38 years for an electric distribution utility. I have never grounded my generator when using it and wouldn't.

[@kristymichael]

Well this makes me feel better! Thanks for commenting! 😄👍

[@larrybe2900]

Then it seems like a CYA type of thing for the manufacturers.

[@oshtoolman]

OK, but WHY??? Why would you not ground it?

[@WestShoreMan]

I have the same one and works great also!!

[@evanmartin7809]

@@oshtoolman are you going to carry around an 8ft ground rod and pound it into the ground every time you use the generator? And then somehow pull it back out when you leave?

[@kenb6102]

I would say that a good safety tip would be, that if you are travelling through the southeast in the summertime, whether you are in a motorhome with a built in generator or a travel trailer without one, just spend a few bucks and stay in a campground with electric!

[@LongLongHoneymoon]

Yes, people who have not experienced Southern heat have no idea the importance of A/C. :O

[@tarustrader]

Safety tip... new gas cans suck and are hard to pour. To make them safer do a ventectomy on the can (Amazon - yellow gas can vents) and de-gut the nozzle to make it free flow pour like the good old days when a gas can was a gas can and not some government intrusion on my gas can liberties.

[@LongLongHoneymoon]

I have been through several versions of the new crappy gas cans. I must say that the latest version (seen in the video) is pretty decent. But I have bought a few of these things that were pretty much useless unless modified in the manner you suggest.

[@PatrickWagz]

There are a handful of really STUPID things that I have done in my life. One of them, being, re-fueling my 5500 watt generator while it was running. DUH, don't do this!! The worst part is..... it was during a power outage, and I wouldn't have been able to even use the garden hose if I wanted because there was no electric to run my well-pump. THANKFULLY, nothing bad happened. And, I'll remember to NEVER do this again!!! Thanks for the video.

[@pathfinder9759]

As a wildland firefighter, I ran a logistics unit on a state fire team for my last 10 years of my career (now retired). Our 4000 W generators came with the rod and wire attached to the generator. It took a minute to drive the rod into the ground. So, a little prep work makes the grounding no big deal. I never had a problem, just following procedure, but I also wasn’t worried when lightning storms would pass through camp.

[@raymondlee3327]

That smoke alarm needs to be on the ceiling (smoke rises)!

[@derrelldover2908]

Since Carbon monoxide is heavier than air it really needs to be mounted lower

[@kristymichael]

We have a second one that is mounted lower.

[@grmishady]

I'm an electrical engineer and I say it's best practice to tie it to the frame of the RV.. For the same reason old timey metal hand tools were grounded you tie that generator ground to the frame of the RV. So if a short happens you blow a fuse instead of electrifying the metal of the RV. Also, if you were using measuring equipment on things the common mode voltage can climb from static causing measuring inaccuracies. That said... I probably wouldn't do it either. Then get shocked if a short happened..

[@ronmcdaniel1583]

Was that honking bomb setup? If not, great timing! Leave it to the public to throw in an extra 2 cents. Very Informative video. Thanks SAFE TRAVELS

[@scotttaylor3598]

Nice vid! Firefighter chiming in as requested...! Regarding the comment on where to mount a CO detector, CO is what we call "Neutrally dense" - about the same as air, so the 2 intermingle. That means you can mount a CO detector (I like the style you showed - I use the same one) at any height. The installed CO detectors that come in RVs today are often a combination unit , also detecting propane. Propane IS heavier than air, and detectors for that do need to be mounted low, which is why the 12 Volt detectors are close to the floor (and they lack the digital readout). Never hurts to double up on protection! Would recommend having both CO and smoke detectors near the sleeping area. Regarding folks getting electrocuted by portable generators, the greatest risk isn't while camping, but when they use a portable generator to power their home during a power outage. If not done correctly, they can inadvertently backfeed the electrical grid, putting repair crews trying to restore the power at risk...

