Propane Generators

[lcv800]

Moving to a residential type 5th wheel, but I still want my generator. I guess it has to be a propane generator due to no gas tanks. Unit comes with two 40 gallon (lb?) tanks. Just curious how much propane I'd use running the generator with let's say half load. Anyone have any experience with propane generators, I'd appreciate some insight. Thanks,
Rusty

[raycfe]

Originally Posted by lcv800

Moving to a residential type 5th wheel, but I still want my generator. I guess it has to be a propane generator due to no gas tanks. Unit comes with two 40 gallon (lb?) tanks. Just curious how much propane I'd use running the generator with let's say half load. Anyone have any experience with propane generators, I'd appreciate some insight. Thanks,
Rusty

I got 3 hours from 1 gal (4.6 lbs) during our last storm.

[wahoonc]

We run some 12kw generators on LP at work. The guys can burn through 20# in an 8 hour shift, or a bit less time. Typically they use 100# tanks and get 4-5 days out of them. I haven't done a time/use study but suspect they are averaging half load or a bit less.

Aaron

[lcv800]

Thanks guys.
Rusty

[wahoonc]

Once you decide which generator you are going to use it shouldn't be too hard to figure out the consumption. Hopefully the manufacturer can give you the consumption rates, at worst case you may have to do some math.

Aaron

[lcv800]

Your're right. I was just more curious. Unlike you, I don't dry camp very often, so barring a long road trip to a destination or some type of electrical outage, I'm always plugged in. I was wondering if they have to be exercised under load like my gas one does? Thinking since propane doesn't go bad, it shouldn't or if it does, far less frequently and for not as long.
Rusty

[Thom]

Rusty, the reason for exercising a generator is not just a fuel, but to keep the condensation out of the generator windings. Get it nice and warm, run it under load and it stays trouble-free a lot longer, so you will have to do that for a propane one also. Even your home little portable generators should be run under load occasionally.

Only thing I remember about my propane generator was it seemed like I always had to clean and reset the points every time I wanted to start it. I am sure it wasn't that bad but it sure seems like it now thinking back 15 years since I had one.

I am sure they don't use points anymore.

[lcv800]

Thanks Thom. Stay warm. 43 here right now in Fort Myers Beach!

[Thom]

We hit 25 last night.

[MartyG]

We bought a 3500 Watt propane Champion. Now they are all dual-fuel. I like not worrying about stale gas gumming up the carburetor. Understand that propane units don't quite produce the same output power as a gas model. A little tricky to start, but you will learn quickly. (Choke on, pull once or twice, choke half or off, then it will start)
We run the AC, converter, and normal stuff. I usually put fridge and hot water on propane when running generator. We get about 8 - 10 hours on one 20 lb tank.

[lcv800]

That's great. Better than I thought. Thanks
Rusty