Recommended propane generator for 23FBT

[englewoodfl]

Think we'll buy a propane powered generator for our 2023 23FBT. Looking for something small and reasonably quiet that preferably has a 30 amp outlet and a native connection to the propane tanks. We running it on a 20 amp circuit but that's the only thing on it - keeps the A/C chugging. Have space in the back of the F150 5.5 box for something smallish.


Thoughts?

[xpcdoojk]

I bought a Firman 3200 watt max dual fuel on sale back in February for mine.

I think they were closing it out, and replacing it with a 4000K unit. I paid $455 for it direct from Firman. They had this unit for sale at Costco for under $600 last year. I have not used it other than breaking it in, but it runs great and starts pretty easy. It has electric start and a 30Amp outlet, along with standard outlets.

The key for me is the unit needs to fit under the tonneau of your truck, so, you need to measure that. I think in the budget world Firman and Champion are hard to beat.

I plan on only running mine on propane, and since I have a 2K pro-power on board on the new F250, I don’t expect to use it often, especially after upgrading my 23FBT International to 500 watts of solar and 600 ah of battleborn GC2s and a 3K inverter.

However, I have a boat dock project the next few weeks and expect to use it quit a bit for that.

JC

[airstreambob]

I've been carrying a Champion Dual Fuel under the tonneau cover of my last couple of trucks, along with a cable to run to a propane tank on the trailer, as well as a 20lb tank in the bed of the truck. I love propane for running it as it doesn't suffer the clogged carburetor problem associated with a gas generator when you don't use it for long periods. I've never put gas in the tank on mine and once let it sit for over 2 years (I had a motorhome with a built in generator at that time and wasn't using the Champion) without ill effect and the generator fired right back up. I really like the electric start too. I keep the generator at the left rear corner of the truck bed, and To use the generator, I drop the tailgate, Flip open the tonneau cover, Connect the LP gas line, turn on the tank wait 10 seconds, hit the starter button and fire up the generator. While it settles into an idle, I run my power cord to the Airstream and then plug it in to the trailer, then the generator. I wander inside and fire up the A/C . Mine will run one A/C unit as well as power converter and fridge on Electric, but struggles with the water heater, so I keep that on gas. Runs about 22-24 hours on a 20 pound tank of propane. I don't lift the generator (which weighs 100 pounds) out of the truck to use it. I close the tonneau cover and run the generator in the bed of the truck about 6" inside with exhaust facing outside. I cant hear it inside of the trailer as the A/C is louder than the generator. Even works in the rain.


This is the exact unit I have. They did replace it with a newer model with has 300 more watts, 3400. Both offer less power on propane, but my 8 year old 3100 does well.


https://factorypure.com/products/cha...0U8PoZ71YBNW-8

[englewoodfl]

Inquired with Firman about run times. Their email estimate that I just got for the 4150 watt was 11 hours on 30 lbs. My problem is that after Ian there wasn't utility power for days so refilling the tanks with this kind of usage would be a burden.



Thanks... Will revisit this after the long trip were starting.

[DCPAS]

Originally Posted by englewoodfl

Inquired with Firman about run times. Their email estimate that I just got for the 4150 watt was 11 hours on 30 lbs. My problem is that after Ian there wasn't utility power for days so refilling the tanks with this kind of usage would be a burden.

We bought the Genconnex propane converted Honda 2200i. Very expensive compared to options available now, but Honda is generally viewed as the gold standard of generators. Very happy with it.

On hurricane outages, I bought three 20 lbs tanks to keep at home which will be in addition to the two 30 lbs tanks on the trailer. Propane does not go bad like gasoline. The Honda seems to overdeliver on power. Got us through the freak Texas freeze a couple years ago powered a couple of space heaters that should have been out of its capacity. The Honda has a bigger engine than others in its class. You can parallel it with another Honda.

Honda has a bigger small one now, but it is even more crazy expensive. I think I would buy two 2200's instead of it.

[Boxite]

Originally Posted by englewoodfl

Think we'll buy a propane powered generator for our 2023 23FBT. Looking for something small and reasonably quiet that preferably has a 30 amp outlet and a native connection to the propane tanks. We running it on a 20 amp circuit but that's the only thing on it - keeps the A/C chugging. Have space in the back of the F150 5.5 box for something smallish.


Thoughts?

How many days out do you expect to spend each trip?

Do you plan any trips at higher elevations?