[@kristymichael]

Thank you so much for your comment! Very helpful to hear from a firefighter! 💗🤙

[@CopCat34]

Great video. I would recommend grounding your generator. While I was in the US Army I witnessed a young soldier suffer a severe burn when he didn’t ground his 3k generator. It doesn’t take long to drive a copper grounding rod into the ground.

[@marty6055]

The Champion manual says NOT to use the generator in the back of a truck... ever. I called and asked about that and the tech told me that it needs lots of clearance on all sides so the engine does not suck in its own exhaust. He said this would damage the unit pretty quickly. That said, my Champion 3100 is too heavy to lift in and out so I use it in the bed of my truck.

[@LongLongHoneymoon]

Yes, they will also advise that you ALWAYS ground the generator. In my experience, fewer than 1% of owners actually take these steps. That's what makes these videos tough. Do I simply recite the manual or discuss reality? Hmmm...

[@WilliamsFamily204]

I use my Honda EU2000i paralleled under a solid tonneau cover with the tailgate open to protect them during rain and it reduces the noise. I keep them only far enough under the tonneau to prevent rain from hitting them. I wonder if anyone has ever had an issue as long as the exhaust is pointed out the back?

[@marty6055]

@@WilliamsFamily204 I do not keep my generator under cover but I do point it out the back of the truck. I have been thinking about putting a fan behind the generator (plugged into the generator, of course) for two reasons: 1. it will move heat from around the generator and 2. will help keep the exhaust from coming back toward the generator. I bet keeping yours under your cover really helps with noise.

[@cdaddypoff]

I'll bid 2$ for the bottle art 5$ if autographed by Kristy. 1$ if autographed by Sean

[@McLacBlack]

We are still laughing! This was a great vid! We have a built in genne (LP Onan 5500). I am curious if it is safe to run a portable genne in the back of a pick up. Our last rig didn't have one and we went out and bought the biggest baddest generator 9,000+ watts Champion from Cabela's. It was a very nice unit we got concerned about a warning about it running in the back of pick ups. So we returned it the next day before even trying it. I see many doing it. So, I'm guessing it is ok in the real world? In theory I guess it's not recommended.

[@Ahrobak]

never heard of grounding a portable generator, don't recall seeing a grounding connection on my Honda generator, I'll have to look.

[@dougfolkerth3622]

If you have two 2000W generators combined, They are much easier to move about, only weigh 56 pounds so you can lift them out of the bed of truck to fuel. Small units combined are much more versatile

[@snookrookie]

I purchased a new champion propane on your word. After a year we still love it. Since my truck is diesel I have no need to carry gas. I love the convenience of propane. No gas spill or smell. Runs quieter and cleaner. And lots more benefits as well.

[@Jumpingoffthecliff]

I’ve never seen anyone ground their RV, although, I suppose it could happen through the jacks. Also, FYI, electrocution is fatal by definition. Getting shocked on the other hand doesn’t always result in electrocution. Thanks for the video.

[@LongLongHoneymoon]

Yes, the electrocution mention was a joke (hence the "Are you dead?" popup graphic). Thanks for your post!

[@Jumpingoffthecliff]

Long Long Honeymoon went over my head! I’m over sensitive to that word. You did mention shocking and even electrocution in proper context earlier, so yeah, I missed your fun. I saw a neighborhood kid get electrocuted in a horrific power line incident when I was a kid and I hear people talk about getting electrocuted and I’m like, no, you didn’t get electrocuted!

[@LongLongHoneymoon]

Wow! Sorry to hear about that accident. I've thankfully never witnessed anything like that with electricity.

[@EvinrudeDude]

If you have a power monitoring system (Like from Progressive Industries) you may need a neutral bonding plug. When I tried to run our trailer off of our generator it wouldn’t power up. The monitor read open ground. When I called Progressive Industries they mentioned this. I made one and then it has worked just fine ever since.

