Inverter/Generator - R-pod Owners Forum

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EchoGale

Senior Member

Joined: 10 Mar 2019
Location: FL
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Posts: 461

Topic: Inverter/Generator
Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 11:12am

Tuition free schooling. :) Thank you.

Julie

StephenH

podders Helping podders - pHp

Joined: 29 Nov 2015
Location: Wake Forest, NC
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 6288

Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 12:34pm

Also, if you are using gasoline, always get ethanol-free gasoline. It costs a bit more, but it is worth the extra price. Also, always add fuel stabilizer to the gasoline (Sta-Bil brand or equivalent) when you buy the gasoline. It will really help if there are extended times between starts.

The reason for not using gasoline with ethanol is that ethanol attracts water. When combined, it can seriously gum up the carburetor jets. I have had to replace the carburetor on more than one small engine where ethanol gasoline had been used. Since switching to ethanol-free gasoline and using stabilizer, I have not had any problems.

StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

podwerkz

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Joined: 11 Mar 2019
Location: Texas
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 966

Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 1:22pm

Yes, I should have mentioned that the primary reason that gasoline these days gums up is because of the way that ethanol (gasohol, E-10, etc) attracts water into the gasoline when it sits in a vented (open to the atmosphere) tank, gas can, or, carburetor.

A sealed gas can with NO pressure venting is a 'must have' for fueling your genset, especially if you can't find pure gas locally wherever you are.

And if you can find it, buy PURE gasoline, usually stated as 'NO ETHANOL' or 'ETHANOL FREE' on the pump. It will generally cost a bit more. Put this gasoline in a sealed gas can...use it for small engines like lawnmowers and generators, and you should also keep a can of Seafoam or Startron for those times when you can't find the pure gas.

There is at least one website that helps you find pure gasoline:

www.pure-gas.org

r･pod 171 gone but not forgotten!

EchoGale

Senior Member

Joined: 10 Mar 2019
Location: FL
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 461

Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 1:38pm

Great...all this is why I'm going with propane. Plus I have nowhere to carry a gas can.

Julie

podwerkz

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Joined: 11 Mar 2019
Location: Texas
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 966

Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 1:53pm

lol...ok...I use gasoline because it provides the generator's rated power, more or less, and carrying several extra propane bottles and tanks is not my idea of fun...

Pros and cons to each!

r･pod 171 gone but not forgotten!

offgrid

Senior Member

Joined: 23 Jul 2018
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 5290

Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 2:41pm

You don’t want gasoline inside an SUV. Stinky. Also I like running the generator on propane because I only need to carry one type of fuel which can work on both the gen and rpod appliances. Simpler that way.

I find that I usually need several pulls when starting my Honda 2k on propane. The reason is that you still have to get the air/fuel mixture right to get a start, and if you turn on the propane and wait too long to pull you will have too much fuel, if you pull too early you won’t have enough. A couple of pulls clears it. It’s not hard to pull though, but for sure you should try before you buy to be sure you are comfortable with the force involved.

The alternative of a big heavy generator is a non starter for anyone with back issues so an Easystart is a requirement if you want to run the a/c reliably. If you’re not running the a/c a single propane cylinder will last a long time running the trailer and generator, if you are running the a/c you can go through a cylinder in a day so will want at least 2.

1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold

podwerkz

Senior Member

Joined: 11 Mar 2019
Location: Texas
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 966

Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 3:20pm

Yep, and another BTW, I prefer to use a plastic propane tank 'stand' for the tanks when in use, and when in the vehicle, I store the 20 pound propane tanks in milk crates....sure does help keep them steady.

r･pod 171 gone but not forgotten!

EchoGale

Senior Member

Joined: 10 Mar 2019
Location: FL
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 461

Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 3:58pm

It's helpful to hear how much propane I might use for the generator. ...thanks

Julie

offgrid

Senior Member

Joined: 23 Jul 2018
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 5290

Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 4:15pm

NFPA requires propane cylinders to be transported upright and secured. So plastic milk crates, flat floors and tie downs, or the equivalent are required. Up to 4 lb cylinders don’t have to be upright. You can transport up to 90 lbs of propane (cylinder capacity) in an enclosed vehicle. Max cylinder size is 45lbs. Up to 420 lbs in an open truck bed if you ever needed that much. You often see “requirements” for keeping the trunk lid open and stuff like that but those are just some company’s recommendations, not regulatory as far as I can find. Of course, a dual propane RV mount would be best if you can stand the tongue weight.

1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold

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Senior Member

Joined: 22 Sep 2011
Location: Chapel Hill,NC
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1067

Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 9:01pm

Here is the update for my new generator and pertinent info to pas on relative to this post--

I purchased the Honda 2200, a Hutch Mountain Propane Conversion kit and a MicroAire easy start. We have just spent 3 weeks in Florida at a variety of camping options. I can say that the Honda powered by propane will definitely run the A/C at Florida's elevation without problems on eco mode.

I carried a standard 20# propane tank nestled tightly in a plastic dairy crate in the back of our expedition. I never smelled propane.