Where will you obtain propane? And, do you consider propane refills simple, un-troubling?
Does pulling off your propane-tank covers, unbolting the pigtails, un-locking whatever security-device you have, lifting the tanks…and waiting in-line or outside for the boy to come out and fill the tanks your idea of “fun time camping”…?? …and then you still have to re-mount the tanks and purge the lines.

Have you noticed that self-serve gasoline stations have become routine for you?

It is hopefully obvious by now that I consider gasoline-generators more convenient than propane…. unless you only plan to use your generator a few hours each trip…. because a propane generator will suck your propane tanks faster than your cooktop or your water heater…. and about the same as your furnace on cold nights. You will be spending a lot of time at the propane re-fill place… if/when/where you can find one when traveling in unfamiliar places.

Gasoline is available everywhere, 24/7 ….(think about that a minute)…..and you’ll use less of it because it contains more energy per gallon. And 5 gal of spare gas in the back of the truck is a hedge against those long, desert trips when you passed the last gas station and forgot to fill up the TV.

Yes, propane combustion engines don’t make the oil dirty as fast….but you’re going to change it the same interval anyway…. so what?
Yes, E10 gas is hard on carbs during long-storage…but carbs are easy to drain when placing it in storage…open the little screw and let it out…..so why wouldn’t you do that?

Not condemning propane gens or those who choose them…. Only pointing out differences first time gen-owners might not think about.

(At least consider a dual-fuel unit if you still think you want propane, IMO)

One more thing….regardless of choice…consider the benefits/disadvantages of “electric start”. ALL of the units sold these days are easy to start. A couple pulls at most on the recoil/rope and it’s running!
But elect start adds considerable dead-weight (and more complications mx-wise) to a gen. That little battery itself weighs 15-20 lbs…added to the 5 lb starter-motor…..and if you’re having to lift it into/out-of the back of the truck each time…that 99 lb gen + 25 lb more for elect start….gets old. Fast.
(I have two gens…one is elect start. After the first season that $45 battery was dead anyway. I tossed it, and insulated the batt-cables and use it only recoil-start. Think about whether or not elect-start is really something you want to lift/maintain.)

Hope this helps.

@AirstreamBob….that link you posted is for a REFURBISHED UNIT….the site isn’t exactly “up-front” about that….. it’s buried in the text….. just so folks know.

[Dennis C]

Originally Posted by Boxite

How many days out do you expect to spend each trip?

Do you plan any trips at higher elevations?

Where will you obtain propane? And, do you consider propane refills simple, un-troubling?
Does pulling off your propane-tank covers, unbolting the pigtails, un-locking whatever security-device you have, and waiting in-line or outside for the boy to come out and fill the tanks your idea of “fun time camping”…??

Have you noticed that self-serve gasoline stations have become routine for you?

It is hopefully obvious by now that I consider gasoline-generators more convenient than propane…. unless you only plan to use your generator a few hours each trip…. because a propane generator will suck your propane tanks faster than your cooktop or your water heater…. and about the same as your furnace on cold nights. You will be spending a lot of time at the propane re-fill place… if/when/where you can find one when traveling in unfamiliar places.

Gasoline is available everywhere, 24/7 ….(think about that a minute)…..and you’ll use less of it because it contains more energy per gallon. And 5 gal of spare gas in the back of the truck is a hedge against those long, desert trips when you passed the last gas station and forgot to fill up the TV.

Yes, propane combustion engines don’t make the oil dirty as fast….but you’re going to change it the same interval anyway…. so what?

Not condemning propane gens or those who choose them…. Only pointing out differences first time gen-owners might not think about.

(At least consider a dual-fuel unit if you still think you want propane, IMO)

Hope this helps.

Great comments. The reasons above are exactly why I bought a gasoline powered 4,500W generator. It was the right choice for me. The feature that I liked the most was remote start.

[gypsydad]

I wanted propane when I first started looking at generators years back. Cary an extra 20# portable bottle for my Webber 1200 grill, portable fire pit, and the Honda.. All 3 plug into my Airstream front port or my portable bottle also with 20' hose. Did not want to deal with nor carry gas in my truck bed. Started with the Champion 3400 Dual Fuel, which is workes great with electric start and was only $800 when I purchased it several years ago. My issue was the 95lbs which as I got older was a bit more to handle/move around, vs the 45lb Honda. The Honda 2200 from Genconnex is my second propane generator. It comes with a 3 year warranty from Genconnex and is a very clean installation of the propane conversion they do. Yes, it is a bit expensive, but starts easy, very quiet, and half the weight of the Champion 3400 Dual Fuel. Today, I would look at the Champion 2500 Dual Fuel which they did not have when I got my Honda 3 years ago. My brother in law has the Champion 2500 and loves it. Runs his single AC just fine on his Oliver he says.