[@chrissteene]

I have heard of a few people getting a shock form a generator but no one still alive after being electrocuted

[@BK-dv1hh]

Thanks for the thoughtful information of the dangers associated with portable generators. I also have a Champion generator and asked the tech support folks specifically about grounding, even a chassis ground on my fifth wheel. Their answer was that it’s not necessary and they only recommend grounding when there is a local (usually building code) ordnance while supplying power at a construction site, or to a house during a power outage. I’ve used generators for many years without any problems, just using common sense and managing possible risks. Keep on keeping on!

[@richardcorcorran8965]

A carbon monoxide detector is a must, this weekend at TMS Nascar event and ours went off. Had to vent the gen exhaust away from motorhome, Not good. Later that night at 3am I was awoken to someone yelling fire, fire. A travel trailer 5 down from us on fire. It was bad, nobody hurt but it was a total loss and damaged the next unit. Supposedly a short in the refrigerator.

[@kristymichael]

Wow! That is scary! Glad no one was hurt.

[@richardcorcorran8965]

It was scary, nobody got much sleep the rest of the night.

[@herb7877]

I've NEVER ran or gassed mine in the P/U bed or grounded. Three years ago we were about 40-60 miles out from Yellowstone in a Fed CG. We noticed a blocked off site with fresh blackened dirt and on bark on trees. We asked the camp host after we set up & were dropped off our pay envelope; if a campfire got out of hand. He answered no; a young couple first trip out with a brand new P/U and 5th wheel had started the Genset in the p/u bed with the plastic gas can too close to the exhaust. Kid you not the whole thing burnt to the ground. No phone service and fire people was 30-45 minutes out. Most were out fighting the big fires in the area at the time. Very intense fire after all the plastics and things in the truck & RV got going. 35+ gals of diesel in the truck tank took off as well. No one was hurt and the trees were far enough away that they did not light until the heat was so intense they smoldered. I wanted the 3200+ watt but got the 2000 so i could easily take it out and keep it at least 5' -10' away from rig & not be tempted due to the weight.

[@LongLongHoneymoon]

WOW! I believe it. Lots of heat coming off that exhaust!

[@markreynolds9570]

Get the dual fuel model. No gasoline if you don't want it. I know you like the remote start. My tip to you. Give up the remote in the name of safety. Good video. Thanks

[@wendygerrish4964]

Er something to be said about safety for not having to go outside to start and stop the generator if you are not in a safe camp gground..trips and falls, saves time and energy. PS I got the dual fuel one too- same reason as you!.

[@richardkoch8752]

Sean, thank you for a great vid. Great service emphasizing the importance of CO and fire detectors. For now I RV vicariously through you. Someday hope to be out there with you (retired disabled L.E.) The tent for bad weather is a great idea, especially if the gen is set on a couple of lego's Love you guys! Stay safe! Have Fun!

[@robertgullickson8758]

Good video. I have mine bolted in my truck and had a cover built for when it’s not in use. When my camper jacks are down, I figure it’s well grounded. Thanks for the CO reminder.

[@robertmcgee7083]

Was wondering about grounding, I was in charge of our companies generators in the army, in the field always had to pound grounding rods for our generators.

[@baysword]

This was the same for us Air Force civil engineers.

[@brucebeckner3049]

We have a Honda 2Kw generator. We've never considered running it in the pickup bed, mostly because when it's in there, it's at the front of the bed and locked to an attachment point; and there's a bunch of stuff around it. When we do run the generator, we always do it while we're present and awake; and we keep it the length of the trailer's power cord away from the trailer with an eye toward the prevailing wind. If we're lucky, there's something substantial (like a metal picnic table) we can chain it to. Otherwise, when we turn it off, we drag it next to the trailer and pass the chain through the spokes of the wheel. The Honda has a plastic handle that can be cut through in seconds, so there's no point to having a fancy chain or cable it that's going to be your attachment point. What we have is a heavy, high-strength chain that we loop all the way around the generator (under the handle) and lock tightly so it can't be slid off. Our second chain attaches to that. Admittedly, when we camp in places that are too hot or humid for comfortable sleeping, we do it at a place with electricity hookups. Our generator is just for battery charging and TV watching (for some reason, our Dish Network satellite receiver doesn't like power from our Airstream's inverter, even though the TV works fine with it). Running an RV a/c unit off a 2kw generator is questionable anyway.