I'm happy with the total package

Vann

Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179

Author	Message Share Topic Printable Version Google Delicious Digg StumbleUpon Windows Live Yahoo Bookmarks reddit Facebook MySpace Newsvine Furl Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic
EchoGale Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 10 Mar 2019 Location: FL Online Status: Offline Posts: 461	Topic: Inverter/Generator Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 11:12am
	Tuition free schooling. :) Thank you.
	Julie

StephenH Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6288	Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 12:34pm
	Also, if you are using gasoline, always get ethanol-free gasoline. It costs a bit more, but it is worth the extra price. Also, always add fuel stabilizer to the gasoline (Sta-Bil brand or equivalent) when you buy the gasoline. It will really help if there are extended times between starts. The reason for not using gasoline with ethanol is that ethanol attracts water. When combined, it can seriously gum up the carburetor jets. I have had to replace the carburetor on more than one small engine where ethanol gasoline had been used. Since switching to ethanol-free gasoline and using stabilizer, I have not had any problems.
	StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

podwerkz Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 11 Mar 2019 Location: Texas Online Status: Offline Posts: 966	Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 1:22pm
	Yes, I should have mentioned that the primary reason that gasoline these days gums up is because of the way that ethanol (gasohol, E-10, etc) attracts water into the gasoline when it sits in a vented (open to the atmosphere) tank, gas can, or, carburetor. A sealed gas can with NO pressure venting is a 'must have' for fueling your genset, especially if you can't find pure gas locally wherever you are. And if you can find it, buy PURE gasoline, usually stated as 'NO ETHANOL' or 'ETHANOL FREE' on the pump. It will generally cost a bit more. Put this gasoline in a sealed gas can...use it for small engines like lawnmowers and generators, and you should also keep a can of Seafoam or Startron for those times when you can't find the pure gas. There is at least one website that helps you find pure gasoline: www.pure-gas.org
	r･pod 171 gone but not forgotten!

EchoGale Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 10 Mar 2019 Location: FL Online Status: Offline Posts: 461	Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 1:38pm
	Great...all this is why I'm going with propane. Plus I have nowhere to carry a gas can.
	Julie

podwerkz Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 11 Mar 2019 Location: Texas Online Status: Offline Posts: 966	Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 1:53pm
	lol...ok...I use gasoline because it provides the generator's rated power, more or less, and carrying several extra propane bottles and tanks is not my idea of fun... Pros and cons to each!
	r･pod 171 gone but not forgotten!

offgrid Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23 Jul 2018 Online Status: Offline Posts: 5290	Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 2:41pm
	You don’t want gasoline inside an SUV. Stinky. Also I like running the generator on propane because I only need to carry one type of fuel which can work on both the gen and rpod appliances. Simpler that way. I find that I usually need several pulls when starting my Honda 2k on propane. The reason is that you still have to get the air/fuel mixture right to get a start, and if you turn on the propane and wait too long to pull you will have too much fuel, if you pull too early you won’t have enough. A couple of pulls clears it. It’s not hard to pull though, but for sure you should try before you buy to be sure you are comfortable with the force involved. The alternative of a big heavy generator is a non starter for anyone with back issues so an Easystart is a requirement if you want to run the a/c reliably. If you’re not running the a/c a single propane cylinder will last a long time running the trailer and generator, if you are running the a/c you can go through a cylinder in a day so will want at least 2.
	1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold

podwerkz Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 11 Mar 2019 Location: Texas Online Status: Offline Posts: 966	Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 3:20pm
	Yep, and another BTW, I prefer to use a plastic propane tank 'stand' for the tanks when in use, and when in the vehicle, I store the 20 pound propane tanks in milk crates....sure does help keep them steady.
	r･pod 171 gone but not forgotten!

EchoGale Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 10 Mar 2019 Location: FL Online Status: Offline Posts: 461	Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 3:58pm
	It's helpful to hear how much propane I might use for the generator. ...thanks
	Julie

offgrid Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23 Jul 2018 Online Status: Offline Posts: 5290	Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 4:15pm
	NFPA requires propane cylinders to be transported upright and secured. So plastic milk crates, flat floors and tie downs, or the equivalent are required. Up to 4 lb cylinders don’t have to be upright. You can transport up to 90 lbs of propane (cylinder capacity) in an enclosed vehicle. Max cylinder size is 45lbs. Up to 420 lbs in an open truck bed if you ever needed that much. You often see “requirements” for keeping the trunk lid open and stuff like that but those are just some company’s recommendations, not regulatory as far as I can find. Of course, a dual propane RV mount would be best if you can stand the tongue weight.
	1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold

Pod People Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 22 Sep 2011 Location: Chapel Hill,NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 1067	Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 9:01pm
	Here is the update for my new generator and pertinent info to pas on relative to this post-- I purchased the Honda 2200, a Hutch Mountain Propane Conversion kit and a MicroAire easy start. We have just spent 3 weeks in Florida at a variety of camping options. I can say that the Honda powered by propane will definitely run the A/C at Florida's elevation without problems on eco mode. I carried a standard 20# propane tank nestled tightly in a plastic dairy crate in the back of our expedition. I never smelled propane. I'm happy with the total package Vann
	Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179