LP Generators

diamond_j
Reg. Sep 2005

Posted 2005-10-18 10:31 AM (#31911)
Subject: LP Generators

Regular

Posts: 53

Location: Belle, MO

I'd love to hear some real life experiences with propane generators. I hear a lot of conflicting information on them. Some folks say that they can't run one very long on a tank of LP, but no one seems to have first hand information about it.

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hosspuller
Reg. Oct 2003

Posted 2005-10-18 1:10 PM (#31922 - in reply to #31911)
Subject: RE: LP Generators

Expert

Posts: 2959
2000

Location: North Carolina

I'd say it depends on the size of the LP tank. The semi tanker that delivers to my factory holds 8000 gallons. A 5 K watt generator will run a bunch of hours on that tank.

As a fact, LP has less energy than the same volume of gasoline. You will use more gallons of LP than gasoline in running the generator. Also, for expansion, LP tanks are only filled to 85% of their capacity. So an LP tank is limited compared to a tank of gasoline.

LP = 91,700 BTU/gal

Gasoline = 114,000 BTU/gal

Side benefit of LP, you won't have to worry about stale fuel or gummed up carbs.

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RTSmith
Reg. Nov 2003

Posted 2005-10-19 8:32 AM (#31977 - in reply to #31911)
Subject: RE: LP Generators

Elite Veteran

Posts: 812
500

Location: Tenn/Ala.

Our customers' experiences have been-
Typically, there is a 60# tank permanantly mounted on the trailer. Will run a 3600 watt Onan LP about 17-21 hours. Quietest, least fumes. Must be filled from a truck, or take entire trailer to fueling station. Can be cranky to start when fuel's below 1/2, or below 45 degrees F.

On gas, runs about .5 gallon per hour. So a typical 20 gallon tank runs 40 hours, and is easier to fuel (from a carryable can!). Little louder. Has some more fumes. Easier to run in cold weather. Seems easier to gum up with old/aged fuel.

No clear winner- what's important to you??
RTSmith

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