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VanBelkum›VB4-MST Security Trailer

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Generator

The onboard gasoline generator is standard on the VB4-MST and gives automatic top-ups: when the battery bank drops to a set voltage, the generator starts, charges, and shuts itself off. This page covers first start, the two modes, and upkeep.

The generator burns gasoline and makes exhaust and heat. Run it only with the trailer outdoors and the generator side cover open as designed. Check the engine oil and fuel before the first start of every deployment.

The onboard gasoline generator in its compartment, strapped down
The generator in its compartment on the trailer.

First start after delivery or storage

  1. Open the generator side cover by removing its two bolts.
  2. Connect the starter battery plugs. They are under the orange cover on the generator.
  3. Close the generator circuit breaker. It powers the generator controller and charges the starter battery.
  4. Turn the key switch on.
  5. Make sure the battery monitor breaker is on. Automatic mode depends on it.
The generator connection panel: power output cord, oil monitor, remote-start cable, and charging cable plugged in
The generator connection panel: the power output cord, the oil monitor, the remote-start cable, and the charging cable. The starter battery plugs are under the orange cover.

This is how the trailer should run day to day.

  1. Check engine oil and fuel level. The filler for the integrated tank is behind its own small door, with the fuel gauge beside it.
  2. Confirm the generator controller and the battery monitor are powered.
  3. Confirm the generator controller’s Auto light is on.
The fuel filler cap for the integrated tank inside its compartment, with the fuel gauge next to the door
The fuel filler for the integrated tank, with the gauge beside it.

That is all. The system controller starts the generator when the battery bank reaches the low-voltage threshold and stops it at the high-voltage threshold.

The thresholds

VanBelkum sets these for your battery type before delivery. If you ever need to check them, they live in the system controller’s generator start/stop settings, reachable from the touch display or the VictronConnect app:

Battery type Auto-start below Auto-stop above
Gel lead-acid (standard on the VB4-MST) 23.5 V 26.0 V
Lithium (optional) 24.0 V 26.5 V

Some units use the battery monitor’s relay or a voltage-sensing relay for the same job, with the same values. Call support before changing any of these.

Manual mode

For an emergency start or a test only:

  1. Turn the key switch on.
  2. Press Start on the generator controller. To stop, press Stop.

From the generator’s own panel, for testing: press START for about one second to start; press and hold START for about three seconds to stop.

A generator started by hand does not stop by itself. It will run until someone stops it, or until the tank is empty. Set a reminder.

Maintenance schedule

Item Every use First month or 10 h Every 3 months or 50 h Every 6 months or 100 h Every 2 years or 200 h
Engine oil level Check
Engine oil Replace
Air filter Check Clean
Spark plug Check and adjust Replace
Spark arrester Clean
Valve clearance Check and adjust *
Fuel filter and tank Clean
Cylinder head Clean every 300 h *
Fuel line Check every 2 years; replace if needed

* Needs special tools and training. Call VanBelkum to arrange these.