[@gerrycollins9409]

Don’t fill your generator in the back of your pickup bed either from the pump or gas can. Plastic bed liners can have static electricity plus gasoline vapors are heavier than air and can settle in the bed of your pick up and possibly create an explosive mixture. Gas water heaters (ignition source) are required to be elevated in your garage for this reason also.

[@jacksummers1736]

I have no idea if this was planed or just serendipitous, but the International association of Firefighters recommends changing the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors twice a year. As a self reminder they recommend to do this at daylight savings/daylight standard time change events. Time change being this morning i just wonder if you were aware of that little factoid.

[@kristymichael]

Nope! We had no idea!

[@bobpeg7457]

Newer models of smoke alarms now come with a10 year battery.

[@ericgilman5457]

I have a ground rod that is about 4 foot "T" Rod and is attached to 10 foot of 12 gauge stranded ground wire. (Not ideal but enough to protect the equipment and my life. For most devices that protect your electronics, Ground is essential. It takes less than 10 seconds to uncoil the wire and push the stake a couple feet into the ground. you should have another Fire ext in your truck just in case you have a problem with your gen set. The 30 seconds it takes to get the one out of your RV could make all the difference. Was a Firefighter for 25 years. I have never seen a fire at a gas station from a cell phone, feuling a can or gen set in the bed of a truck. HOWEVER, I have heard of them and the causes. Static is not your friend. It might be funny to drag your feet across the carpet and then touch your spouse to get a shock but it is enough of a spark to cause a fire if the fumes are present. I miss my RV and traveling. Thank you for what you guys do. I am hoping to be back on the road again soon but until then I live through your videos. :-).

[@pj9731]

Excellent video! I use a Edison plug on my Lifan 3600 portable generator. If I don't , I will get all kinds of error codes on my Progressive Industries EMSH30C surge protector. Best Wishes! 🇺🇸

[@MoabGal]

Fun video. I enjoy watching a good fire..😀 As someone who knows a little bit about the flow of electrons I cannot recommend that you run the generator in your truck bed. The generator has a floating ground and if any of those pesky electrons sneak out, they will find a path of least resistance to earth....this could mean 🔥 and Seemore will be no more. 😢

[@ronaldharrison74]

Hello, Really enjoy you videos. I am new to truck shell camping. I have a question you might be able to answer. Can you sleep inside at night while storing a small generator not running. Pros/Cons any info would be great. Thanks Ron H,

[@tommcl386]

I do use a couple times a year. I do stretch my power cord as far from the trailer as I safely can. I also try to locate to minimize annoying camping neighbors. I do keep covered with a large plastic green bin to keep out of the weather and to limit visibility of passerbys. I do wait for it to cool before covering. As always thanks for the good advice.

[@cdaddypoff]

Maintenance is also key. If you need it to run for medical reasons. Keep up on oil change etc. And don't let it sit for ever in between running it

[@davidpearson2581]

I ground my generator, habits from being in the Air Force for 22 years. I often will operate Ham Radio when camping so I ground my generator for lightening safety and better radio reception. However you got me thinking. If your RV has GFCI plugs and you are on generator power do you need a ground for the GFCI plug to work properly? When you are plug into shore power you are grounded via that power plug in. Maybe a very experience electrician can answer this question.

[@kentbridges5060]

GFCI's compare current flowing out to that flowing back, they do not measure the ground. That being said when you connect the three wires of an RV one of them is ground, but it is not connected to true earth ground unless you connect it to a ground source. If it is not connected to a good true earth ground it is a floating ground.

[@davidpearson2581]

@@kentbridges5060 Ok that make sense now.

