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Topic ClosedConvert Generator to run on propane

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shroomer View Drop Down
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Joined: 24 Aug 2013
Location: New Haven, CT
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Direct Link To This Post Topic: Convert Generator to run on propane
    Posted: 04 Jan 2016 at 10:59pm
What is the energy capacity of a 20lb (now 16lb) propane tank vs a 5 gallon container of gas? Wondering how often you would have to fill/replace the propane tank vs refilling the gas container.
Larry and Debbie w/Rosie the mutt. Old: '13 177, '06 Silverado V6
New: '15 Whitehawk 20MRB '14 Silverado V8
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Jan 2016 at 11:16pm
Update:  After more research I found some favorable reviews on the Forest River site for the "motor snorkel" from US Carburetion.  This fits between the carburetor and the air cleaner and moves the air cleaner out a little...maybe a quarter inch or so.  The other brands have an insert that moves the air cleaner out 1.75 inches or so.  It looks like there isn't room for the other brands to fit inside my Champion generator case.....so motor snorkel it is.  The generator will not have quite the output on gas...loses 10% on propane and perhaps 20% on natural gas according to most people.  According to the motor snorkel folks there is zero loss...but that's what they say.  
Natural gas is still cheaper than gasoline on a dollar per watt basis.  Propane is also cheaper...excepting with the current $1.85 gas price that probably isn't true any more. 
Kit is about $180 for the unit and regulator on the generator and another $50 or so to get another regulator for the propane tank. I will get some quick connects to make it easier to change between natural gas line in my garage and a griller propane tank for use in the pod.  Will order this and install next week.  I'll post back with results for how it works.   




Leo and Tami
with Coltrane the Jack Russell Terrier
2010 Rpod 171
2003 Toyota Tacoma TRD
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Jan 2016 at 12:03am
Has anyone converted a gasoline inverter generator to run on propane?  I have a new champion 3100 watt inverter generator.  There are a few different kits to convert this to "trifuel" to run on propane, natural gas, or gasoline.  We use the generator for the pod and also plan to use it for backup power at the house in case of power failure.  I have a natural gas line in my garage that I could hook to for the backup power.  I have several griller tanks and carry an extra while camping so we would use propane for the pod.  I probably would never run it on gasoline once I do this. 

There is an "adaptation" that is simple and adds a part under the carburetor and a "conversion" that requires drilling the carburetor and I think you lose the gasoline option if you go the conversion route.  Both natural gas and propane provide less efficiency and this is my main concern.  Any experience with the Century Fuel kit or the US Carburetion kit and how much amperage you lose would be appreciated,  Love this site. Thanks      
Leo and Tami
with Coltrane the Jack Russell Terrier
2010 Rpod 171
2003 Toyota Tacoma TRD
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