Help with generator

I'm not sure if it has been mentioned in the thread at some point, but running a genny on propane will not put out the same wattage as running on gas. I don't really know why, but thats what I have been told. 

Second, for portable generator.
My experience is that people want (a) easy and (b) cheap.so I'll focus on portable units.
Where are you going to (1) store your generator (2) set up the generator to use it? Remember, it may be severe weather so, where could you put it to keep it safe and be able to refuel it easily? If you're using power cords, will they be dry and as far out of the way as possible?
Small generators (less than 5500 watts) can only do so much. If you overload the unit and damage it, you won't have any power at all. So be smart! Portable units are made up to almost 20k watts but they're not for people on budgets.
The bottom line is to add up the load (watts) you plan to connect and size your generator at least 25% higher. When motors like the compressor in the refrigerator start up there is a sudden draw of power higher than the normal running load and you want to compensate for that.
Small appliances will have the wattage marked on them. Lighting circuits will be less than 1200 watts each. Water heater is 4500 watts alone.
Also,you'll truly get what you pay for...unless you buy from one of those guys selling from the back of their pick-up truck (don't do that). Don't wait till the last minute or you'll be stuck with whatever is left in the stores. I got a cummins genenerator and it is hard to find a place for storing.
Oh, and the "trick" with connecting the generator to the dryer outlet to backfeed the house? DON'T YOU DARE!! It will result in damage and/or injury...
Hope that helped a little...sorry it's so wordy

Originally posted by StephenH Originally posted by TheBum I've considered carrying one of our Honda 2000 generators on a carrier in the back and the other on an A-frame tray (the aforementioned Stromberg-Carlson). They would roughly cancel each other out weight-distribution-wise and the weight on the back should be supportable (~50 lbs for the generator plus the rack weight). Unfortunately, I'd have to figure out a place to put the spare. I have a BAL Hide-a-spare tire carrier available. I am no longer using it since we got the pickup. I don't know how much shipping would be though. They sell new on Amazon for about $100. Mine was the 28210 and was modified to fit the RP179 frame distance. That should be the same for other models also.

I'd be leery of using a carrier like that since our Pod doesn't have risers. I'm not really inclined to add risers because of the hit to my already marginal gas mileage.

I've considered carrying one of our Honda 2000 generators on a carrier in the back and the other on an A-frame tray (the aforementioned Stromberg-Carlson). They would roughly cancel each other out weight-distribution-wise and the weight on the back should be supportable (~50 lbs for the generator plus the rack weight). Unfortunately, I'd have to figure out a place to put the spare.

I like your setup but am a little concerned about the weight as well. I'm almost done with a custom designed, smaller and lighter rack for the hitch as well that will hold our Honda 2000i and 2 Gal Rotopax gas can. What I hope to achieve is the ability to store, tote and lock down the gen in the same spot it will be used as well as not to be next to where I sleep or watch tv (tongue area) in the 179. The spare tire will go under the back between the frame on a swing out system.