[@bbhrdzaz]

@@kentbridges5060 not quite, GFCIs do not need a ground to work. they need a bonded neutral to ground. Most portable generators have a floating neutral, therefore a fault to the grounding wire will not be detected as there is no differential current.

[@doggylonglegs6156]

Another good tip. Never fill your gas cans in the bed of your truck or trunk the static electricity can make it go boom!!

[@jasoncarpp7742]

Good tips for anyone who has an RV of any kind and you use a gas powered generator.

[@daveb327]

As a commercial electrician, I can attest that a wire attached to the grounding post of the generator, going either to a grounded source or a grounding rod is a safe practice, but not necessary depending on how it's used. Grounding is typically not meant for completing the circuit, the neutral is, it's meant for safety. It helps to eliminate/reduce shocks. If there is ever a fault (short circuit) in the system, the ground absorbs it and dissipates it to ground or earth. Using a generator as a power source system to provide temporary, remote or emergency power for a house, trailer or complete job site must have the proper earth grounding, for example, a grounding rod. If you use a transfer switch to change from the utility power source to the generator while the generator is still running, you need a grounding rod attached to the generator. There WILL be an imbalance of power during switching. The grounding rod absorbs this imbalance. There are other consideration but these are the top ones... That being said... I may be the odd one here... but I do bond my generator to the frame of my travel trailer. It gives a larger area of fault voltage if it ever occurs.

[@grmishady]

I'm an electrical engineer and I agree. For the same reason old timey metal hand tools were grounded you tie that generator ground to the frame of the RV. Also, if you were using measuring equipment on things the common mode voltage can climb from static causing measuring inaccuracies. That said... I probably wouldn't do it either. Then get shocked if a short happened..

[@jimloth6091]

The smoke alarm didn't bother us, but our dog was a bit freaked out. Thanks for the exhaust heat demo - our generator is in the back of the truck and the exhaust points toward the spare trailer tire. You just convinced me to get a bumper-mount spare tire rack. I've avoided that up to now because I've been worried about the stress on the bumper and welds. Great video - as always!

[@LongLongHoneymoon]

Apologies to your pooch! Yes, several few years ago I learned the hard way about that exhaust heat. We had a storage box in the bed that I naively thought was okay. It melted worse than the bottle in the vid. Thankfully all was okay, but pointing heat at a petroleum-based (plastic/rubber) product is risking disaster.

[@jimloth6091]

@@LongLongHoneymoon Especially when it's a tire. Something your life could depend on...

[@l.rod2827]

Great video and thank you. I'm researching the Champion (remote start) 3100 gen as I recently saw in the news of someone operating one and it caught fire. The gentleman in the news suffered severe burns on his legs and hands. The generator identified in the news was the same one I have(Champion 3100 remote start). I've been using my gen for two years now with no issues but still have that image of his burnt legs and hands on my mind hence the question; have you or anyone else experienced or heard of a similar condition? Any information is greatly appreciated. Thank you and be safe...

[@mikeo.750]

Love the very informative reviews. Would you tell me the name of your bikes that you now have? And are you satisfied with them? Keep those great videos coming. Would you post a link to your Ebikes. I found your review on the Aerial Rider, great! Thanks Sean

[@kristymichael]

We still have the Aerial rider bikes! They are listed in our store at amazon.com/shop/longlonghoneymoon

[@mikeo.750]

@@kristymichael Thank you Kristy.

