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.
Posted 2005-10-18 1:10 PM (#31922 - in reply to #31911) Subject: RE: LP Generators
Expert
Posts: 2958 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.
Posted 2005-10-19 8:32 AM (#31977 - in reply to #31911) Subject: RE: LP Generators
Elite Veteran
Posts: 807 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
LP Generators
