Propane Honda 2000 runtime?

[Peanut]

I’ve been thinking about converting to propane, but I have concerns about the fuel consumption figures post on the web. Full load ratings according to http://www.genconnexdirect.net/honda...generators.htm is 1.6 lbs/hr on propane. If my math is correct, a 20lb tank will only last 12 hours. I run my easy start equipped AC quite a bit during summer months so although it doesn’t require the generator to run full bore, it isn’t idling either. Can anyone share their experience running their generator off propane?

[Protagonist]

1.6 pounds per hour is only about 0.37 gallons of propane per hour. That's pretty economical fuel consumption.

To put it in perspective, ask yourself this question… If you ran it on gasoline instead, how many gallons per hour would you use?

[tabney0315]

Originally Posted by Protagonist

1.6 pounds per hour is only about 0.37 gallons of propane per hour. That's pretty economical fuel consumption.

To put it in perspective, ask yourself this question… If you ran it on gasoline instead, how many gallons per hour would you use?

A lot less. It holds .95 gallons and can run 8 hours. So roughly 0.12 gallons per hour.

[AstroBruce]

Originally Posted by tabney0315

A lot less. It holds .95 gallons and can run 8 hours. So roughly 0.12 gallons per hour.

The OP was talking about consumption at full load. You are talking about 1/4 load consumption.

Bruce

[tabney0315]

Ok. I have the same generator and 15k btu unit and can run my A/C on one tank between 4-5 hours. So that rate can be factored in.

It’s a toss up which fuel source to use. Propane is more per gallon and you risk running out of a dual source all your other appliances need.

If it was to burn through 20lb tanks in 12 hours I would bring gas or have a tri-fuel system.

[thiel]

Big benefit of propane is you just plug in and run for a LONG TIME (off AS tanks) without needing to refill. Overnight easy.

[FL Crackers]

Originally Posted by thiel

Big benefit of propane is you just plug in and run for a LONG TIME (off AS tanks) without needing to refill. Overnight easy.

A second BIG benefit is that you won't have to carry an equivalent weight (and volumn) in gasoline. Quite a risk and inconvenience in my book.

You don't say, but are you limited to one 20 lb., tank? Most rigs can carry two 30s.

[Peanut]

Originally Posted by Protagonist

1.6 pounds per hour is only about 0.37 gallons of propane per hour. That's pretty economical fuel consumption.

To put it in perspective, ask yourself this question… If you ran it on gasoline instead, how many gallons per hour would you use?

According to Honda, about .025 gallons an hour at full load.
From a cost perspective, propane runs $1.60 an hour ($20 for a 20 lb tank) vs gas at $1.00 an hour (soon to $4 per gallon again I'm afraid)

[Peanut]

Originally Posted by thiel

Big benefit of propane is you just plug in and run for a LONG TIME (off AS tanks) without needing to refill. Overnight easy.

Thanks for the estimate. This confirms that forme, during the summer, propane is not viable. I would go through both my 20 lb tanks in just a couple days.

I would prefer not to carry gasoline and really dislike refilling. I think I will just get an extended run system (http://www.genxdirect.com/b-e-r-g-s/...t-hnd1-2000is/). It should get me through about 3 days without refueling.

[Rocinante]

Where do people camp while running their generators all night long? Asking for a friend who doesn’t want to camp there. [emoji6]

[rmkrum]

Try pretty much anywhere in Texas or Arizona, or the California desert regions. It can be real hot 24 hours a day. That’s why folks track the “70 degree line”.

[LulaFrances]

Originally Posted by rmkrum

Try pretty much anywhere in Texas or Arizona, or the California desert regions. It can be real hot 24 hours a day. That’s why folks track the “70 degree line”.

I love that. Tracking the 70 degree line. And I would like to know exactly where it is?

[jcanavera]

Here's a great article on propane usage from US Carburetor. I have a tri-fuel Yamaha EF 2000i generator/inverter. I carry it for backup power to my wife's dialysis equipment and it's also backup for home. Personally with two 30 lb tanks on my Classic and with the tri-fuel capability, I know I have alternate sources on the road. The natural gas side is really a benefit for home since I have a natural gas grill on the deck and can use that supply also for the generator.

One of the main benefits of the tri-fuel side is the fact that you have no issues regarding freshness of the fuel that always detracts having to rely on gasoline. Secondly the engine burns much cleaner so you virtually eliminate the deposits and issues that are byproducts of gasoline powered motors.

These folks do make a tri-fueled kit for Honda's so you might consider this as an option.

https://www.motorsnorkel.com/propane-consumption-rate

Jack

[GammaDog]

I have weighed tanks to check consumption of my two Honda 2000s running on regular mode (not Eco Mode) under full load (each running a blow dryer, one borrowed from my wife, one borrowed from her golden retriever).

The answer: Two pounds of propane per hour per generator.

I need both generators running to keep AC and the converter powered, so two full 20 pound tanks last me 10 hours. The two 30s on the trailer about 15 hours. I have never done a long running test (e.g.: how many hours does it take to drain a full 20 pound cylinder.) Maybe I actually burn 1.8 or 2.2 pounds per hour, but it's not 1 and it's not 3.

Remember, pre-filled tanks like AmeriGas and Blue Rhino are typically filled to 15 pounds, not 20. If you want 20 you need to go to a place that fills tanks and ask them to fill to 20 pounds.

When we head out I have the trailer's two 30 pounders full and carry two full 20s mounted tandem on the rollout platform with the generators under the tonneau. Pics in my gallery. If I ever have to run AC on propane all night I figure I need to buy propane the next day. If I'm running AC on propane I'm also running the fridge on propane. The last thing I want is to run completely out of propane and lose a fridge full of food at the same time my camping companion is telling me it's my poor planning that has her sweltering in a tin can in the sun. No sir...