240V Propane Inverter Generator for a reasonable price

[Joelk]

I have a couple old style Gas Generators that work OK, but **** up fuel.

I would like to have an Inverter that does not waste so much fuel and would like to use Propane to avoid issues with gas going bad, gumming up carb etc.

Well pump is 240V so would like to it to be 240V capable.

Have seen lots of lower cost 120V Gas Inverter Generators, but few that run on propane and very few that are 240V capable.

Anyone know of any reasonably priced 240V Inverter Generators that will run on propane.

Any (reasonably cheap)way to wire 2 smaller generators to get 240V.

Links appreciated.

Thanks, Joel

 

[kd3pc]

240v is expensive in generators, especially inverters. Propane is even more so. And it has it's own issues. You will need a way to store propane in larger than grill use containers.

You can wire the Eu2000 in a way to combine them, but that is pricey as well. I would think you could get a larger Honda and convert it to propane, but in my experience the Eu2000 are as frugal a gasoline user as you will find, and switching to propane would not gain you much. The bigger Hondas are also quite frugal.

If you go with smaller generators, you may not be able to get the "start" capacity you need to run motors and so on.

I would start with a power budget and see what you actually need to do this. Then select your budget, then try to get a unit within your budget. That WILL be difficult.

bests

 

[p_mori7]

Kipor IG4300. It's gas powered, but quite economical.

Not cheap though. Around $2K.

 

[Joelk]

I have two gas generators that supply 240V. Not looking for another one of those, unless it is a tremendous bargain.

I want one that runs on propane.

I have read about the conversion kits, but would prefer to have one set up that the factory designed to run on propane.

I am aware that what I want is not easy to find. That is why I posted the thread.

 

[Bobcat753]

This Miller Bobcat 250 LP is expensive but mount it on a trailer and it can be a multi use machine. Unlike normal generator that can only do one thing.
http://store.cyberweld.com/mibo250lpwe9.html

 

[p_mori7]

I don't know of any propane powered Inverter Generators.

A search of the Internet and your post on GJ comes up #2 right under an ad sponsored site.

There are a multitude of dual-fuel or propane only regular generators on the market. Lowest price ones are probably the Champion line that start at about 4000w and have 240V for about $800.

 

[tabora]

I want one that runs on propane.
I have read about the conversion kits, but would prefer to have one set up that the factory designed to run on propane.

Don't be too concerned about adding propane capability to a generator. I added a propane snorkel kit to mine in about 15 minutes, and it's completely reversible in about the same amount of time.

 

[rixtrix1]

Don't be too concerned about adding propane capability to a generator. I added a propane snorkel kit to mine in about 15 minutes, and it's completely reversible in about the same amount of time.

Where did you source the mixer/kit at the generator?

For a propane/dual fuel capable one, the Champion model sold at Costco or Fry's electronics appears reasonable. Any reviews on the Champion line?

 

[kctyphoon]

You can convert ANY gasoline powered generator to run off natural gas and propane. Its a very simple conversion kit. Visit USCARB.com . Its just a pressure regulator, and adapter to allow NG/propane to flow into the carb behind the air cleaner. Going Gas fuel is not only cheaper, but better for the engines as well. You dont need to buy a generator marketed to run off propane, there is nothing mechanically special about them.

 

[gearhead1]

Yep. My aunt just bought a Wen through Home Depot, dual fuel. Works great.

 

[Showkey]

Going Gas fuel is not only cheaper, but better for the engines as well. You dont need to buy a generator marketed to run off propane, there is nothing mechanically special about them.

Gasoline runs much cooler head temperatures. Propane cause the head and oil temperatures to run substantially higher temperatures. Conversions or specific propane engines often run different valves. Use large oil sumps to manage the excessive heat. Propane does run cleaner.

Large tank is a must......#20 won’t last a few hours in large 240v unit.
I have an RV propane generator............absolutely hate the POS. It ***** propane like there’s no tomorrow. Onan 3500 watt burns over a half gallon of propane per hour. Also the Onan is the quiet series......that’s a joke......it’s freakin loud ( mechanical noise plus exhaust) Weekend at the track use a gas Honda EU.

 

[Lucas2]

I would think you want at least 5KW. I have a 3.5KW just small enough to throw in the back of my truck without help but a 20A compressor motor will trip the main breaker. Find more details at inverterreview.com

 

[Bretny]

Cheap, inverter, 240v and propane dont go together. You can get almost any of the two but not 3 or 4.

Propane is a very nice fuel if you alreaty have a large tank. If not you will be buying large tanks with large up front cost. Most propane companys wont lease you a tank for just a generator as it wont burn enough fuel. You can go the 100lb route but then you will still need a fuel delivery or drag them to the propane refill company. 100lb tanks are not light, roughly 180lbs filled. 20lb propane tanks are a joke on a 5kw generator. you will need piles of them for a weeks long run.

Your generators fuel burn rate will determine what size propane tanks you can use. Some 5kw may freeze up a 20lb tank and 40lb tanks vaporize about the same.

What kind of fuels do you alreaty use on the property? This is how i picked diesel for my backup source.

 

[Joelk]

Bringing this thread back to life.

I am still hoping to find a reasonably priced 220-240V Propane Inverter Generator.

I have several large(over 100 Gallon) Propane tanks that are full.

Agree that I probably should have(perhaps need) 5KW to start well pump.

In the past several months I have seen quite a few new generators that are Dual Fuel, many "old style", but some inverters, but still no reasonably priced 240V models that I have found.

Has anyone else found any?

 

[brooktre]

http://www.centralmainediesel.com/propane-generators.asp

This might work.

 

[hsvtoolfool]

At the prices of these "portable" units, why not just install a Kohler or Generac 20KW home generator that runs on natural gas or LP? Power the entire house and be done with it.

 

[Joelk]

At the prices of these "portable" units, why not just install a Kohler or Generac 20KW home generator that runs on natural gas or LP? Power the entire house and be done with it.

I have two properties and would like to be able to easily transport the generator back and forth between the properties, and also be able to use it as a jobsite power source.

20KW is not very portable and I have no need for that kind of wattage. Oil, hot water, heat and no A/C. The only large draw is well pumps on startup.

A big "regular" generator will waste a LOT more fuel than an Inverter if run a low load.

 

[mike93lx]

I am looking for the same combo. Right now, the Briggs Q6500 is at the top of my list with a propane kit

https://www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com/Briggs-&-Stratton-30675-Portable-Generator/p75239.html

Currently available at 875 through Newegg and walmart

 

[Joelk]

I'm still looking, so I thought I would "wake up" this old thread.

 

[mike93lx]

I bought the Briggs, but can't run propane on it as there is no flow control for the propane, at least on the propane kit I have. I'd have to run the generator at full speed all the time, which defeats a big benefit of an inverter generator.

That said, I like the generator a lot, except for the absolute dumpster fire of a retractable handle.

 

[Joelk]

Does anyone here have one of these?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Sportsm...d-4-GFCI-120-Volt-Outlets-GEN85KIDF/312402800

 

[Joelk]

So no one has tried a Sportsman Model #GEN85KIDF?