comprehensive guide to safely transporting your generator
- BY BISON
Table of Contents
To head into the wilderness for camping, you don’t have to leave the comfort of your home behind. With a generator, you can easily open up many possibilities, from lights to stoves.
However, as with any heavy-duty equipment, a generator needs to be handled with care – particularly when it’s being transported. Improper transportation can lead to damage to the generator, fuel leaks, or even pose serious safety hazards.
That’s why understanding how to safely transport a generator is so essential. BISON will guide you through the process, providing you with the necessary steps and precautions to ensure your generator arrives at its destination in perfect working order.
So if you’re planning on moving a generator anytime soon, keep reading. From pre-transportation preparations to safety precautions during generator transportation, BISON offers you a comprehensive and detailed guide. Let’s power through this together!
how to safely transport a generator
If you have invested in a portable generator to enjoy power while working or playing. This means that it needs to be safely transported to different locations. Here are some safety tips before safely transporting your generator.
Precautions when transporting generators
By following these steps, you can ensure that your generator is ready for safe transportation. Remember, the key is to take your time and not rush the process. Your generator is a valuable piece of equipment, and it’s worth taking the extra effort to move it correctly.
Here are some safety tips before safely transporting your generator：
1. Empty the fuel tank
Before transportation, make sure your generator’s fuel tank is completely empty. This reduces the risk of dangerous fuel leaks and spills during transit.
2.Disconnect the fuel and power supply
Ensure all power supply connections are disconnected, and the generator is switched off before moving. This can prevent any unexpected starts from the generator while in transit.
3. Allow the generator to cool down
Never transport a generator that is still hot from use. Always allow it to cool down fully before moving it to prevent burns and reduce the risk of fire.Please turn it off and wait at least 15 minutes before moving it to avoid burns and damage to generator components.
4. Consider the size and weight
For proper transportation, you should always use a truck or trailer. And make sure the truck matches the weight and size of the generator.
Overloading can lead to accidents.If you have a luggage rack, you shouldn’t place your generator on your vehicle. Portable generators can weigh up to 250 pounds, more than most automobiles can safely carry.
5. Close the fuel valve
Always turn off the fuel valve before moving your generator. Road vibration can cause fuel to seep into the crankcase.
6. Keep the generator upright
Generators should always be kept upright during transit. Laying a generator on its side can lead to oil or fuel leakage, which could damage the unit or create a fire hazard.
6. Secure the Load
Once the generator is in your vehicle or trailer, secure it using strong straps or chains. This will prevent it from moving around during the journey.Make sure you use a vehicle that can move your generator upright.
7. Prevent vibration
Use padding materials like blankets or foam to limit the vibration during transit. This is because no matter how safely you drive, vibrations during the trip can cause the generator to move. If left unsecured, bumps can damage generator components.
8. Do not install the generator in the car
Never store your generator inside a vehicle. Even with a dry fuel tank, gasoline fumes can easily overwhelm you.
The best place to transport your generator is in the bed of a trailer or pickup truck. If you don’t have a trailer or pickup, consider investing in an A-frame or hitch-mounted cargo carrier.
preparing your generator for transportation
Before you begin transporting your generator, it’s crucial to prepare the unit properly. This preparation involves several steps, each designed to prevent damage and ensure safety during transit.
1. Preparation of the generator
Before transporting your generator, you must ensure the fuel valve is closed and your equipment has enough time to cool down.
Next, you will need to drain the fuel from your generator. To do so:
- Remove your fuel tank cap.
- Move the fuel tank vent level to the “OFF” position.
- Pull out the strainer, a small “u” shaped device, at the bottom of your tank.
- Place an approved container under your fuel tank to hold the gasoline.
- more: How to drain fuel & gas from a generator
2. Loading the generator
Hold your generator in position using the fold-out handles if equipped with them. If possible, use a ramp or lift to help you load the generator into the truck bed or trailer. This will make the process easier and safer.Try to keep the generator as upright as possible when loading it. Excessive tilting can lead to leaks or damage. Once the generator is in the vehicle, make sure it’s positioned to distribute its weight evenly. This can prevent tipping during transit.
3. Protecting and securing generators
After finding a place for your generator, you’ll need to store it properly. Do not place the generator on top of other objects. Transport the generator in a container. Or wrap the generator in a weatherproof container.
Secure the generator firmly in place using ratchet straps, tie-downs, or chains. These should be attached to solid points on both the generator and the vehicle. Make sure all straps or chains are tight and secure. They should not loosen during transport.
Before setting off, double-check all straps and connections. It’s better to spend an extra few minutes checking than to risk an accident.
4. Safe and secure transport
Take your time when driving, especially on bumpy roads or sharp turns. Turn smoothly to prevent the generator from shifting or tipping over.
5. Unloading the generator
Just like when you loaded the generator, use caution when unloading it. If possible, use a ramp or lift to help. Place the generator on a stable and level surface to prevent it from tipping over.
6. Check and start the generator
Reconnect the battery cables and any other parts that were disconnected during transportation. Check that the generator has not been leaked or damaged during transportation. Next, add fuel to the fuel tank. Allow the generator to run for a few minutes to make sure everything is operating properly.
Conclusion
Transporting a generator is not a task to be taken lightly. Throughout this article, China BISON emphasized the importance of proper preparation, careful loading, secure fastening, cautious driving, and safe unloading. Each of these steps plays a crucial role in ensuring that your generator reaches its destination undamaged and ready to provide reliable power wherever it’s needed.
Remember, a generator is a significant investment and a critical piece of equipment. Its safe transportation should always be a priority. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can avoid potential damage, costly repairs, and most importantly, dangerous situations.
BISON: Professional generator supplier
For our incoming distributors, understanding these principles is not just about preserving the integrity of the generators, but also about enhancing the quality of your services. Your customers trust you to deliver their equipment safely, and by doing so, you’re building a reputation for reliability and professionalism.
We hope this guide has been helpful, and we encourage you to use it as a reference whenever you need to transport a generator. And remember, the key takeaway here is safety. Don’t rush the process, and don’t cut corners. Your attention to detail could make all the difference in the world.
At the end of the day, we wrote this article with one goal in mind: to help you improve your services and ensure the safe transportation of generators. So let’s work together to achieve this goal and set new standards in the industry!
safely transporting your generator FAQ
how to transport an RV portable generator?
Most RV generators are usually secured inside the compartment. However, it is important to periodically check the fasteners before you leave to ensure that all screws and bolts are securely tightened.
If your RV has a separate portable generator, follow the transportation procedures listed in this article.
Is it safe to transport a generator in a car?
Yes, generators can be transported by boat and it is important to ensure that they are stored in a well-ventilated area. Properly secured to prevent movement and potential damage
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