4x4" Square Tubing Generator Stand

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the design and construction of a stand for a generator weighing approximately 1000 lbs, which will be mounted on a concrete pad. The stand is necessary to accommodate a 100-gallon fuel tank that needs to remain below the generator, similar to its previous setup on a trailer. Participants explore various aspects of the stand's design, including material choice, structural support, and safety considerations regarding the fuel tank.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether additional support is needed in the middle of the stand or if end braces will suffice.
  • Concerns are raised about the stability of the generator frame and how it will be secured to the concrete slab.
  • Participants inquire about the material choice for the stand, with one confirming the use of steel with a thickness of .25".
  • There is a discussion about the nature of the generator's skids and whether they will be used in the new frame.
  • One participant emphasizes that the fuel tank should be suspended in the new frame and not in direct contact with the concrete to prevent potential hazards.
  • Participants suggest that the design of the new frame should take into account the original trailer frame's construction and mounting points.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various concerns and suggestions regarding the design and safety of the generator stand, but there is no consensus on specific design features or requirements. Multiple viewpoints on structural support and safety measures remain present.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight potential liabilities associated with storing a large fuel tank, including local regulations and safety measures regarding leaks or spills, but do not resolve these issues.

klamberth27
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TL;DR
I am building a generator stand and have some 4x4" square tubing with .25" wall thickness. Do I need a support in the middle or are the braces at the ends good enough.
Generator weights approximately 1000lbs. I will be removing from the trailer and mounting it to a concrete pad. The reason for the stand is simply because there is a 100 gallon fuel tank that needs to remain under it like it is mounted in the trailer. The spacer/stand is so that the fuel tank can remain below the generator but be mounted to the concrete pad.

Diagram is attached.
 

Attachments

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klamberth27 said:
...Do I need a support in the middle or are the braces at the ends good enough...
...Generator weights approximately 1000lbs...
Welcome to PF.
First identify the position of all the mounting points that attach the generator to the trailer chassis.
What are the dimensions of those original chassis mountings on the trailer?
If the generator will be operated on the frame, what will stop the frame falling sideways? and how will the frame be attached to the concrete slab?

Storing that much fuel is a real liability. What are your local rules? Will the fuel tank rest independently on the slab? will the drain be blocked? or the material corrode? What happens when it leaks or spills during filling? Where does the fuel flow?
 
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Will you build from steel, aluminum, or some other material?
 
Will build from Steel .25"
 
The generator appears to have two black skids that rest on the trailer. Are those part of the generator or part of the trailer? Will the original skids be used to rest on the new frame?

Is the fuel tank built into the trailer, suspended from or mounted on the trailer, or is it part of, or slung from the generator?
 
Correct. The skids are built into the generator cage and will remain. They will be sitting on the new frame. The fuel tank sits just below the Generator and is suspended in the trailer. The plan is to unbolt from the trailer and place under the generator on the concrete slab.
 
klamberth27 said:
The fuel tank sits just below the Generator and is suspended in the trailer.
Then the tank should be suspended in the new frame, below the generator, and not in contact with the concrete.
The fabrication of the new frame can be guided by the construction of the original trailer frame. Because it is not mobile, components can be heavier, but it should not be made any lighter. Study the mounting points on the generator support, and the suspension points on the tank.
 

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