Giving propane generator a shot

[Unearthed]

So I've always been intrigued by the thought of a propane powered generator. I feel like everyone who owns a house should own a generator, but if I had one I would have only used it once in the last 5 years. I keep thinking the gas storage/maintenance would be another major hassle I'm not in the mood for. Every propane powered generator I've seen (other than conversion kits) were off brands I didn't trust.

So when I saw Generac started making one, I figured I'd give it a shot. It doesn't have the wattage I wished it had, but I know it will run my fridge and furnace (oil fired hot water) so it will do I suppose. I'm thinking the 212cc engine is not one of their made in the US units, the only other product I can find that uses it is some of their power washers, but for the price I think it will do. I haven't received it yet but if anyone is interested I will update the thread with some impressions when I get it!

http://www.generac.com/Portables/LP_Series/Products/LP3250/

 

[stranger706]

My wifes parents bought one last year. Not sure what brand. I helped them set it up and get it running. Pretty neat little machine! Very clean running, no smoke or fumes (on propane). The only downside was the rate at which it uses propane. I think it went through a standard tank in 4 hours or so.

Theirs is switchable between gas and propane, which is a great option to have.

 

[eljefino]

I was noticing overstock.com had one for $255 or so, or only $50 over the comparable gasoline powered one. It's not a name brand... just chonda.

Then I got reading the specs, and the 2000 watt is a peak rating; the gizmo only does around 1350 continuous.

However, I like the technology and that you are an early adopter. Post back when the next 'cane threatens and you can sit smugly in your living room instead of in line at Exxon.

 

[car54]

3200 watts and 9 hour runtime is pretty good. I have tons of propane tanks around and like mentioned, every gas station and supermarket has exchange tanks available. The benefits of propane are enormous. looks like a great unit.

 

[Donald]

Originally Posted By: car54
3200 watts and 9 hour runtime is pretty good. I have tons of propane tanks around and like mentioned, every gas station and supermarket has exchange tanks available. The benefits of propane are enormous. looks like a great unit.


Before you feel 3200 watts is enough, do you have a well pump? If so then you need 5000 running, 6500 peak (at least). Also you could get a clamp-on ammeter and measure the current draw for everything you you intend to power. If it has an electric motor (refrig) then measure the starting current draw also. Lastly, if the generator is a multi-fuel generator, make sure it has the power you require using the fuel of your choice.

 

[punisher]

Something I learned with propane generators- You have to be careful about the size of tank you use. Larger units pull enough propane to seriously drop the temp, hence pressure in smaller tanks. Use too small a tank, run it at too low an ambient temp, and you gas pressure drops to the point of causing a stall.

 

[Unearthed]

Well I got the unit on Friday! Delivered by an 18 wheeler with lift-gate (lol!) followed by a neighbor running behind the truck in his bathrobe. I guess the truck took down his wires (so sad, can I have my new toy please!).

Sweet little unit, I like it a lot. Seems well built and perfect for what I need. Put the included oil in and hooked up a 20lb tank. Fired right up and ran smooth with no surging or anything. Hooked up my 26gal compressor and an electric heater and they functioned just fine. Let it run an hour and then shut it off. Going to drain that oil and run PP 10w-30.

 

[Cujet]

I purchase 30 pound propane tanks instead of the typical 20 (actually 17 or less! ) tank.

The bulk rate is locally cheaper when filling the 30 pounder. Plus it really does have double the capacity.

What I am trying to say is that the local "rate" for a 20 pound fill is a standard $20.00 +- a few cents. The Bulk fill rate is by the gallon and the 30 pounder contains 7.4 gallons at $3.25/gal= $24.00 and twice the propane. So, I've given up on those small ones that run out too fast.

 

[Unearthed]

Originally Posted By: Cujet
I purchase 30 pound propane tanks instead of the typical 20 (actually 17 or less! ) tank.

The bulk rate is locally cheaper when filling the 30 pounder. Plus it really does have double the capacity.

What I am trying to say is that the local "rate" for a 20 pound fill is a standard $20.00 +- a few cents. The Bulk fill rate is by the gallon and the 30 pounder contains 7.4 gallons at $3.25/gal= $24.00 and twice the propane. So, I've given up on those small ones that run out too fast.


This is great advice...thank you. I will look into those.

 

[Donald]

Originally Posted By: Unearthed
Originally Posted By: Cujet
I purchase 30 pound propane tanks instead of the typical 20 (actually 17 or less! ) tank.

The bulk rate is locally cheaper when filling the 30 pounder. Plus it really does have double the capacity.

What I am trying to say is that the local "rate" for a 20 pound fill is a standard $20.00 +- a few cents. The Bulk fill rate is by the gallon and the 30 pounder contains 7.4 gallons at $3.25/gal= $24.00 and twice the propane. So, I've given up on those small ones that run out too fast.


This is great advice...thank you. I will look into those.


What is the connector on a 30 lb tank. At Lowes and other places they have the larger tanks for the fork lifts? I thought they were 40?

 

[car54]

forklift tanks are 33lb. they are totally different liquid draw tanks. the connector is different and not compatible.

a 30lb tank is just a taller version of the 20lb tank with the same ACME vapor draw valve. The same valve comes on 40lb and 100lb tanks available at lowes. If you REALLY wanna go big, get the 100lb tank from lowes. price isnt bad and other than the trouble of moving it around when full, you can grill for a couple years with one before you run out of gas.

 

[Donald]

Originally Posted By: car54
forklift tanks are 33lb. they are totally different liquid draw tanks. the connector is different and not compatible.

a 30lb tank is just a taller version of the 20lb tank with the same ACME vapor draw valve. The same valve comes on 40lb and 100lb tanks available at lowes. If you REALLY wanna go big, get the 100lb tank from lowes. price isnt bad and other than the trouble of moving it around when full, you can grill for a couple years with one before you run out of gas.


OK, thanks for the info. Lowes (2927) only had the normal 20 lb tanks (in isle 24 on the R hand side).

 

[callbay]

I converted my 10HP Coleman gasoline generator to run on propane with a kit I bought on line. It was easy to install and the generator runs great on propane. I can switch back to gasoline anytime I need to.

 

[car54]

http://www.lowes.com/pd_28370-743-303953_?PL=1&productId=1080473

It's not sold in all stores, but some carry it.