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Texanx5
Moderator
USA
2062 Posts |
 Posted - 09/16/2008 : 18:20:43
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Anyone used one of the propane conversions on their generators at bbq comps or home to support your bbq rig during no power situations? Yes lights, fans, radio… I've got 40# tank on my smoker side burner for coffee, frying fish and heating cleaning water etc.. I've thought of mounting my generator on the tongue of the trailer a few times so it would be close.
So it would last a little longer than the current two or three gal tank on my old Generac. The change sounds simple to do and end those gumming issues mine normally has when I go to start it.
Here are a couple sites I found to order the kits http://www.propane-generators.com/ge...generators.htm and http://www.propanecarbs.com may be others. Any recommendations or personnel experience?
ddg (Texanx5)
Old Smokey
WSM a.k.a. Weber Smokey Mountain
Stumps Smokers gf222CM
Stumps Smokers SW42x6 off-set
Between N.East ALABAMA and N.E. Texas but soon to be in the Baton Rouge area of La
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Texanx5
Moderator
USA
2062 Posts |
Posted - 09/16/2008 : 20:29:39
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Surely some of you have these on your camper units that I see at so many competitions? I've run my old truck on propane for years with no issues and all the forklifts at work use it so sounds like a good idea just curious how hard the conversion is and if it is reliable. 
ddg (Texanx5)
Old Smokey
WSM a.k.a. Weber Smokey Mountain
Stumps Smokers gf222CM
Stumps Smokers SW42x6 off-set
Between N.East ALABAMA and N.E. Texas but soon to be in the Baton Rouge area of La
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Purple Shadow
Member
USA
1666 Posts |
Posted - 09/16/2008 : 20:39:41
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T5. I have not seen any generators set up that way, but I know that you can buy the bigger ones rigged for propane. Back in the 80s my Dad, then a propane dealer, rigged a Cub Cadet lawn tractor to run on propane. In other words he got a propane carburation kit that fit the single or 2 cylinder engine on the Cub and then mounted a 20 lb. bottle on the back of the lawn tractor. The moral of the story is that they do make small engine LP carberation kits so you should be able to do it.
ON EDIT: Check out these sites regarding conversion of small engines to propane.
http://www.propane-generators.com/
http://www.freeengineinfo.com/gas-engine-to-propane-conversion.htm
For more info Google "small engine LP conversion "
Larry
Learnin' N Burnin'
KCBS CBJ |
Edited by - Purple Shadow on 09/16/2008 20:51:31 |
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scsmoker
Member
1355 Posts |
Posted - 09/16/2008 : 20:42:11
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Have not done it on a generator, but the regulator and orifaces would need switching. If I remember it well
scsmoker
Lang 84
Ol Bandera/recycled
Traeger Tex |
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Half Fast
Member
USA
288 Posts |
Posted - 09/16/2008 : 23:16:32
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Hey T5, gas LP conversion is a pretty simple and straight forward job. There are many kits available, primarily two versions.
One is a complete conversion where the gas carb is removed and replaced with the kit. The other type leaves the carb in place and in effect you end up with a multi-fuel application.
When done right, either one works well and is usually very reliable, however be aware when running on LP your generator will lose about 15-20% in it's rated capacity. Outdoor ambient temps will also have a little (not much) impact on the efficiency of the genny when on LP.
For example, if you're using a 5kw generator on gas, you'll have only about 4.5-4.6kw on LP. These numbers will vary a little based on condition of the genny.
Regards,
Even Half Fast BBQ is better than real fast BBQ! |
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Texanx5
Moderator
USA
2062 Posts |
Posted - 09/17/2008 : 05:04:37
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Thanks kind of what I was thinking seems to me like the way to go especially if you need it say after an ice storm or hurricane to hold your refrigerator and freezers for extended times. So that you can schedule your bbq a little better. 
ddg (Texanx5)
Old Smokey
WSM a.k.a. Weber Smokey Mountain
Stumps Smokers gf222CM
Stumps Smokers SW42x6 off-set
Between N.East ALABAMA and N.E. Texas but soon to be in the Baton Rouge area of La
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Half Fast
Member
USA
288 Posts |
Posted - 09/17/2008 : 08:04:02
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I did this conversion to my 5kw a couple years ago. Since I have a 250 gal LP tank on the back side of the house, it works out well during hurricanes and other power losses.
I did the dual fuel conversion. I've piped a line around the corner from my LP tank to my screened in back porch. When needed, I just put the genny on the porch, plug in the LP fuel line, switch to the LP fuel system and crank her up. Then when needed, I can still take her on the road either using LP (20# bottles) or gasoline.
I've wired a circuit also to the back porch and plug her in. I provide 220 single phase power directly to my load center through a transfer switch. It powers everything in the house except the central AC. Obviously I have to be very conservative, but I have lights in any room, fridge, small microwave, and TV.
I think your idea is a valid one but just remember you will lose some effeciency. For your needs, probably not enough to hurt.
Regards,
Even Half Fast BBQ is better than real fast BBQ! |
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Texanx5
Moderator
USA
2062 Posts |
Posted - 09/17/2008 : 19:58:43
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Sounds like a plan! 
ddg (Texanx5)
Old Smokey
WSM a.k.a. Weber Smokey Mountain
Stumps Smokers gf222CM
Stumps Smokers SW42x6 off-set
Between N.East ALABAMA and N.E. Texas but soon to be in the Baton Rouge area of La
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