First thing's first, check out every possible route connecting the old location to the new one. Take careful measurements of how much space there is underneath those bridges and power lines, especially if widths go beyond 12 feet somewhere along the way. When it comes to ground stability, run some tests using that penetrometer gadget. If sandy soil has more than 20% moisture content, we might need to lay down some temporary road plates just to be safe. Don't forget to mark off loading spots where at least 15 feet of vertical space is needed for those tilt bed trailers. Keep an eye out for anything hanging overhead too, like tree branches that could interfere when unloading cargo. Slopes should stay below 7 degrees if we want to avoid ramps altogether during operations. All this planning upfront really pays off in the long run. According to some industry research, skipping these steps can lead to expensive changes halfway through a move while also increasing accident chances by around 34%.
Before transporting any mobile generator set, it's essential to check what the manufacturer says about moving procedures. Nearly all equipment makers insist that fuel tanks be emptied down to under 25%, batteries disconnected at their terminals, mounting bracket bolts tightened correctly according to specs, and sensitive parts insulated against vibrations. The numbers back this up too - many warranty claims get denied when these steps aren't followed properly, according to recent transport compliance data from 2023 showing around 78% of such cases result in lost coverage. Weight distribution matters quite a bit as well. Loads that aren't balanced right with something like a 60/40 split between front and rear sections lead to problems with trailer stability about 42% of the time based on industry reports. Don't forget to look up local Department of Transportation requirements either since different states have varying rules about containing fluids while equipment is being moved.
When preparing to move a mobile generator set, there are several important safety measures worth following. Start by turning off everything connected to electricity and powering down the machine according to what the manufacturer recommends in their documentation. Nobody wants an unexpected startup while working on it. Handling fluids properly matters too. If the trip will take days or longer, consider draining the fuel tank completely. Check the oil level so nothing drips out during transport, and look at the coolant system to make sure it's intact. Battery connections, control panels, and exhaust parts need securing against movement. Use those special fasteners designed to resist vibration for these components. The shaking from roads can really mess things up inside if parts aren't fixed properly. Most technicians know that generators often fail after being moved because something got damaged during transit when they weren't secured right.
Emptying fuel tanks goes a long way toward reducing fire dangers and keeping things legal while moving equipment around. When fuel spills happen inside those closed trailer spaces, there's a serious risk of explosions once the vapors build up enough to catch fire. Most transportation agencies actually require that tanks stay under 25% full when transporting gear according to FMCSA guidelines from last year. There's another benefit too: partially draining tanks stops ethanol blended fuels from separating into different phases, something that really messes up fuel systems over time. If the equipment needs to sit for weeks or months during transport, it makes sense to drain completely and stabilize the fuel properly before putting it back into service. Taking these steps not only protects against environmental damage but also saves money in the long run since DOT fines for violations can easily top twenty thousand dollars each time they occur.
Choosing the right trailer is essential for safely transporting mobile generator sets. Small utility trailers tend to handle compact units weighing around 7,000 pounds or less pretty well. Mid sized generators benefit from tilt bed trailers since they make loading and unloading much easier thanks to those hydraulic ramps. When dealing with industrial grade generators over 15,000 pounds though, A frame trailers offer better stability because of their three point support system that reinforces the whole setup. Before making any decisions, check the generator dimensions against what the trailer can actually carry both in terms of weight capacity and available deck space. Keep in mind that if a generator sticks out more than six inches beyond the sides of the trailer, there could be problems stopping on the road. According to recent Department of Transportation data from 2023, nearly one third of all equipment violations were related to cargo that was simply too big for legal transportation.
Matching the towing capacity of your vehicle to what it actually needs to haul matters a lot for safe transportation. Industry reports point out that around 42% of all transport problems come down to this simple mismatch between what's being pulled and what can be pulled. To figure out if everything will work together, just add up the weight of the trailer, the generator itself, plus whatever else is loaded on board. Most commercial grade generators play well with Class IV hitches rated between 8,500 and 12,000 pounds. Those really big beasts need Class V hitches though. Stability during transit depends heavily on proper weight balance too. Aim for roughly 60% of total weight in front versus 40% at the back end. And don't forget sway control equipment whenever dealing with anything over 10,000 pounds worth of cargo. Taking slow corners helps avoid dangerous jackknifing situations, particularly important when working with those extended trailers where differences in wheelbase create extra instability risks nobody wants to deal with on the road.
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