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mcbbcn Samba Member
Joined: January 23, 2017 Posts: 73 Location: Oregon
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mcbbcn Samba Member
Joined: January 23, 2017 Posts: 73 Location: Oregon
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Posted: Tue Nov 07, 2017 2:46 pm Post subject: Re: How do you transport a small portable generators? |
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kourt wrote: |
mcbbcn wrote: |
Also, I do these trips in Winter, it gets very cold, and I would like to keep coach battery for heat. |
Just in case anyone has not addressed this yet... using electricity to generate comfort heat for winter camping, whether it be DC or AC, is extremely inefficient. There is no substitute for burning hydrocarbons (propane) when it comes to heating. In the long term you may want to invest in a Propex heater (http://www.westyventures.com/propex.html). The HS2211 linked here mounts underneath the van, does all of its combustion outside the van in a separate airspace, transfers its heat through a heat exchanger, and blows the hot air into the van—a totally safe solution that ensures you will not be exposed to carbon monoxide gas.
kourt |
That is a great solution. Definitely something to think about for the future. Thanks for sharing |
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ThankYouJerry Samba Member
Joined: September 01, 2012 Posts: 2271 Location: Shakedown Street
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Posted: Tue Nov 07, 2017 8:23 pm Post subject: Re: How do you transport a small portable generators? |
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mcbbcn wrote: |
Yes, I'm learning towards carrying it inside, it is one of those very small 1000 watts, and I'm learning that there are airtight bags out there. |
If you're going to carry it inside make sure it is strapped down securely! You don't want a 40lb brick flying toward your head during an accident.
These work well for that: http://www.gowesty.com/product-details.php?v=&id=4372 _________________ 1990 Multivan - "Ohana"
1.8T, Auto w/3.27 R&P + Peloquin TBD |
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vwwestyman Samba Member
Joined: April 24, 2004 Posts: 5680 Location: Manhattan, Kansas, USA
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Posted: Tue Nov 07, 2017 9:21 pm Post subject: Re: How do you transport a small portable generators? |
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I wonder how stinky it really would be? If the generator is in pretty good shape (i.e. no leaks or anything like that) there shouldn't be much smell to escape.
About the only thing might be the vent on the gas cap, depending on how it is vented. A small piece of plastic under the cap, with the cap screwed down much like that instructible, would solve that problem. Just remember to remove the plastic when firing the generator up.
Were it me, I'd either use one of those hitch racks, or I'd just carry it inside and I'd probably not worry about trying to wrap it up in plastic. Maybe set on a tarp but that is probably it.
Anyway, sounds neat. I'm no astronomer, but I do very much enjoy getting to stare at the stars on a dark, moonless night. _________________ Dave Cook
President, Wild Westerner Club
1978 Champagne Edition Westy, repowered to '97 Jetta TDI
1973 Wild Westerner
My Thing |
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Love My Westy Samba Member
Joined: August 08, 2007 Posts: 1835
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Posted: Tue Nov 07, 2017 9:23 pm Post subject: Re: How do you transport a small portable generators? |
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I built a platform similar to the Harbor Freight Step and attached a Low Pro Generator Security system for my Honda 2000i generator. I also added an attachment to carry my HiLift jack.
https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rl...a07eEw9CAs |
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whynotvw Samba Member
Joined: May 04, 2004 Posts: 1322
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Posted: Tue Nov 07, 2017 9:47 pm Post subject: Re: How do you transport a small portable generators? |
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Aluminess, aluminum box. Perfect for it and still room for other sruff.