[jsmall01]

Agree with DCPAS, we have the honda 2200 propane converted by Gennconex. Works perfectly!

[jsmall01]

Originally Posted by jsmall01

Agree with DCPAS, we have the honda 2200 propane converted by Gennconex. Works perfectly!

And it connects to the low pressure port with a quick release hose. No taking the tanks off or messing with anything like that. Carrying another fuel source is a total pain in the butt. Got 2 30 lb bottles up front with the airstream. Use those for the generator, when needed, barbecue fire pit and pizza oven. No need to carry any other fuels

[ROBERT CROSS]

I converted our Honda 2000 in 2008. Still going strong.

If I was in the market today it would be another Honda, probably a 2200.

Bob
🇺🇸

[xpcdoojk]

Propane with tank swap is available anywhere walmart is. Which is just about everywhere. Plus any big box lumber yard, or many hardware stores. To get it to pump directly into your tank a bit harder, but still fairly available. How do you fill the 30# tanks on the front if it isn’t?

JC

[englewoodfl]

It wouldn't matter here after Ian - there wasn't any power so no propane or gasoline. I've had generators including an 8,000 watt that's in the garage. If we buy one don't want to haul gasoline with us.


We're leaving on our first trip with the 23FBT and F150 - 5,000 miles.


CEO asked me about batteries. I could design and build battery rack with both a solar input and an inverter with a 30 Amp plug - right now I don't know any specs like how batteries it would take to power the Dometic roof unit and the panel wattage to charge and run the A/C. Were going to see how this goes.


One thing I think I'll do is disconnect the 7-way every night without shore power. Never know initially what the 23FBT might do with the F150 battery.


Enough for now. Thanks for all the input.

[27ftToaster]

Originally Posted by jsmall01

Agree with DCPAS, we have the honda 2200 propane converted by Gennconex. Works perfectly!

Another advantage, for me anyhow, is that the Propane Genconnex is clean, no fumes. The Honda 2200i fits under the bed in our 27' FB without any smell, oil, or gas. It's always with us, used rarely, but handy when needed.

I have a diesel TV and didn't want to carry gasoline as a 3rd fuel! We use a 30' hose from the direct connect, but also have a separate hose for the 20# propane tank we carry for the BBQ grill.

We mostly rely on solar for our power, but are currently in our 2nd week of clouds, fog, and rain in Newfoundland, so we broke out the generator a couple days ago and got mostly charged up after several hours.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by xpcdoojk

Propane with tank swap is available anywhere walmart is. Which is just about everywhere. Plus any big box lumber yard, or many hardware stores. To get it to pump directly into your tank a bit harder, but still fairly available. How do you fill the 30# tanks on the front if it isn’t?

JC

I always run one 30# tank at a time on the AS main supply line. I do not have a gauge for my 2 bottles up front, so when in need of knowing how much is left in a tank (assuming it has not run out yet), I simply pour some boiling water on the side to see the level inside the tank. When filling is needed, I switch tanks, remove the 30# tank and also take along the 20# portable tank to a propane fill site near by. This country has many places to get your propane tanks refilled. As mentioned, you can also exchange the 20# tanks in most cities at grocery stores, hardware stores, Dollar stores, and many other places. It is much less expensive to just fill the tank assuming the tank inspection date has not expired...if that happens, of course you do an exchange.

[gypsydad]

[QUOTE=englewoodfl;2683233]It wouldn't matter here after Ian - there wasn't any power so no propane or gasoline. I've had generators including an 8,000 watt that's in the garage. If we buy one don't want to haul gasoline with us.


We're leaving on our first trip with the 23FBT and F150 - 5,000 miles.


CEO asked me about batteries. I could design and build battery rack with both a solar input and an inverter with a 30 Amp plug - right now I don't know any specs like how batteries it would take to power the Dometic roof unit and the panel wattage to charge and run the A/C. Were going to see how this goes.



Good idea to disconnect the AS from the TV 7pin each night; I have had my AS 12V batteries drained while traveling on one of my earlier 25' AS's...not fun; I did not have a generator at the time as insurance/backup. I always disconnect from TV now at night while traveling.

Batteries to run the AC?? You need a "lot" of battery to run AC for any extended period of time, (Li batteries by the way) and a lot of solar to keep charged...and a generator is insurance when solar is not enough due to weather. If your going Li and solar, you likely will also need to consider your inverter/converter for Li, and additional monitoring system. Several folks here and in other AS Forum threads on this topic to learn from.
One thing I think I'll do is disconnect the 7-way every night without shore power.

