Portable Generator

[Gary Fowler]

I was kicking around the idea of getting a portable generator for power outages after all this ice we got this past week. Power never went out but it was always in the back of my mind. Looking for something to run the furnace blower since I can switch to Emergency Heat and run off propane instead of the heat pump. Also back up the frig and possibly a few other small items. Looks like I can get a 4000/3200 watt at Harbor Freight or Home Depot for $299 Or the next step up would be a 6500/5500 watt for $499. The Home Depot models are gas/propane and the Harbor Freight models are gas only. Probably never use the propane set up though. I hate to have just another thing sitting around collecting dust like the snow blower but I think it may be a good idea. Thoughts?

My BIL bought one of the HF ones that ran good for a while till he left gas in it and didn't start it for a while. No way to fix the carb on it due to parts unavailable. Better to invest a little more money into one with an engine that can be serviced.
I think the propane ones would be great to have. NO gas storage issues and really no need to start up and run for 15 minutes every week or so like the gas engines. Once a month would be fine and don't forget to load the generator when doing so. The startup is as much for the generator as it is for the engine.
A friend converted his gas engine carb to propane from a kit. He said it was super easy to do. I may look into that now since I got a really big propane tank as part of my purchase of a used motorhome. I haven't looked at the capacity but it stands about neck high on me so it would run a genset for a few days I think.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Good, that makes it easier.

I like these: Generac Power Systems | Portable Generator | LP Series | Generac Power Systems

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I looked at those when I bought my Generac from Lowes. I liked the propane powered but couldn't see the price charged for a propane regulator and tank compared to a gas fired one. I got a 10,000/8500 one for $$1000 tax included so for about 200 bucks more I doubled my wattage.

 

[roadhunter]

If you are in the market for a generator this is worth checking out. I bought one during the original deal on amazon and have had good luck with it. $699 shipped today only.
Duromax 10000 Watt Hybrid Dual Fuel Portable Gas Propane Generator RV Standby | eBay

 

[Travelover]

If you are in the market for a generator this is worth checking out. I bought one during the original deal on amazon and have had good luck with it. $699 shipped today only.
Duromax 10000 Watt Hybrid Dual Fuel Portable Gas Propane Generator RV Standby | eBay

10,000 watt and they show it hooked up to a 20# tank. I'd bet it huffs down 20# pretty fast.

 

[Garandman]

10,000 watt and they show it hooked up to a 20# tank. I'd bet it huffs down 20# pretty fast.

That won't work in cold temps. The tanks get so cold the pressure drops below what is required. They recommend two 20's for a Honda EU2000i and they use way less fuel.

We have two 100 gallon tanks for our 14kw system. I run the Hondas on gas for portability and ease od refueling.

 

[Gunny]

Another benefit of running LP is that you don't have to change oil as often, since it doesn't get a dirty as it does with gasoline.

A LP dual fuel conversion kit runs right about $200 and takes less than an hour to install.