Is It Safe to Put a Gasoline Generator in a Car?

[HenryFitz]

It is safe to put a gasoline generator in a car, but it must be securely fastened to prevent shifting due to vibration. Below is an introduction to automotive generators: 1. Introduction: The automotive generator is the main power source of a car. Its function is to supply power to all electrical equipment (except the starter) and charge the battery when the engine is running normally. Based on the three-phase stator winding of a regular AC generator, the number of winding turns is increased, and terminals are added, along with an additional three-phase bridge rectifier. At low speeds, the output is from the original winding and the additional winding connected in series, while at higher speeds, only the original three-phase winding provides the output. 2. Classification: Automotive generators can be divided into DC generators and AC generators. Due to the many advantages of AC generators over DC generators, DC generators have been phased out.

[AvaFitz]

I think placing a gasoline generator in a car is quite risky, mainly because the carbon monoxide it produces during operation is particularly frightening. I've read reports before about people who slept in their cars with the generator running and the windows open, only to end up hospitalized due to poisoning. Also, gasoline is highly volatile. In summer, when the temperature inside the car can reach 60-70 degrees Celsius, if there's a fuel leak or an electrical spark, it could easily set the entire car on fire. If you absolutely must bring one, always remember to keep the car doors open for ventilation when the generator is running, and never sleep with the windows closed and the air conditioning on! It's best not to have more than 10 liters of fuel, and using a metal container is safer than a plastic one. Additionally, secure it firmly in the trunk with straps—if you brake suddenly, this heavy metal object could fly forward and smash through the seats.

[LenaLynn]

As a mom who frequently takes her kids on self-driving camping trips, I've researched this issue thoroughly. The biggest problem with placing a generator in the trunk is the gasoline smell - even with the lid tightly closed, it still seeps out in high temperatures, filling the entire car with that odor, which is particularly bad for children's respiratory systems. I used one once before, and my child complained of dizziness when getting out of the car. Moreover, insurance companies have exemption clauses for carrying flammable items in vehicles - in case of an actual incident, they might not pay a cent. Now I've switched to using portable power stations like EcoFlow, which are more expensive but safer, and you don't need to remove the battery when boarding - they can charge phones and tablets too. If you must bring a generator, I recommend adding a flame-retardant cover and always checking whether the battery terminals are properly insulated with tape before departure.

[LeCharlie]

Off-road enthusiasts know that carrying a generator in your vehicle involves two major hurdles: police inspections for illegal modifications and annual vehicle inspections. Last year, my buddy welded an 8kW generator into the bed of his pickup truck and got pulled over three times by traffic police, eventually leading to the vehicle being impounded. If you want to carry one safely, opt for an inverter generator paired with a flame-retardant box, and ensure the fuel tank and main unit are installed separately. My current setup involves cutting into the spare tire space to install an explosion-proof box, with an added solenoid valve in the fuel line to automatically cut off fuel when the engine shuts down. Always remember to extend the exhaust pipe when starting it up—last time during testing, the exhaust pipe was too close to the body for three minutes, and the paint bubbled instantly! Oh, and don’t skimp on the mounting brackets—go for cast aluminum ones; angle iron frames can crack on rough terrain.