I just bought this same unit after the first episode of Bob’s friend highlighting this generator. It arrived a week before three tornadoes hit my area in the Florida panhandle and we were out of power for five days. I have an Ecoflow Delta 1300 and a Delta Max - one to run house fridge and one to run a second fridge and chest freezer in an outbuilding. I learned quickly I need more solar panels! I solved my problem by plugging the solar generators into my new Pulsar to recharge them both from 20% to full in a little more than an hour each day. I hadn’t even gotten my new propane tank filled yet but had just a little gas left in my BBQ grill tank. I was amazed that the unit isn’t that heavy, how easy it starts, how quiet it runs and so so happy that I don’t have to store gallons and gallons of gasoline year round. I ran it for a total of six hours and still have gas left in the tank. My neighbor spent $150 on gasoline to keep his big noisy genny running! 😮 He’s now switching over to my setup 😉 P.S. I’m a very petite almost-70-year-old lady 😊
If you install a softstart on your ac you can run a full 15K BTU air conditioner. Will still take 1400 watts to run. A soft start costs around $200-300 dollars, but is well worth it if you want to boondock and not carry a large generator. Softstart fixes the problem of the ramp up surge needed to start a ac which can be up to 8000 watts. A smaller generators can't handle the ramp up on the larger ac. The soft start will also fix the issue of running ac off a standard 20 amp house plug when mooch docking as well. it also will extend the life of your ac since it puts less start up stress on the system even when your have full hookups.. Only took me an hour to install myself with no electric background. Manufactures will provide all the hardware needed and how-to sheets and there is plenty of reference videos out there. You just cut a few wires and splice it into the ac unit. It really should become standard equipment moving forward.
@@Chubbydippin For a van build maybe, but a small window unit will not keep my 28' Travel trailer cool in the summer. I'm referring to a standard roof top ac units 15K BTU Coleman Mach. Window units most likely don't have the same watt and amp demands, but they also cant put out the same BTU. I have 1100 watts of solar on top of my travel trailer and another 400 watts of ground panels and together have run my AC without even needing to run my generator on solar along with my Bluetti AC200 max and B230 with the added charge enhancer which adds up to input of 1400 watts max from a potential 1600. Without the soft start this setup wouldn't work. But now for 5 hours out of the day during peak sun in summer I can run my ac fully off my setup. Early mornings and late evenings would need support from a 2200 watt generator in high heat. I have a GENMAX Portable Inverter Generator, 3500W now which has a remote start and love it. Started with a IGEN2200 Westinghouse that worked fine up until I got to 8000 foot plus elevation in CO. You loose 3% power output per 1000 feet above sea level due to less O2. So a 2200 generator ends up maxing output at 1540 which left me no headroom.
Generators run great on propane. One of my neighbors was throwing out a 5000 watt generator after he couldn’t get it to run during a power outage. He removed the fuel tank from it to use with another generator and he put the generator out by the road for trash pickup or scrappers to pick it up. I snagged it and ordered a propane conversion kit for it. It runs great on the propane.
I bought a duel-fuel generator. Never put gas in it. Primarily bought for days when solar isn't available. 1800 watts/1500 w/propane. I have 2 refrigerators,1 big 1 small and a t.v to power. I have 2 bluetti's. A 800w and a 600w. Hopefully this will work for me. Next winter willbe 1st in Quartzsite. Thanks for all you do!
I followed my daughter to Florida to retire because of health reasons. I have been so worried about having air conditioner if a hurricane takes the power out. I can finally rest easy I ordered one of these today! I would love to join your nomad tribe but I'm running out of time. I also have two dogs and a cat. I love watching you.
Bob, I would like to see you do a video of technology advancements we have seen since you started mobile living. It’s probably a lot more than what we think.
As usual another "Outstanding Video" well spoken & editorial done in both good faith & taste. I saved up for over 6 months for a Honda electric remote start because I knew that in the next year that I'd be doing the van life chasing the good weather etc... I've almost got everything the way I want it before stricking out on my own including a AAA membership too.
Propane is definitely a great fuel for generators. A 2000ish watt unit should run about 24-30 hours at 1/4 load on a full 20lb'r. Thanks for the demo and review.
Yep, but if you're running an air conditioner at full load a 2,000-watt generator will go through that tank in only 12 hours. That's only 1/2 a day for $15-$25 worth of propane. That's unaffordable in my book, which is why I chose to go with solar. It costs more initially but quickly pays for itself.
