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AR15.COM
4/24/2009 5:50:00 PM EDT
Hey guys,  

I have some cash to get a generator.   I have around $700 for a small one to run a freezer and maybe some smaller appliances, ect.

I have noticed that the tri fuel generators are more exspensive for what you get (Wattage wise), but I like the idea of being able to use 3 different fuel sources incase one drys up.  Although the gas generators are cheaper and you get more power out of them.  

Really I only need it to run the freezer and a swamp cooler in the house, maybe some lights and other stuff.  

Anyone using tri-fuel?  How do they hold up vs just gas?

It would be awesome if there was a generator FAQ.
4/24/2009 6:35:48 PM EDT
[#1]
what type of fuels do the use
4/24/2009 7:42:22 PM EDT
[#2]
Tri Fuel uses Natural Gas \ Propane \ and regular Gasoline.  

4/24/2009 8:13:55 PM EDT
[#3]
If the gen is for short term use I don't think I will matter. Small gen will not burn that much fuel.
3500 to 4000 watt gen will burn 5 to 10 gallons every 24h depending on load
that could be 5 to 11 day on one 55 gallon drum.
Power will be back on by then unless you live in New Orleans during another katrina type event.

J
4/24/2009 8:35:52 PM EDT
[#4]
are you going to buy three types of fuel storage devices in advance.
NG may not be avaliable.
Propane 100 # tank cost about a 110.00
55 gallon drum probably can get for free
4/24/2009 10:43:38 PM EDT
[#5]
The third way to go is get a gas generator and then get a tri-fuel conversion kit.
4/25/2009 2:36:39 AM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
If the gen is for short term use I don't think I will matter. Small gen will not burn that much fuel.
3500 to 4000 watt gen will burn 5 to 10 gallons every 24h depending on load
that could be 5 to 11 day on one 55 gallon drum.
Power will be back on by then unless you live in New Orleans during another katrina type event.

J


Idon't know.  Thiink ice storm.
You could easily be out a couple of weeks
4/25/2009 5:26:04 AM EDT
[#7]
At RV.net there are directions for making a propane/gasoline carb for a ~3500 watt model.
4/25/2009 9:31:13 AM EDT
[#8]
I have about 40 gallons of gas stored and 1 25 gal propane tank and I will probably get another.  

Just trying to figure out the most bang for the buck.
5/6/2009 10:11:29 AM EDT
[#9]
i'm in a similiar situation as you with the gas and propane already on hand depending on which season and after thinking about it i think for the extra money it is easier to just decide on one or the other type of fuel and use the saved money on fuel and containers for storage.

A good yamaha or honda is abut $2000 for a 2500ish watt gen set, i can get a 5000-7000 cheaper set up for $500 to $750 which would leave me with alot of fuel and extra wattage.   Most of us here will not use this thing much so the cheap one should work fine for us.

If this was going to be used alot i would say go with the higher quality and it would pay for its self but most of us will rarely use it.
5/6/2009 10:49:49 AM EDT
[#10]
Here is what I did with my coleman powermate.

http://www.propane-generators.com/tri-fuel_kits.htm

The kit worked very nicely, and I actually prefer to run it on the propane (it is quieter and the propane does not need to be stabilzed for long term storage).
5/8/2009 6:18:14 PM EDT
[#11]
How about this question will a genset run longer on 70 gallon of gas or 80 gallon propane tank with everyting else being equal?
5/10/2009 3:38:32 AM EDT
[#12]
bump