[@mettahuttravels3183]

Thanks guys I have my Honda in a segregated section in my box attached to my trailer, it’s well ventilated with a lockable door & vents . I have trialed this free camping & it’s gone very well, it also stops generator haters from pouring water into your generator tank. ( yes we have generator haters in Australia. How about the US.) 👍🏻🙏🏻🇦🇺

[@MrClipper500]

Hi Sean and Christi. Your generator video brought back a memory of a camping trip of about fifteen years ago that involved one of my brothers camping buddy's who's daughter recently married a "professor", that borrowed another friends 24 foot Prowler bumper pull trailer to camp with us at Thompson's Lake State park in NYS. Like some of the educated upper crust he was an arrogant sob and thought he could address any issue that came up with he and his new wife's first camping trip. First issue was that his daughter reported a "tingle" while exiting the trailer. She had her hand on the metal grab bar at the door and felt the tingle when stepping on the ground. They were running a 2000 watt Honda inverter generator with a 30Amp to 20Amp adapter plugged in that was very worn and sloppy. What was going on was the neutral was not connecting on the 30/20 adapter and the current was feeding back to the generator through the trailer ground. With an inverter generator with a floating ground this energized the exterior metal of the trailer and when the daughter stepped on the damp ground and felt the tingle she was connecting a circuit to earth ground. Told him he was lucky it was not raining as his daughter could have been electrocuted. Next, the professor fired up the water heater and ran it until the burner turned off. He was confused because he had no hot water at the faucet. After he looked at the valving by the water heater he discovered that the water heater bypass valves were in the wrong position. What did he do? While the water heater was blazing hot he turned the valves and introduced water into the water heater which flashed into steam. I heard a big BOOM, and when I walked to their site I discovered a lot of steam hissing and the water valves on every sink was blown off. Education does not necessarily make you smart. It just opens doors that would be normally closed to others . Love the videos. Safety issues should be common sense but newer rv`ers don't have the experience, especially if they are not handy. Keep the videos coming.

[@WilliamsFamily204]

Grounding is to protect a person who comes in contact with a shorted appliance or electrical item. The likelihood is low you will need it until the one time you do. On a house you can run a proper thickness copper wire to the home's ground rod. Thickness varies based on current and distance of the wire run. No one is going to drive in a copper spike to ground a generator when camping, but I wonder if grounding it to the RV chassis would be better?

[@debra-vs]

Good safety tips. I like the generator anti-theft tips, too.

[@HSkyler]

Better safe than sorry! Thank you for all the tips and advice. Also great comments and suggestions from everyone with practical experience.

[@RexDeaver]

If you have an onboard generator, consider the Genturi to get fumes up and away.

[@tracychaddon6460]

Saw you guys were at Bulletproof Diesel recently. We are loving how the Bulletproof parts on our 2005 F350. Safe travels!

[@NotSoSuave]

What is the best location on the truck bed if I’m going to to run the generator from the truck bed?

[@davidmcconnell8690]

Good job. :-)) :-))

[@jebutah9705]

Sean you listed all the reasons why we are solar and no generator never mind the added weight of hauling a generator and gasoline

[@LongLongHoneymoon]

I'm pro-solar (in theory). In the real world, can you run your A/C with your solar setup, and if so, for how long? We will likely be doing some major solar mods in the next year.

[@jebutah9705]

Long Long Honeymoon Sean to your question “in the real world can you run your ac with your solar set up, if so for how long.?” Frankly we don’t have a huge solar setup and rarely really need ac where we camp in the western USA. That said I think you could have a solar system that runs ac but it would be a massive battery bank and like you currently don’t run your generator at night and therefore no ac at night ditto with solar. Looking forward to watching your videos on solar mods.

[@LongLongHoneymoon]

@@jebutah9705 we're definitely planning on doing some cool solar mods in the near future, but many if not most of the people I know with solar also carry a generator. I don't see it as an either/or choice. I like to have options. 👍

[@jebutah9705]

Long Long Honeymoon Sean I totally agree with you. In our case carrying a generator is not an option as we have no safe place for it. We tow with a Grand Cherokee

[@lashturner]

The manufacturers should have included grounding wires and stake with instructions. That's where they went wrong.

[@kellykissinger2071]

I'm new at the RV thing and am curious...do you need to use your surge protector when powering from a generator?????

[@davidgraves9875]

Any tips on carrying gasoline? It gets really hot under my locking aluminum tonneau cover. Is it safe with a generator filled with gas plus a can of gas in the covered bed when it gets hot?