Thanks Bob! Mine are expensive, but I have 2-2200 Hondas that are dual fuel, also. One of them has a 30 amp outlet. With all smaller gasoline tools, you should always run mid to premium gas, so your carburetors don’t get gummed up or even eaten up by ethanol gas. That Generator sounds as quiet as a Honda, over my phone. And the price is perfect!!
I use non-ethanol in ALL my engines. 2KW gen, motorcycles, car and pickups. A number of stations sell it In the West usually Maverick stations. All of the vehicles get 20% or more improved mpg.
Excellent advice Bob. For the same reasons you gave...I looked for a solution 2 years agl. After watching a YT video 2 years ago, I bought a Honda 2200i & a separate propane conversion kit. Waited for both to come in and never put a drop of gasoline in it. Very similar to the Pulsar, after priming it has started on the 3rd pull every time. HOWEVER, even though it had the 30A RV plug I was looking for so I could plug it directly into my RV like a shore power connection, the Honda cost me $1100. If I had to do it again, I would get the Pulsar 4000 Dual Fuel unit that has the 30A outlet at just $600 & 47lbs...I can still buy 2 of those for the price of the Honda and get 4X the power output. Thanks for the update Bob
Thank you for this video Bob. I live in Cypress, Texas and a week and a half ago we had a tornado hit us and knock out our power for 5 very hot Texas days. We couldn't find a hotel that would take us and our 4 pets. There weren't any to find even without our pets. I wasn't going to leave them so we stuck it out at home using our portable power stations and portable solar panels. Well it wasn't absolutely sunny all day so we had enough for our fans & they did get us through the night. It would have been great to run one of our portable & window AC units. Thanks again for this video. I was on the fence about which generator to purchase. Now I know which one to get so that at least we can hunker down in a small room with a window AC unit going and we won't bake. I learn so much from your videos!!!
Thank you for another informative video. Generators have really became more efficient and cheaper over the last 20 years... lighter too. Thank you again for educating us. Safe travels.
Glad to see this review, Pulsar makes awesome products ! I’ve got the gas only model that I’ve had for just over a year and have never had any issues with, but now you’ve got me thinking about upgrading!! Love your videos, always learning from your experience!
I have a Champion 2500w dual fuel generator/inverter. It’s very similar to the one shown in the video. Minor differences with the interface. It will burn through a 20 pound propane tank in about 34 hours on continuous run on eco mode. Not 2 weeks as mentioned in the video at 8:15.
I believe Bob was referring to still using the solar generators but on days when it’s cloudy - run the propane generator for an hour or two each day to charge the batteries. Then that would be 2 hours times 14 days = 28 hours total.
I have the same generator as you. I get about the same efficiency too. 32~34 hrs. depending on load. I use it with a Pecron E2000LFP for power outages. It keeps the essentials running.
It would be nice to hear more real world info from your friend - what size AC she is using? Average wattage draw, average runtime and how long does a 20lb tank last for AC duty.
I installed a Softstart onto my AC and run it using our Champion 2400 Dual Fuel. Note that on propane will run at 90% of it’s rated capacity compared to gasoline and if you have a built-in battery charger you may need to either switch it off or wait until the batteries are fully charged to avoid overloading your generator. I run both gasoline and propane, much prefer propane as the exhaust gas smell is much less.
I just purchased another dual fuel, Pulsar. You can't beat the $400 deal! I bought my first Pulsar in 2019 when I first moved into my van and packed it around for years just in case I needed to run my A/C, which was just my floor model air-conditioner I had been using in my apartment. It was over kill I know. That thing blew ice cold and I vented it out my passenger side window with a custom-made hose vent holder. I only had to use my Pulsar a few times when it got over 90 degrees or more. I didn't want to pack gasoline around both for risk of fire and toxic fumes in such a small space. The generator does have a pretty good seal though. I think if you have a good quality gas can, packing a gallon or two of gas around shouldn't be a big deal. I found out it starts right up with one pull on gas. It takes a bit more to get it going on propane, though. Anyway, besides the ease of use, it also is a pure sine wave safe for charging sensitive electronics and is light enough for petite women like me to move around. I would recommend this generator to anyone!
Make sure you change your oil after the first few hours when new, and then no more than 50 hours of running. Since propane runs cleaner then gas the oil will look clean, however the oil will still breakdown after time. Add an hour meter to the generator to keep track of how many hours of running time.
Bob, you're awesome! I haven't found anyone on YT who even comes close to the wealth of information you share. Thank you Sir! I hope this message finds you well.
