52 replies to this topic

[Short Track Hunter]

I know a bunch of you guys have tri-fuel gen sets. How long does a 20lb BBQ tank last? Say a 7500 watt genny, doing an average size house in Nassau County.

Seems it's easier to store propane than drums of gasoline.

[rlitman]

Figure that you’ll get almost as much power out of a 20lb BBQ tank as 4 gallons of gas.

[stuc]

Propane is ~75% the efficiency of gasoline. But you cant calculate a direct conversion factor. Here is some good info: Based on these numbers you'll get ~4 hours, but temperature and actual load play a factor. In any case, 20lb tanks are not the way to go for any outage longer than a few hours.

[zzrguy]

Ok what does tri fuel mean 

gasoline propane 

diesel 

Natural gas.

[stokes]

I've got a 8500 watt gas/propane.According to the manual it should get 8hrs from a full tank of gas and 7 hrs from a 20lb propane tank.I have 4 tanks on hand.I doubt it will get the full 7hrs stated,but I hope for about 5.The great thing about propane is not having to run it occasionally to keep the carbs clear or drain it from time to time to get the old gas out.Mine has never had gasoline and I dont plan to ever use gas,just propane.

[pgarguil]

Ok what does tri fuel mean 

gasoline propane 

diesel 

Natural gas.

Not Diesel.  Gasoline - Propane - Natural Gas

[the blur]

For those that have them. Did you convert them, or buy them tri-fuel ?

[zzrguy]

Not Diesel.  Gasoline - Propane - Natural Gas

I thought so thanks. 

 

I've been thinking about getting  8500 or higher Genny. 

[pgarguil]

I bought mine online.  I just use it for the natural gas input.  Never put gasoline in it yet.

[Undrwtr1]

Did my own conversion - US Carb. Ran it on gasoline a few hours when new, now only on natural gas. Quick disconnect near meter with 15’ hose and connection to main panel with the panel manufacturers interlock cover. Wayyyyyy cheaper than dedicated standby and runs basically everything except central AC.

[fenucho]

A 20 lb tank is not really good for that big of a generator. Something to do with the rate of boil off from liquid to gas state.

 

A 100lb tank will get you about 4 days worth if you're only producing 1/2 power.

 

Also, unless you're getting your tank refilled, you're only getting 15lb's with an exchange.

[the blur]

I figure refill at a propane station is 20lbs. vs the Home Depot 15lbs.
Keep 5 tanks on hand... just to run a freezer.

[zzrguy]

Men Im going to start lookingt his week.

[Nordon]

For those that have them. Did you convert them, or buy them tri-fuel ?

I converted mine, took me 30 mins, simple.

[the blur]

I converted mine, took me 30 mins, simple.

What's involved in the conversion ?

[Undrwtr1]

http://uscarb.com

It is easy. Google US Carb conversion.

[Short Track Hunter]

These generators. Just how variable speed are they ? Do they reduce speed, and use less fuel with less load ?

How important are the perfect sin wave generators ?

[Incognito]

This is the way to go if you have natural gas in your home.

I needed a bigger gas meter, permits, inspections and an plumber.

[Short Track Hunter]

I spoke to US carb.
They recommend nothing larger than a 3500 watt genny on a 20 lb BBQ size tank.

Otherwise the tank will freeze over as it draws propane from the tank.

This is a major problem to my large genny plan.

[stokes]

I got the 8500 watt on the recommendation of the electrician that wired my box for it.He says it will run everything but the AC's.I just looked over the manuals for it and it says 20lb is fine,just wont last as long as a larger tank.Nothing about "freezing over".