Connect WEN generator directly to RV propane quick connect

[zibberfitchy]

I purchased a WEN DF480iX 4800W dual-fuel inverter generator. I would like to directly connect it to the propane (LPG) quick connect on my RV and supply it from my onboard propane tanks. Anyone have experience doing this? WEN supplies an LPG hose with dual regulators for connection directly to a propane bottle. Do I still need to use the secondary regulator? Or can I directly connect the generator to the RV quick connect? (My quick connect is downstream of the auto changeover regulator for my onboard propane tanks.)

[Persistent]

I know you want an easy answer. I can't supply that.

WEN does not make the answer to your question easy to find. You may try to contact WEN with the question.

Since they do not answer the question and don't make propane specifications easily available in the manual, then I guess WEN only supports using the supplied hose and regulator.

https://wenproducts.com/pages/faqs

"Contacting us
How do I get in contact with you?

Feel free to give us a call at 1-847-429-9263, Monday - Friday, 8 - 5 Central time, to speak with one of our friendly customer service representatives. You can also email us at orders@wenproducts.com, or fill out the contact form on the Contact Us page."


The make and model numbers on the WEN supplied regulators may lead to performance and specifications required. Search for "make model# Specifications"

RV propane regulated output is "11 inches of water". See make and model on the RV regulator.

[l1v3fr33ord1]

David-

You have the option of installing an Extend-a-Stay tee between the tank outlet valve and the regulator. That creates a source of high-pressure propane.

Things to consider:

1) If the generator is like RV propane generators, propane consumption may be high. I refrained from using my coach's onboard tank to fuel a propane firepit, for the same reason. (I used a grill cylinder instead.)

2) If you do go the Extend-a-Stay route, the one-inch "grill supply" fitting may or may not be able to pass enough propane to run the generator at full output. I have no idea if this is a problem... just bringing it up.

3) You'd need an adapter to attach the generator's regulator input to the Extend-a-Stay tee.

4) Or, you can replace the generator's cylinder input fitting with a high-pressure hose that will attach to the Extend-a-Stay tee.

Safety is my primary concern when working with propane devices and systems. If you don't have the experience to make the changes yourself, find someone who does and can do it for you or assist you.

[Rblasko]

Originally Posted by Persistent

I know you want an easy answer. I can't supply that.

WEN does not make the answer to your question easy to find. You may try to contact WEN with the question.

Since they do not answer the question and don't make propane specifications easily available in the manual, then I guess WEN only supports using the supplied hose and regulator.

https://wenproducts.com/pages/faqs

"Contacting us
How do I get in contact with you?

Feel free to give us a call at 1-847-429-9263, Monday - Friday, 8 - 5 Central time, to speak with one of our friendly customer service representatives. You can also email us at orders@wenproducts.com, or fill out the contact form on the Contact Us page."


The make and model numbers on the WEN supplied regulators may lead to performance and specifications required. Search for "make model# Specifications"

RV propane regulated output is "11 inches of water". See make and model on the RV regulator.

I just purchased the same generator from WEN,I contacted them and they stated the the generator takes 1/2psi and the RV regulator is any where from 11-20 psi

[DutchmenSport]

You need to find out if the generator uses the same pressure (PSI) as the output of your onboard system after the regulator. If the generator is "high pressure" it will not work. The pressure regulator on your camper is a "low pressure" regulator.

As stated above, you are better to attach a T on your propane system BEFORE your camper regulator, not after it. Then, you'll not have anything to worry about, except running out of propane when you are not expecting it!

[Sunnyfalls]

We added one of these to each of our two propane tanks:

https://mbsturgis.com/products/5th-w...t-sturgi-stay/

The advantage of using high pressure propane directly from the tanks instead of using low pressure propane from the downstream side of our Casita trailer OEM propane regulator is that you are not limited to the relatively low BTU/H capability of the regulator. Using high pressure propane enables us to simultaneously operate all of our Casita trailer OEM propane appliances (i.e., furnace, refrigerator, stove and water heater) and all of our current propane accessories which include our Honda EU2200i generator, Camp Chef Everest 2X Stove with a Lodge Reversible Griddle, Camp Chef Explorer 14 System and Camco Campfire plus any additional propane devices that we may add in the future without being BTU/H capability limited.

Gayle & Bob
"Los Gatos Casita"

[Random01]

Beware that MB Sturgis produces proprietory connectors and if you install one you will likely be stuck with hoses that only work with these connectors, this is official info from the company that their connectors only work with their own ends.
Either the manufacturer or previous owner of my RV had installed another proprietary LP quick connect, and I had to replace it just to make it work with generic QC hose which you can buy anywhere, not fun when you are living in your RV in the middle of nowhere and hose fails to connect. I would never install proprietary stuff

[Random01]

Originally Posted by zibberfitchy

I purchased a WEN DF480iX 4800W dual-fuel inverter generator. I would like to directly connect it to the propane (LPG) quick connect on my RV and supply it from my onboard propane tanks. Anyone have experience doing this? WEN supplies an LPG hose with dual regulators for connection directly to a propane bottle. Do I still need to use the secondary regulator? Or can I directly connect the generator to the RV quick connect? (My quick connect is downstream of the auto changeover regulator for my onboard propane tanks.)

If your existing quick connect is installed after your onboard LP regulator by all chances it produces 11 inches water column pressure which is around 0.39 PSI, low pressure propane. Just confirm with Wen what is the pressure produced by their regulator and if it's the same just buy a hose that has male QC on one end (most likey 1/4 inch) and whatever connector matches Wen genny on another end, and leave Wen regulator alone.

If Wen regulator pressure does not match, you can add another, High pressure, quick connect to your tank, installed before the regulator and plug Wen regulator into it using adapter. (you do not want to DYI two propane regulators on the same line, this generally does not work). Beware that low pressure and high pressure quick connect ends and hoses are usually not interchangeable

[Sunnyfalls]

Originally Posted by Random01

Beware that MB Sturgis produces proprietory connectors and if you install one you will likely be stuck with hoses that only work with these connectors, this is official info from the company that their connectors only work with their own ends.
Either the manufacturer or previous owner of my RV had installed another proprietary LP quick connect, and I had to replace it just to make it work with generic QC hose which you can buy anywhere, not fun when you are living in your RV in the middle of nowhere and hose fails to connect. I would never install proprietary stuff

Really? We used our MB Sturgis with standard high pressure fittings and we didn't encounter what you described at all.

What we did discover is that you FIRST have to attach EVERYTHING BEFORE opening the propane tank valve VERY SLOWLY. Otherwise, the safety devices in these high pressure fittings will completely stop the flow of propane.

Gayle & Bob
"Los Gatos Casita"

[Jkwilson1989]

Originally Posted by Rblasko

I just purchased the same generator from WEN,I contacted them and they stated the the generator takes 1/2psi and the RV regulator is any where from 11-20 psi

Not even close to correct. RV regulators reduce pressure to about 0.4psi. At the tank outlet, pressures will be well over 100psi. The only place you see 10-20psi is within the regulator between the stages.