Guardian Technologies 004701-0 2.1Location and Support, 2.1.1 GENERATOR LOCATION, Installation

Section 2 – Installation

Recreational Vehicle Generator

2.1Location and Support

2.1.1 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 rein- force.

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 frame- work that is part of the recreational vehicle, as outlined in Section 2.1.2.

•The location must provide an access opening that is large enough to permit generator removal (unless the generator is to be removed from under- neath the supporting framework).

•The location must provide easy access to frequent- ly serviced components, such as filters, oil drains, spark plugs and other common maintenance parts.

•The location must provide sufficient room to allow minimum clearances as outlined in Section 2.2. If sound insulation is to be used on the compartment walls and ceiling, the minimum recommended applies to the space between the generator and such insulation.

tor below the horizontal support tubing by means of suitable, structurally sound metal framework. The following general rules apply:

•Vehicle construction MUST be capable of support- ing the weight of the generator.

•Whether the generator is mounted above the hori- zontal support tubing or suspended below the tub- ing, the supporting frame used must be structur- ally sound.

•If the generator cannot be bolted directly to the supporting frame or support tubing, con- sider using additional tubing, angle brackets or other supports to give the supporting frame suf- ficient strength.

Figure 2.1 – Typical Horizontal Support Frame

2.1.4 GENERATOR RESTRAINT

•The location must provide adequate cooling and ventilating airflow for the generator without a great deal of work and expense.

•If mounting the generator in an enclosed compart- ment, the base of the generator must rest flat on the floor without any gaps.

•When using a suspended mounting system, ensure the base of the generator is flush with the sur- rounding bodywork. If the unit is mounted higher in the structure, heated air may recirculate into the generator causing it to overheat.

Use four 5/16"-18 hardened steel bolts (Grade 5) to fasten the generator to the supporting frame or the support tubing. These bolts must pass through (a) the generator mounting base, (b) the compartment floor (if a compartment is used) and (c) the support- ing framework (Figure 2.2). All bolts must be long enough so that when tight, at least three threads are visible past the retaining lock nuts. Refer to Section

2.2for the location of the generator mounting holes.

Figure 2.2 – Typical Generator Restraint

2.1.2 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 consist of (a) 1-1/2-inch square, 11-gauge steel tub- ing OR (b) 1-1/2-inch, 11-gauge angle iron. A typical supporting frame with horizontal support tubing, is shown in Figure 2.1.

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 genera-

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