[@CowboyStag]

Good presentation. You saved many lives

[@JurgensJourneys]

Great topic! I almost bought that Champion, but the weight was a problem. You're right... dropping it or hurting your back can really put a stop to your trip. Do you think that the Dual Fuel model would be any safer? Great tips! Thanks!

[@rottenbear8930]

the weight can be a problem, if you handle it alone.

[@JurgensJourneys]

I ended up with a smaller Honda, but would need two of them to power my AC.

[@rottenbear8930]

@@JurgensJourneys I like the Honda too.

[@suekastner3714]

Very true. Good tips. I love the Champion 3400.

[@johnhylant9988]

Parallel 2 2kw generators/inverters. They are quiet, easy to pick up and store

[@herveyforward5956]

Good job on basic safety especially on the fueling in a truck bed. Static sparks can happen or just the danger of a spill. I have run our two Honda's in the bed of our Ford Truck with the Retrax cover pulled back and plenty of air around the generator exhausts. However I did not calculate that exhaust fumes would penetrate into our 25 ft "Airstream Front Storage compartment "and then permeate into the Trailer under our ft beds. You cannot smell CO Carbon Monoxide but you can pick up HC hydrocarbon's. I wish I had a Solar system and better batteries but cannot justify or afford it now. Propane does run much cleaner with HC but people should be warned it still produces CO. We now look for power at night in those horrible hot muggy summer nights and are looking for better 12 volt efficient fans. This could be a future Airstream public service Video- I have never grounded a generator but a long clamp cable from the gen - lug to the chassis of the truck or trailer would work.

[@larrybe2900]

I don't think grounding 110 to a vehicle would do its computers much good.

[@herveyforward5956]

@@larrybe2900 This is for filling the generator with gas to make sure static electricity is discharged to ground not for a 110 running situation.

[@paulroese1376]

do you worry about the heat the generator gives off while running it in the bed of your truck or always take it out and place it on the ground to operate?

[@jintaohu2135]

Do you always setup your generator on the ground? it is pretty heavy to load and unload from the truck.

[@dzymslizzy3641]

But what about built-in gen sets, such as in a big class A? You're not going to be pulling those out and setting them on the ground to fuel them. My dad told me many years ago, that it is actually the fumes of the gasoline that are flammable. (Hence the fuel being vaporized prior to ignition in your engine, whether by a carburetor or fuel injection system.) He saw a demonstration in which a lit match was extinguished IN a pail of gas!! The trick is, there can be ZERO air space between the gas and the rim of the pail, and the match has to be doused into the pail very suddenly. In the demonstration he saw, this was done remotely with a mechanical arm. But I do not suggest anyone actually try this--at home, or anywhere else!

[@raysprague765]

I have never grounded my two honda 2000. I am mucho careful about loading fuel. I cable them down and place them where there is less chance of harm in an accident, God forbid. The dynamics in an accident are hard to describe, unless you are in one. Yes, they can hurt your back, etc. Great advice, and thanks to you two good people!

[@tonydtom536]

Do you run that generator on the back of the truck with the top over it?

[@guardroving3815]

Number 5 is to have it anchored in the bed of your truck to stop it from coming through back window if you have an accident.

[@johnpurdum8126]

I have mine cable locked to the anchor points in the bed of my truck. Hope I don't have to find out the hard way that it doesn't help

[@chivosadventures8171]

Okay like the Generator is going to fit through the back window, make all the way through the back of the cab, by the front seat headrests and just magicaly wack you on the back of head lol.

[@richeastmain4031]

Chivos adventures In an accident at highway speeds the generator absolutely could make its way through the rear window and to front seat passengers. It’s called physics.

[@larrybe2900]

@@chivosadventures8171 That is why it is frowned upon to carry wood or cinder blocks during the winter for added weight in snowy areas.

[@chivosadventures8171]

@@richeastmain4031 Lol

[@tykematlack7588]

This is your best video my husband says! Very informative! Thanks Guys.

