Gas or Propane?

[StarGazer-1]

I'm needing to rent a portable generator for this weekend (Aug. 7th) and was wondering which do you all think will be better. A gas powered generator or a propane powered generator? Also, what all will a 3000 watt generator power besides my 13,500 BTU A/C (@ the same time)? I was thinking maybe going propane because I'm already carrying around the fuel in my two 20lbs. tanks.

[450Donn]

Propane generator will consume more fuel per hour than a gas generator. Get the gas one. A 3KW generator will run your AC unit and that is about it. Do not try running the microwave and AC at the same time. Think brown out. Water heater gas only, same for the refer.

[TXiceman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 450Donn Propane generator will consume more fuel per hour than a gas generator. Get the gas one. A 3KW generator will run your AC unit and that is about it. Do not try running the microwave and AC at the same time. Think brown out. Water heater gas only, same for the refer.

and X 2

ken

[lostagain]

We have a propane generator and love it. It stays in the pickup and we just hook up to our TT propane tank and plug it in, no gas cans to worry about.

[RustyJC]

I guess it depends which generator you rent and how long you intend to run it. I wouldn't be surprised to see fuel consumption rates of 1 to 1.25 lbs/hour on a propane-fueled generator running near full load.

Rusty

[StarGazer-1]

So if I want to run lights and the A/C, will I need a higher watt generator? BTW I'm just using this generator one night. My astronomy club (T.A.S. of Dallas) is having a picnic up near Atoka, Ok. this Sat.

[lostagain]

Quote:

Originally Posted by StarGazer-1 So if I want to run lights and the A/C, will I need a higher watt generator? BTW I'm just using this generator one night. My astronomy club (T.A.S. of Dallas) is having a picnic up near Atoka, Ok. this Sat.

If that's all you're going to use you'll be OK.

[StarGazer-1]

Thanks

[450Donn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lostagain If that's all you're going to use you'll be OK.

Lights are all 12VDC. So plugging in to the shore power cord will automatically charge the batteries. Just be sure the Refer and water heater are set to gas only.

[1ciderdog]

Now me, I'd go for a somewhat larger generator and I'd select gasoline. The larger generator simply because someone will somehow add something to the system or at worst the A/C when hot will need more starting power. I wouldn't think there would be much difference in the rental charge for a 4K and you'll really be irritated if the 3K doesn't do what you expect it to. I'd also select gasoline for the simple reason it is probably easier if you run out of fuel to refill a gas can than to find a place to fill a propane tank.

[CD]

Quote:

Originally Posted by StarGazer-1 So if I want to run lights and the A/C, will I need a higher watt generator? BTW I'm just using this generator one night. My astronomy club (T.A.S. of Dallas) is having a picnic up near Atoka, Ok. this Sat.

Several years ago I bought a 3K Honda. One thing that I wanted was one that would run the AC +. The dealer couldn't answer my question but said if I bought it and tried it over the weekend and wasn't satified to bring it back on Mon. and I could upgrade to the 5.5K. with no penalty. When I tried it I turned on the AC. No problem. I went to the kitchen and turned on the toaster. No problem. Then I turned on the microwave. No problem. I turned on the water heater. Then generator started to growl and complain. I was satified. Now I DIDN'T do that in the reverse order or wait for the AC to recycle. I'm sure that would not work. Since, even with AC on we went about business as usual but didn't turn on big things like the water heater.