Generator compartment.

[Adrian]

Generator compartment.
I was under the clipper last weekend and noticed that the generator compartment seemed to be sagging. I guess I never really looked at the construction but it looks like the whole compartment is just ¾ inch plywood that is butt jointed. To take the sag out I jacked up the compartment and from the inside use some pipe strapping  to hold the bottom of the compartment in place.
How is the compartment attached to the rest of the coach? I would think that there should be some structural steel that is bolted to the frame. Adding to my concern is the spare tire is also attached to the bottom of the compartment.

Thanks
Adrian Miura

[bigideaman]

Hi Adrain.

I am a new RV'er and saw the same problem. this is what I just completed today...

I removed my generator, removed the spare tire and broke out the saw saw. After a few cuts and a couple whacks with the hammer, the whole thing fell completely out. It is just framed lightly with a plywood generator box mounted on a plywood floor and after years of generator oil and gas leaks the wood is rotten.

I then fabricated (2) 1.5" steel tubes with 1/4" steel plates on each end with four mounting holes. (tubes go the RV length direction). When you install them do forget that out of the bottom of the generator there is an exhaust systems and some sheet metal ducting that you have to make room for. I then through bolted them into the side wall which was heavier wood framing. I then proceeded to both (4) 2" x 4" the depth way and (1) trimmed 2" x 4" across the two steel beams. I trimmed the far right to leave room for the generator exhaust duct. I then installed one custom cut piece of 1/8" aluminum as the floor and deck screwed it down through the 2" x 4"s. Don't forget to counter sink your holes in the aluminum as you want a smooth surface. I then welded in place a 26" x 20" x 16" x 1/8" aluminum generator box in the new cabinet as  code demands a box within a box. I added some sound installation using silicone and Double back tape and reinstalled my generator. I now have a box that will probably out line the RV. If you need more info you can email me directly at dave@bigideas.net