Advice selecting propane Generator

[Jinkers]

Originally Posted by Vagabond62

I have a 30a connector built into the AS 22FB Sport. No generator yet, scouring the forms to learn more

If you buy a 3000W+ inverter/generator (you want one of these, not an generator only) it should have a 30A plug and you would just plug in directly. There is some good information in this thread on type and size of inverter/generator to meet your needs. YouTube also has some good video's on inverter/generators for RV's.


If you don't already have them, you will want to buy a 50A to 30A and 30A to 20A dogbone (short cable with different connectors on each end). You will likely need one or both of these on occasion to tie into campground shore power.

[Wazbro]

Originally Posted by Vagabond62

I have a 30a connector built into the AS 22FB Sport. No generator yet, scouring the forms to learn more

Just use a 15 amp to 30 amp adapter you should have one anyway. Here is one example.
https://www.amazon.com/Camco-PowerGr...31157727&psc=1

[Mike G]

Do these propane generators have built in regulators, or can you plug them into the regulated propane outlet at the front of the Airstream? Thanks.

[Jinkers]

Originally Posted by Mike G

Do these propane generators have built in regulators, or can you plug them into the regulated propane outlet at the front of the Airstream? Thanks.

Yes, they will come with their own regulator. Yes you can plug it (the generator regulator) into the regulated propane outlet on your Airstream.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by Jinkers

Yes, they will come with their own regulator. Yes you can plug it (the generator regulator) into the regulated propane outlet on your Airstream.

Careful here...depends; my 2014 25'AS would not work with propane connection on the AS. Drove me nuts initially. Folks here helped me figure it out. Had to get different diameter hose as I recall, with my Champion 3500. Several folks here helped me figure it out, but needed different hose set up. With my Honda 2200 with the integrated propane conversion from Genconex, they sent me a 25' hose which worked out of the box.

Footnote: I have seen Hutch Mountain propane conversion and talked with those guys early on; very smart and helpful. Several folks have this one. I went with Genconnex because they also sold the Honda with the propane conversion integrated into the body with just a quick disconect showing; okys the 3 year warranty. I liked the integrated approach. Very clean.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by Wazbro

Just use a 15 amp to 30 amp adapter you should have one anyway. Here is one example.
https://www.amazon.com/Camco-PowerGr...31157727&psc=1

Agree; you will need this 50/30/15 "dogbone" connector anyway when using standard outletr power for storage.

[jeffmc306]

Originally Posted by Mike G

Do these propane generators have built in regulators, or can you plug them into the regulated propane outlet at the front of the Airstream? Thanks.

Yes, you can run the generator off the trailer’s low pressure port but you need to split the generator’s two piece regulator if it came with one from the factory. Remove the tank end and replace it with a male quick connect fitting.

NOTE: The two parts can be difficult to separate! Be careful when doing so and not crack the cast aluminum parts.

My 3400 and 2500’s work fine off the Airstream low pressure port using a 10’ extension hose I got from Amazon.

[KK4YZ]

Originally Posted by jeffmc306

Yes, you can run the generator off the trailer’s low pressure port but you need to split the generator’s two piece regulator if it came with one from the factory. Remove the tank end and replace it with a male quick connect fitting.

NOTE: The two parts can be difficult to separate! Be careful when doing so and not crack the cast aluminum parts.

My 3400 and 2500’s work fine off the Airstream low pressure port using a 10’ extension hose I got from Amazon.

The easiest thing to do is use the regulator that comes with the generator and connect your hose directly to one of the propane bottles on your trailer. You need to buy a new propane hose, but you need one anyway to get some distance between generator and trailer.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by KK4YZ

The easiest thing to do is use the regulator that comes with the generator and connect your hose directly to one of the propane bottles on your trailer. You need to buy a new propane hose, but you need one anyway to get some distance between generator and trailer.

Not sure that is easier than just using the quick disconnect on the front of the AS? Most AS's have the cover over the bottles. That would mean opening up the cover, unscrewing the hose connecting to the splitter, right? Seems like more effort?

[jeffmc306]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

Not sure that is easier than just using the quick disconnect on the front of the AS? Most AS's have the cover over the bottles. That would mean opening up the cover, unscrewing the hose connecting to the splitter, right? Seems like more effort?

I agree with your logic gypsydad! I really wanted to take advantage of the low pressure port for the Weber Q grill and generator. Once you change the regulator you’re good.