[englewoodfl]

Here in SW FL with about 90 high each day and high UV the Dometic 13500 A/C unit on 23FBT uses about ??? KWH per day. I don't have time for the research what that would mean Li batteries required with a reasonably good inverter.

[englewoodfl]

More research showed a usage of about 9Kwh per day.

[foobar]

Originally Posted by englewoodfl

More research showed a usage of about 9Kwh per day.

I can run the smaller of my two a/c'sfrom my lithium battery bank for 8-10 hours depending on how often the a/c cycles on and off, by using a victron multiplus II 2x120.

The battery bank size needed for this is somewhat daunting. 1320 amp hours.

Even less practical is the amount of time it takes to recharge a battery bank this large. If my bank is discharged down to 10% capacity, it takes 10 hours to recharge using a Honda EU2200i without any solar input. If I have clear skies and no shade, my 700watt solar can cut 3 hours off the charging time.

The limiting factor in charge time is the multiplus II. It can only provide a maximum of 120 amps of charge current. This can be supported by a single EU2200i. A single eu2200i let's you charge the battery bank or charge the battery bank, but not both at the same time.

If you want to run an a/c unit and charge at the same time, you will need to parallel two Honda eu2200i generators (or use a much larger 4-5kw generator).

One 30 lb propane tank can fully recharge my nearly fully discharged battery bank via a single eu2200i about 2.5 times.

I have thought about ways to increase the rate of charging by adding additional chargers in parallel, but then I would lose the automatic energy management built into the multiplus and would have to manually manage the additional charging capacity. Given how rarely I will need the faster charging rate, it's not worth tackling this and adding the additional equipment and having to hassle with it.

I do have some plans for additional power generation capability, but that is a topic for a future discussion.

Generally, it is much easier to simply camp where a/c is only needed for a couple of hours in the late afternoon (or is not needed at all) when boondocking. A couple of hours of a/c operation can be supplied from a 600ah lithium bank via the multiplus II and the energy used can be restored by a large solar array plus a couple of hours of eu2200i operation per day.

The main reason for our large battery bank is to protect pets via the ability to continue to run an a/c while we are away from the RV park in the circumstance of a power outage at the park. It's really not practical to run the a/c from a battery bank for long periods on a frequent basis and try to recharge the battery bank using a generator.

[foobar]

Originally Posted by foobar

I can run the smaller of my two a/c'sfrom my lithium battery bank for 8-10 hours depending on how often the a/c cycles on and off, by using a victron multiplus II 2x120.

The battery bank size needed for this is somewhat daunting. 1320 amp hours.

Even less practical is the amount of time it takes to recharge a battery bank this large. If my bank is discharged down to 10% capacity, it takes 10 hours to recharge using a Honda EU2200i without any solar input. If I have clear skies and no shade, my 700watt solar can cut 3 hours off the charging time.

The limiting factor in charge time is the multiplus II. It can only provide a maximum of 120 amps of charge current. This can be supported by a single EU2200i. A single eu2200i let's you charge the battery bank or charge the battery bank, but not both at the same time.

If you want to run an a/c unit and charge at the same time, you will need to parallel two Honda eu2200i generators (or use a much larger 4-5kw generator).

One 30 lb propane tank can fully recharge my nearly fully discharged battery bank via a single eu2200i about 2.5 times.

I have thought about ways to increase the rate of charging by adding additional chargers in parallel, but then I would lose the automatic energy management built into the multiplus and would have to manually manage the additional charging capacity. Given how rarely I will need the faster charging rate, it's not worth tackling this and adding the additional equipment and having to hassle with it.

I do have some plans for additional power generation capability, but that is a topic for a future discussion.

Generally, it is much easier to simply camp where a/c is only needed for a couple of hours in the late afternoon (or is not needed at all) when boondocking. A couple of hours of a/c operation can be supplied from a 600ah lithium bank via the multiplus II and the energy used can be restored by a large solar array plus a couple of hours of eu2200i operation per day.

The main reason for our large battery bank is to protect pets via the ability to continue to run an a/c while we are away from the RV park in the circumstance of a power outage at the park. It's really not practical to run the a/c from a battery bank for long periods on a frequent basis and try to recharge the battery bank using a generator.

I meant to say--> a single eu2200i let's you charge the battery bank or run a single a/c, but not both at the same time.

Instead, I said "A single eu2200i let's you charge the battery bank or charge the battery bank, but not both at the same time"... Jeez...