Only draw back is the cost. |
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jberger Samba Member
Joined: November 17, 2003 Posts: 2476
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Posted: Tue Nov 07, 2017 10:02 pm Post subject: Re: How do you transport a small portable generators? |
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I have carried a Honda EU2000 on my van for thousands of miles. Sometimes in the luggage rack (noisy when running), even in Death Valley on 1 wheel up trails.. Move it to the ground when running. Even on a platform or the tongue of a trailer the vibration, while not bad, disturbs me. Carry it however you like. they are not heavy in the grand scheme of things and clearly... you need one. |
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mcbbcn Samba Member
Joined: January 23, 2017 Posts: 73 Location: Oregon
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Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2017 10:28 am Post subject: Re: How do you transport a small portable generators? |
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ThankYouJerry wrote: |
mcbbcn wrote: |
Yes, I'm learning towards carrying it inside, it is one of those very small 1000 watts, and I'm learning that there are airtight bags out there. |
If you're going to carry it inside make sure it is strapped down securely! You don't want a 40lb brick flying toward your head during an accident.
These work well for that: http://www.gowesty.com/product-details.php?v=&id=4372 |
Great tip! Thank you! |
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mcbbcn Samba Member
Joined: January 23, 2017 Posts: 73 Location: Oregon
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Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2017 10:29 am Post subject: Re: How do you transport a small portable generators? |
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vwwestyman wrote: |
I wonder how stinky it really would be? If the generator is in pretty good shape (i.e. no leaks or anything like that) there shouldn't be much smell to escape.
About the only thing might be the vent on the gas cap, depending on how it is vented. A small piece of plastic under the cap, with the cap screwed down much like that instructible, would solve that problem. Just remember to remove the plastic when firing the generator up.
Were it me, I'd either use one of those hitch racks, or I'd just carry it inside and I'd probably not worry about trying to wrap it up in plastic. Maybe set on a tarp but that is probably it.
Anyway, sounds neat. I'm no astronomer, but I do very much enjoy getting to stare at the stars on a dark, moonless night. |
Hi Dave, thank you so much and I really appreciate the tip about the tap. Great thinking!
Yes, Astronomy is such a humbling hobby, there is nothing like the reminder of how small we are when we look up at the stars...
Last edited by mcbbcn on Wed Nov 08, 2017 10:34 am; edited 1 time in total |
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mcbbcn Samba Member
Joined: January 23, 2017 Posts: 73 Location: Oregon
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Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2017 10:31 am Post subject: Re: How do you transport a small portable generators? |
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whynotvw wrote: |
Aluminess, aluminum box. Perfect for it and still room for other sruff.
Only draw back is the cost. |
Wow! That is a fancy looking setup. Thanks for sharing and quite inspiring. Nicely done! |
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mcbbcn Samba Member
Joined: January 23, 2017 Posts: 73 Location: Oregon
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Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2017 10:33 am Post subject: Re: How do you transport a small portable generators? |
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jberger wrote: |
I have carried a Honda EU2000 on my van for thousands of miles. Sometimes in the luggage rack (noisy when running), even in Death Valley on 1 wheel up trails.. Move it to the ground when running. Even on a platform or the tongue of a trailer the vibration, while not bad, disturbs me. Carry it however you like. they are not heavy in the grand scheme of things and clearly... you need one. |
Yes, thank you. I'm definitely planning to have it on the ground while running. Probably close the van tie up. Not worrying too much about the noise as I stay up through imaging sessions anyway, although I'm the sure the white noise will get me to sleep. lol |
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mcbbcn Samba Member
Joined: January 23, 2017 Posts: 73 Location: Oregon
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Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2017 10:36 am Post subject: Re: How do you transport a small portable generators? |
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Also, I'm considering modifying the portable generator to run on LP and connect it to the van LP tank. I run some calculations on consumption and I could even probably power the van using my own van propane and still after 3 nights, I should have half the LP tank full. Interesting idea, because it would make the generator less smelly and cleaner to run. |
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vwwestyman Samba Member
Joined: April 24, 2004 Posts: 5680 Location: Manhattan, Kansas, USA
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Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2017 5:07 pm Post subject: Re: How do you transport a small portable generators? |
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Oh! Converting to run on propane is a neat idea!
It's supposed to burn much cleaner, so things like oil contamination is significantly reduced. Also seemingly much less likely to have it go bad and him up the carb or anything like that.