BTW, I did add a female quick disconnect on the regulator’s tank side so I can still use the generator on a bottle if needed like at home for backup power to the house.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

The internal propane supply to the appliances in the AS is set up to deliver low pressure propane that is compatible with something like an oven or furnace. It also has protection built in to lock up if to much gas flows.

Your generator (as supplied) is set up for high pressure propane. Depending on who did the conversion there is some pressure level going into the generator. Is that the same as what AS set up for your oven / furnace? Who knows. It's quite possible that the numbers match up.

Your generator pulls propane. If you run the furnace and oven and generator will that bother the lock out? Maybe not. How lucky do you feel?

Since we're talking about "never the same way twice" AS, what I have on my trailer might not be what you have on yours. Mine could work fine. Yours could lock up at 3AM some cold night. ( far more likely it would work the other way around ).

Yes, lugging that extra bottle along is a bit of a pain.

Bob

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by jeffmc306

I agree with your logic gypsydad! I really wanted to take advantage of the low pressure port for the Weber Q grill and generator. Once you change the regulator you’re good.

BTW, I did add a female quick disconnect on the regulator’s tank side so I can still use the generator on a bottle if needed like at home for backup power to the house.

I have that same regulator with quick disconnect I use with my 20# LP bottle along with my 25' hose to either Webber or Honda. I notice you also have the additional regulator; is that for your generator? I don't have that with mine, as the Genconnex propane conversion is integrated somehow, and just has the quick disconnect showing. Pretty clean(see post #20 for pics)
End of the day, nice to have some choices!

[jeffmc306]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

I have that same regulator with quick disconnect I use with my 20# LP bottle along with my 25' hose to either Webber or Honda. I notice you also have the additional regulator; is that for your generator? I don't have that with mine, as the Genconnex propane conversion is integrated somehow, and just has the quick disconnect showing. Pretty clean(see post #20 for pics)
End of the day, nice to have some choices!

Yes, the dual-fuel Champion generators have a two part regulator system. The larger part is a diaphragm.

I made a test setup from the Micro-Air’s generator troubleshooting PDF and plan to test the amp draw and voltage with the 15K AC running off propane and gasoline when the weather warms up.

[DCPAS]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

I have that same regulator with quick disconnect I use with my 20# LP bottle along with my 25' hose to either Webber or Honda. I notice you also have the additional regulator; is that for your generator? I don't have that with mine, as the Genconnex propane conversion is integrated somehow, and just has the quick disconnect showing. Pretty clean(see post #20 for pics)
End of the day, nice to have some choices!

Gennconnex has a regulator in the Honda body which works with the low pressure outlet on the trailer. They also supply a hose for use with a propane tank. That hose has an additional small regulator in it.

[Boxite]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

Or, you could go propane, and not worry about all the fuss with using gas!

Right…. You can trade those oddities for ….Loss of power at higher elevations,… Harder starting in cold weather…. and reduced availability of re-fueling locations.

Each has it’s own advantages / disadvantages. Since I boondock a lot and stay in out-of-ordinary campsites I find gas to be more convenient.

[eblock112]

Most propane generators I’ve seen and the one I bought (Pulsar 4000) are dual fuel which means it’s easy to start on gasoline then switch to propane. Keep Sta-Bil in the gas tank. I installed a quick connect inline immediately downstream of the camper regulator and it works great.

Originally Posted by Boxite

Right…. You can trade those oddities for ….Loss of power at higher elevations,… Harder starting in cold weather…. and reduced availability of re-fueling locations.

Each has it’s own advantages / disadvantages. Since I boondock a lot and stay in out-of-ordinary campsites I find gas to be more convenient.

[jeffb831]

IMO, gas vs propane depends on the usage and one technology isn't best for everyone. If you infrequently use the generator, then propane is easier due to no need for storage of gas and the risk of it going "bad". On the other hand, if you use the generator a lot, gas is easier and more plentiful and there is no risk of the gas going "bad" from sitting.

[KK4YZ]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

Not sure that is easier than just using the quick disconnect on the front of the AS? Most AS's have the cover over the bottles. That would mean opening up the cover, unscrewing the hose connecting to the splitter, right? Seems like more effort?

Actually you just connect directly to one of the bottles after disconnecting its hose. It’s pretty straightforward and easy to do. At least you don’t have to modify the regulator…..or maybe i misunderstood the previous post about ‘splitting the regulator’.