How to Convert Your Generator to Run on Propane

One might ask "Why would I want to have my portable generator running on Propane"? Generators spend much of their life idling away, racking up hour after hour of time. Usually these small engines require oil changes every 100 hrs or so, an amount that can be racked up in pretty short order for a van dweller or any other type of traveler that is relying on a portable generator to supply their electrical power.

Propane operated internal combustion engines run much cleaner allowing service intervals to be extended much longer. With this cleaner running engine you also greatly reduce wear increasing the longevity of your generator by leaps and bounds.

With the sizable investment required just to buy most portable generators, getting twice the life our of generator means your money went twice as far.

So the idea of having a generator running on propane makes sense, now you ask "How do I convert my generator". It's not all that difficult. There are conversion kits available that will make your generator a bi-fuel generator running on either natural gas or propane. Some models can even retain their ability to run on gasoline make them a tri-fuel generator.

The method used to allow your gasoline generator to operate on propane is to install in some instances an adapter between the carburetor that will supply the propane. Some generators require that the carburetor be removed or modified itself.

Beyond extended life and longer service intervals what benefits are there to switching to propane? If your Stealth Van Dwelling is set up with any other propane devices as most RV's are you can setup a quick disconnect propane line that can quickly be coupled to your generator removing the need to mess with gas cans. Danger of fire or explosion is much greater when refueling for transporting gasoline in cans. All this fuss can be eliminated with propane.

Most towable RV's carry at least two propane tanks. You can keep operating on one tank while you remove the second to get it refilled. When you return you can hook the second tank back into the system all without interrupting the flow of fuel to the generator or other propane appliances. Of course this is assuming you have a regulator that allows you to switch from one tank to the other.

Converting your generator to run on propane will eliminate the possibility of flooding the carburetor as it is impossible. Propane is a vapor right from the start. It's impossible to create the situation where you have gasoline running down the side of the generator because excess has also contaminated the oil in the engine and the plugs are wet and fouled. A common occurrence with gasoline, but an impossibility with propane.

Some have even engineered their own propane conversions as shown in this video of a Home Made Propane Conversion. Something not recommended as there are dangers involved with propane too.

I'm convinced already, where can I get a kit for my generator? Small Engine & Generator Conversion Kits is one source, U.S. Carburetor Kits is another source of kits and information. They also are an official factory authorized Yamaha Generator dealer and can sell direct to you portable generators of various sizes that come complete with factory warranties that will operate as tri-fuel generators. They can operate on either gasoline, propane, or natural gas with no modification necessary.

For a modest investment you can make this conversion knowing it will make your life a whole lot more convenient and practical.