Quick answer: No, don't run a generator in a generator box. A generator box is for carrying and locking up your generator on the road. Our boxes are sealed against dust and water, and none of their listings say they are vented for a running generator. Take the generator out to run it, in open air, and follow the generator maker's instructions.
On a caravan, camper or ute, the box keeps the genset secure, dry and in one place. This guide covers ventilation and safety, the sizes we stock, and how to measure.
What a generator box does
- Locks the generator away from thieves at camp and on the road.
- Keeps out dust, rain and road grime.
- Stops it sliding around on a drawbar, trailer or ute tray.
It is a storage box, not an engine room. A seal that keeps dust out also keeps fumes and heat in.
Ventilation and carbon monoxide
A running generator makes carbon monoxide. You can't see it or smell it, and it can kill. It also makes a lot of heat.
- Never run a generator inside a closed box, canopy, annexe, tent or van.
- Run it in open air, well away from doors, windows and vents.
- Point the exhaust away from your van and your neighbours.
- Consider a carbon monoxide alarm inside the van.
- Don't cut vents into a box to run a generator inside it. The box isn't designed for that. A drilled or altered box also can't be returned for a change of mind.
- Let the generator cool before it goes back in the box. The muffler stays hot for a while.
Your generator's manual is the final word. Follow its advice on where and how to run it.
Generator boxes we stock
Our small generator boxes come in three sizes. All are checker plate, 3mm including the checker and 2.5mm excluding it. Each is fully welded, with a curved dust and water seal, a full length piano hinge and two keys.
- 635 generator toolbox: 610 x 330 x 540mm. The opening is 520 x 440mm. The listing names it for a Honda 2kVA. It has a flat lock.
- 764 generator toolbox: 700 x 450 x 650mm. The opening is 620 x 550mm. It has a flat lock.
- 755 generator toolbox: 760 x 500 x 560mm. The opening is 675mm long. It has a T-lock with an upgrade to a compress pad lockable T-lock, plus two gas struts.
Bigger boxes with a generator slide
Our wider generator toolboxes range also has camper boxes and canopies. The 2255 three-lid camper toolbox is 2,200 x 550 x 550mm. Its listing says one slide suits a Honda 2kVA generator (EU20i or EU22i). The other slide suits a BBQ, and the top lid fits two 9kg gas bottles. It has four whale tail locks and comes in checker or black checker.
A slide makes it easier to get the generator out. It does not make the box a place to run it.
Measure your generator
- Measure length, width and height, including handles, wheels and the fuel cap.
- Compare with the opening size, not just the outside box size.
- Leave room to lift it in and out without scraping.
- Allow space for tie-down straps and some padding.
Generators are heavy. Lift with two people, or use a slide.
Fuel safety
- Carry spare fuel in an approved fuel container.
- Keep fuel away from heat and sparks, and out of the cabin.
- Refuel only when the generator is off and cool.
- Follow the maker's advice for transport, such as turning the fuel tap off.
Need somewhere to carry a fuel can? See our jerry can holders, and our guide on how to fit a jerry can holder.
Setting up at camp
- Check the park or campsite rules first. Some sites limit when or where you can run a generator.
- Put the generator on firm, level ground.
- Keep it clear of long grass, awnings and anything that can burn.
- Keep children and pets away while it runs and while it cools.
- Run leads where nobody will trip on them, and keep plugs out of water.
Mounting and weight
Most generator boxes go on a drawbar, a trailer or a ute tray. Bolt the box down on a flat, solid base. Use large washers to spread the load on the aluminium floor. A generator is a heavy, concentrated load, so check your weight limits. On a caravan, weight on the drawbar adds to your ball weight. Check the van maker's advice before you drill the frame. Our caravan drawbar toolbox guide covers clearances and mounting. We don't install in store, but our team can suggest an installer about 50 metres from our Prestons warehouse.
Looking after the box
Wipe out dust and any spilt fuel after each trip. Check the rubber seal for cracks or gaps. Work the lock and hinge so they don't seize. Replace worn tie-down straps. Keep spare fuel in its own holder, not loose beside the generator.
Locks
- Flat lock: on the 635 and 764.
- T-lock: on the 755, with a compress pad lockable upgrade.
- Whale tail locks: on the 2255 camper toolbox.
- Keyed alike: ask in the delivery instructions at checkout if you buy more than one box.
Questions people ask
Can you run a generator in a generator box?
No. Run it outside the box, in open air. Our boxes are sealed against dust and water and are not listed as vented for a running generator.
What size generator box fits a Honda 2kVA?
The 635 listing names it for a Honda 2kVA. Its opening is 520 x 440mm. Measure your own generator, including the handle, before you order.
Can I cut vents into a generator box?
We don't recommend it. The box isn't designed to run a generator inside, and a drilled or altered box can't be returned for a change of mind.
Where should a generator box go on a caravan?
Most go on the drawbar or a rear bar, bolted to a flat, solid base. Check the clearances and the van maker's advice, and count the weight in your limits.
Quick checklist
- Measure the generator, then compare with the opening size.
- Plan straps and padding inside the box.
- Check your weight limits and mounting spot.
- Take the generator out to run it, in open air.
- Let it cool before you pack it away.
- Store fuel safely and apart from heat.
Delivery, pickup and our showroom
We send Australia-wide from our warehouse in Prestons, NSW. About 98% of products are dispatched within one business day. Allow 1–5 business days for delivery. Some places can take up to 10. You get a tracking number. Prefer to collect? Pickup from the Prestons warehouse is available, and bookings are essential. Our showroom is at Unit 13, 340 Hoxton Park Road, Prestons NSW 2170. You can see the range and buy on the spot. We are open Monday to Friday 9am–5.30pm and Saturday 9am–1pm.