Suitcase Generator

[Madp]

Hi all, this year will be the first year i intend on renting a generator to take with me to LeMans, and just wanted to get some advice on a couple things.

I believe there's an option to have the generator come with a full tank when renting, is it generally safe to travel with a generator already topped up? I know we'd need to ensure it's kept upright when traveling anyway, just unsure on whether it having a full tank would be a good idea or not.

Whats the best location to place the generator, and is there any general advice on operation and location when the weather may turn a bit wet? Is there some sort of cover or protection that would be suitable?

Are there any odd laws in France when it comes to getting fuel in petrol cans? Are we limited to certain types/sizes?

If you have any general tips as well i'd love to hear them. Thanks!

[BeeGT]

My advice would be to travel with a separate container/jerry can for the fuel. So long as the container you are using is fit for the purpose of transporting fuel you should be OK (there's a CE or similar marking). Limits on the amount of fuel you can carry will probably vary between the ferry companies and eurotunnel.

[gt6]

Most campsites now have electricity so generators not really required any longer, just take plenty of cable and connections

[RobbyJ]

I have a Kipor IG2000 specifically used for LM. Had it for 5 years now and have a couple of smaller ones before and upgraded as our camp grew. We take it empty and bring it back empty and take a 25l jerry can we fill up near the circuit.

We chain it to a fence when in use and put it in the boot of a car when not in use. Had no problems leaving out running in the pi**ing rain.

There are rules on the Eurotunnel about fuel in cans so we always just travel with it empty, any remaining fuel in the can we stick in one of the cars and I just run the genny out before we go.

They really aren’t that expensive so if you’re planning on doing this more than once I’d recommend just buying one if you have somewhere to keep it.

I’ve also bought a 2kw battery this year which will hopefully keep things powered when not using the genny and later at night when the genny can be a little anti social.

[mikeN54]

Madp said:

Hi all, this year will be the first year i intend on renting a generator to take with me to LeMans, and just wanted to get some advice on a couple things.

I believe there's an option to have the generator come with a full tank when renting, is it generally safe to travel with a generator already topped up? I know we'd need to ensure it's kept upright when traveling anyway, just unsure on whether it having a full tank would be a good idea or not.

Whats the best location to place the generator, and is there any general advice on operation and location when the weather may turn a bit wet? Is there some sort of cover or protection that would be suitable?

Are there any odd laws in France when it comes to getting fuel in petrol cans? Are we limited to certain types/sizes?

If you have any general tips as well i'd love to hear them. Thanks!

What size is the genny if you're renting? Are you talking about carrying it in the boot / passenger compartment? Vented fuel tanks in a genny will fill the vehicle with fumes sloshing about, plus in any accident could be a disaster.

Much better to carry empty and fill locally as others said plus rules on Eurotunnel etc.

[LawrieC]

gt6 said:

Most campsites now have electricity so generators not really required any longer, just take plenty of cable and connections

Electricity is very limited in most sites

[ridds]

How much juice do you need?

Anker have some good solutions.

https://www.anker.com/uk/ankerpower?ref=naviMenu

[bennno]

Madp said:

Hi all, this year will be the first year i intend on renting a generator to take with me to LeMans, and just wanted to get some advice on a couple things.

I believe there's an option to have the generator come with a full tank when renting, is it generally safe to travel with a generator already topped up? I know we'd need to ensure it's kept upright when traveling anyway, just unsure on whether it having a full tank would be a good idea or not.

Whats the best location to place the generator, and is there any general advice on operation and location when the weather may turn a bit wet? Is there some sort of cover or protection that would be suitable?

Are there any odd laws in France when it comes to getting fuel in petrol cans? Are we limited to certain types/sizes?

If you have any general tips as well i'd love to hear them. Thanks!

Advice to take a heavy chain or chains, and lock it to something immovable to stop it being pinched.

[Madp]

Thanks for the advice so far all, very helpful! I will take it empty on the way there & back and look for some sort of heavy chain to secure it up.

In regards to connecting up and using it, would any old multi-way extension lead work or should I be looking for something a bit more heavy duty?

[Nosynchro]

Depends on the capacity of the genny and what you are plugging in. We connect a freezer to rapid cool beer and use a normal extension lead. Because the suitcase genny is a bit under powered you have to have it running sweetly first. We find it more economic to keep beer in a freezer that you can run for 20 minutes every few hours rather than a fridge on permanently. I think power is only used for cooling and charging phones

[LawrieC]

We run a couple of Kipor gennys (one spare really), so we can charge batteries for a compressor fridge and a caravan, and watch TV etc. This allows us to run silent overnight on gas/battery. Everything is locked away when not in use.

[Madp]

So this may be a dumb question, but what do you do in regards to grounding? I've seen conflicting info when it comes to camping, so just want to make sure.

[RobbyJ]

I don’t. I do have an earthing rod but can never be arsed to use it. Pouring in petrol whilst drunk while it’s running with someone standing by with a fire extinguisher feels like much more of a risk.