[@Tsiri09]

All these reasons plus the weight of hauling a gennie and fuel (and the cost of fuel) has me planning my future RV to be primarily solar. Yeah, storms, clouds, winter snow all decrease or stop panels from working. A small gennie might be useful for me to charge/recharge my house batteries for a 12 volt frig and other things, then turn off.

[@snookrookie]

P.S. if you send $5.00 with bottle and pay for shipping I will do the right thing and recycle it for you. Only trying to help. Robert

[@mwb6772]

Excellent information. Thanks!

[@raymondschneider5217]

Wow, great information, Sean, (even if as a reminder)! Those tips can really help the "newbies" of the world. Y'all Be Safe.

[@formeraide529]

A few years ago my sone used a small generator to power Christmas Lights on a Fire Dept. truck in a parade. The only way he could get it to power them was to ground it to the truck body. Don’t know why but as soon as they grounded it the lights started burning.

[@adventuresinrvliving3603]

That’s the generator we went with!! It’s been great 👍!! Much appreciate your insights as they were very helpful in deciding ✌️

[@LongLongHoneymoon]

It's a great product! We love ours.

[@adventuresinrvliving3603]

ABSOLUTELY!!! We looked at a lot of different models, too! Super happy!!

[@HoneyandMe]

Yes, I am dead. So I'm commenting...Lol! Back to the gennie....we have 2 of the yamaha EF2000 inverter generators. We love them! We use one at our off grid cabin in northern BC, where we have solar, but during the winter, the days are very short and charging the batteries is difficult, so the generator does that. Our 2nd one is for using in the rvs. They are very quiet, so do not disturb neighbours, pretty economical to run and easy to start. I have 2 solar panels on Honey, my little motorhome, which does keep my single 12 volt cabin battery charged enough to charge electronics. But, when I want to use an appliance like a hair dryer, I fire up the yamaha for a few minutes. We've looked at the cost of installing solar on our bigger Jayco trailer, but in reality, the expense of the solar far outweighs the cost of running the generator occasionally. I'm always amazed at how much people spend on huge solar arrays with very expensive lithium batteries. I just don't see the savings. I'll stick with my gennies until the price for solar falls a long ways down.

[@boatrvme8478]

Solar technology still needs improvement. The cost of solar array can keep you in generators and fuel for life!

[@LongLongHoneymoon]

@@boatrvme8478 Yes, I think solar has made huge strides over the past decade, but the cost is still an issue. We will be exploring this topic in the near future. :O

[@HoneyandMe]

Long Long Honeymoon Look forward to it!👍

[@HoneyandMe]

M L So true

[@j.patrickmoore9137]

Part of the appeal of solar panels and lithium batteries is avoiding greenhouse gases; another is the freedom to boondock without worring about your fuel supply. Noise is another factor. There are a few vans that have a system that starts the engine and an auxiliary alternator charges the lithium batteries - so you can run your AC any time as needed.

[@mjmohn]

Hi Sean, Yes, we ground our portable generator with a copper ground wire and ground rod. When we run them in parallel, we run a ground wire between both and then one to the ground rod. The generator is at least 40 feet from the rig and the exhaust pointed away and downwind. (We also ground the rig chassis to earth ground, look up RV HOT SKIN for answers. Would make a great safety video for you). We could have included a built-in genset, however we deleted that option. As you correctly point out, built-in gensets are not always the safest. We know of a fellow camper who succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning. The RV had a bad seal between the genset and the RV box in which it was factory installed. For these reasons it is always safety first, no matter how much more time it will take. As we all know, life is just to short anyway and lets all be safe to enjoy every moment we have. Safe Travels and Happy Trails.

[@noniemcd]

I like that the video reminds us of safe practices and didn’t sell even at the very end.

[@larrywiggins672]

The plastic liner in you truck bed will cause static spark be careful .

[@LStofer417]

Very wise advice. Thank you.