I'm thinking about converting my lawnmower for those reasons. _________________ Dave Cook
President, Wild Westerner Club
1978 Champagne Edition Westy, repowered to '97 Jetta TDI
1973 Wild Westerner
My Thing |
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kbeefy Samba Member
Joined: March 10, 2006 Posts: 600 Location: Central Oregon
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Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2017 7:42 pm Post subject: Re: How do you transport a small portable generators? |
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I have a 800-100w generator on my GW Swingout along with 5g water and 5g fuel tank. _________________ 86 syncro CHC, NorthWesty subbie 2.5, decoupler, locker, custom interior, 225/75r16 Duratrack's on CLK's, Toyo cabin heater, ARB fridge, 300w Zamp Solar, Gowesty bumpers/skid/rails, Fiama awning
'86 Syncro Westy. Stock for now.
2000 F350 7.3 CC LB 11' Northland Cabover
2006 Subbie OBXT
2002 Tacoma DoubleCab 4x4
1969 Mustang Basket Case 351c/FMX/9
http://kbeefy.blogspot.com/ |
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ThankYouJerry Samba Member
Joined: September 01, 2012 Posts: 2271 Location: Shakedown Street
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Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2017 8:53 pm Post subject: Re: How do you transport a small portable generators? |
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mcbbcn wrote: |
Also, I'm considering modifying the portable generator to run on LP and connect it to the van LP tank. I run some calculations on consumption and I could even probably power the van using my own van propane and still after 3 nights, I should have half the LP tank full. Interesting idea, because it would make the generator less smelly and cleaner to run. |
If so, you'll need a much larger LP tank (or two) under your Westy if you're planning on running the generator for extended periods of time. Even more so if you're running other ancillary LP accessories (Propex, fridge, stove/grill, etc). Gallon vs. gallon you'll get more power from gasoline than propane.
"Propane has a higher octane rating than gasoline (104 to 112, compared with 87 to 92 for gasoline) and potentially more horsepower, but its lower British thermal unit (Btu) rating per gallon results in lower fuel economy. However, the price per gallon can quickly offset the lower fuel economy."
http://www.gowesty.com/product-details.php?v=&id=23916 _________________ 1990 Multivan - "Ohana"
1.8T, Auto w/3.27 R&P + Peloquin TBD |
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mcbbcn Samba Member
Joined: January 23, 2017 Posts: 73 Location: Oregon
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Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2017 9:07 pm Post subject: Re: How do you transport a small portable generators? |
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ThankYouJerry wrote: |
mcbbcn wrote: |
Also, I'm considering modifying the portable generator to run on LP and connect it to the van LP tank. I run some calculations on consumption and I could even probably power the van using my own van propane and still after 3 nights, I should have half the LP tank full. Interesting idea, because it would make the generator less smelly and cleaner to run. |
If so, you'll need a much larger LP tank (or two) under your Westy if you're planning on running the generator for extended periods of time. Even more so if you're running other ancillary LP accessories (Propex, fridge, stove/grill, etc). Gallon vs. gallon you'll get more power from gasoline than propane.
"Propane has a higher octane rating than gasoline (104 to 112, compared with 87 to 92 for gasoline) and potentially more horsepower, but its lower British thermal unit (Btu) rating per gallon results in lower fuel economy. However, the price per gallon can quickly offset the lower fuel economy."
http://www.gowesty.com/product-details.php?v=&id=23916 |
I have almost 6 gallon tank for LP right now. I have mesured electrical draw for fridge, furnace and faucet. Also, for my additional electronics. I know my generator will handle it well.
And you are right, LP generator is less power than fuel, so I may have to take some fuel and use it if I see the LP running low. However, I’ve calculated hourly LP consumption of LP generator, and for 3 nights, it should be ok. This generator can run 48 hours straight with 4.7 gallons of LP but I won’t be running 48 hours, probably more like 8 hours a night. Then, I come back to civilization and refilll LP again. I think it’s kind of cool that we can use more than one way to run the generator (fuel or LP), it makes for a more flexible setup.
Other than staying warm, I don’t anticipate a lot of fridge use for 3 nights. I can just cook pasta, snacks, drink water and have a nice meal after I come out of the empty plains. |
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