Propane generator

[trcgolf]

We are going to Alaska and want to bring a generator for those important items like cell phone charging and hair driers when dry camping.
Our fiver has an LP connection off the back end which I assume I could connect a generator to.
Anyone use a propane generator? Connected off Trailer or mobile 20lber.

[MartyinSC]

I have a Champion propane generator. They no longer make the one I have, but now offer the same 3500 Watt generator in dual-fuel, i.e. gas or propane.
I doubt if you'll be able to use the propane outlet on the back of the RV. I have one also, but understand that it is low-pressure, i.e. after the regulator. The generator connection is high pressure, i.e. it connects directly to a propane tank. It has it's own regulator inside. The generator will empty a propane bottle in 10-12 hours, so you might want it to have it's own supply, and not draw down the RV's supply that you might need for heat or cooking. Propane is not an easy start, but if you follow the choking instructions closely, it should start in 3 or 4 pulls. Definitely not a one-pull, as newer gas engines have spoiled us to expect.

[exposurecontrol]

Agree with MartyinSC. While I don't have a fiver, I do have a TT with a propane outlet at the back. I found out the hard way it is at low pressure which disappointed me because I wanted to use my gas grill with it and that won't work and thus wouldn't work with the generator either. I also saw that Champion has a dual fuel generator on the market. I guess it would be nice to have propane as a backup fuel, but the specs show there will be a lower output using the propane option. Also propane is a pretty expensive fuel compared to gas.

[MartyinSC]

On the plus side, propane seems safer to store, and most importantly, doesn't turn to gel inside the carburetor between uses. We only use it for backup house power, and occasional boondocking, so I don't want it "sludged up" in the months in between.

[Jerry Pinkard]

Originally Posted by exposurecontrol

Agree with MartyinSC. While I don't have a fiver, I do have a TT with a propane outlet at the back. I found out the hard way it is at low pressure which disappointed me because I wanted to use my gas grill with it and that won't work and thus wouldn't work with the generator either. I also saw that Champion has a dual fuel generator on the market. I guess it would be nice to have propane as a backup fuel, but the specs show there will be a lower output using the propane option. Also propane is a pretty expensive fuel compared to gas.

D. Why can't you connect your grill to the outlet? Just disconnect the grill hose with the regulator and attached an extension hose...Is your grill regulator internal?

[OhioMark]

I bypass the on-board regulator with a tee at the tank, regardless of what you are supplying to, this works (generator, grill, heater, propane light).

Amazon for under 20 bucks.

Amazon.com: Coleman Company Propane Tee, Black/White: Sports & Outdoors

[MartyinSC]

Originally Posted by Jerry Pinkard

D. Why can't you connect your grill to the outlet? Just disconnect the grill hose with the regulator and attached an extension hose...Is your grill regulator internal?

On some grills you can. If the burner (flame) control is separate from the regulator, you can do as you said. This is common in multi-burner stoves.
On my little Coleman, the regulator assembly IS the flame adjustment, so if you bypassed it, you would have full flame all the time.

[Tim D]

They make both high and low pressure conversions for propane generators. I don't know for sure but would think you could use the low pressure conversion if you didn't add a second regulator. However, I think I would rather use a separate tank. The cost for using gas vs propane to run the generator is really a wash from my research. I know from the past that I could easily burn 12 gallons of gas in a 24 hr period to heat my home and keep a few lights on when we were without power for 10 days due to an ice storm. Smaller gen for camper should use nowhere near that. You also don't have to worry about propane going stale or varnishing up your carbs.