I always see wind blowing your hair, you should make a little air concentrator for a wind generator (basically a cylinder with vents on all sides). You can get some crazy power out of some designs, the air collector/concentrators are the secret just like diffusion and fluorescence is the secret to boosting your solar panels.
I have never had my propane last 2 wks. I usually get 24-48 hrs depending on use. But still very good . I have power banks that I charge and when full use those and then switch to generator to recharge but use it more full time to run the Ecowave air conditioner. Thanks for this as I watched previous videos where you mentioned solar better but I prefer my generator and power banks with portable panels. Thanks for including this.
Thank you for the info sir! Just finished your book. I think your viewers would love a video of you talking about how technology has changed since you started the nomadic life! Cheers
Lionel here in Central California. There are advantages to both fuels. But don’t think for a second that propane doesn’t have its set of dangers and disadvantages. When a propane tank blows up, it’s big! When it’s released into the air it freezes what ever it comes in contact with. The smell propane has is added for safety. Propane isn’t readily available as gasoline. Gasoline is everywhere, your car, truck, motorcycle, some toy haulers have a fuel station and gas station have it. With propane you have to have a wrench to connect and disconnect the hose. When you need propane you have to have someone fill it or you can exchange the tank for a full one but at a much higher price. Propane tanks also have expiration dates, gasoline containers are everywhere and inexpensive. You can borrow some gas, but not propane, lol. I’ve filled thousands of propane tanks over the years and in the last 20 years or so we were required to wear gloves, googles, face shield over the googles, and a rubber apron. Anyone can fill gasoline. I think it’s a good idea to have a better understanding of ins and outs of both options. Ever wonder why cars aren’t being run on propane? My knowledge on generators is minimal but the ones I’ve seen have gasoline tanks as part of the unit. Does that mean that you have to buy a propane tank for the generator? Just saying…. Food for thought….
I have an Energizer 2200 watt gas generator that I use. It has 12 volt DC outlets that allow me to recharge my two 100 ah solar batteries on cloudy or stormy days when I'm boondocking. It starts easily and is very quiet. I carry a 2.5 gallon steel gas can that I keep on my motorcycle carrier when I'm driving. The generator fits perfectly in the area in front of the passenger seat of my E250 Ford van. I don't have AC but it's great if I want to use a microwave, TV, DVD player etc. See you at the RTR! Safe travels to all.
Sitting in my van in Yuma. °98 today. Park under a tree ( if you can find one ). The shade helps a lot. For 8yrs I've used the Powermate 2000. Gas. 5000 watt Artic King window unit. It's mounted in window of rear door. Back home in Mississippi we have non ethanol gas . No gumming. On a road trip using ethanol gas daily , no problem. A full generator of gas runs the a/c 8 hours. I use this set up just for the hottest part of the day. Tip...these new generators have a feature that if it is low on oil , it won't start. Check the oil level first if you are having start problems. Change oil every 50 hours. I change it every 25. Starts right up with fresh oil. a/c takes 800 watts at start up then runs at 400. Turn throttle switch to high when starting the a/c. When you hear the generator surge ( a/c is starting ) then switch to low idle. All of this a/c and generator stuff ends tomorrow as I'll be in San Diego. High of °65 . Glad I brought shoes and socks .😂
Bob she’s got a great system in place and I think it’s the way I want to go. There are so many advantages to having that generator in times of emergency so kudos to her
Thanks Bob! Just bought this sweet little genny from Amazon. Great price on Prime Day. $420 was a great price. Evan added extended warranty so we are covered. I appreciate you walking through all the details to start the generator. Especially the prime button feature on the regulator. I am confident evan a Lil old lady can manage this!😊 Thank you so much!
The info on Soft Starts for AC units is good. ALSO consider the elevation you will be operating the generator. For every 1000 ft above sea level (less oxygen) you will lose 2-3% of max power. So, check the User Manual for power output using Propane, then deduct for your elevation. Good luck!
Sweet, I bought the exact model before I went to the 2024 RTR. Figured I'd want a secondary source of power to recharge my Bluetti EB200P while in the Quartzsite desert. It ran perfectly, break in oil change was simple and easy. I only ryn it on propane like Bob says, and this should last me for years to come. Well worth the money.
Dometic 12 volt has been awesome for my rig running smoothly for 2.5 years on 2 renogy 12 volt 200ah lithium batteries. Can be charged from my solar, alternator, or generac iq2000 via aims inverter/charger. Highly recommend
I would like to see you cover the soft start please. Everywhere I’m looking on line is leasing me to believe this is a must. Why am I not hearing any channels talking on this? I can’t wait tell technology catches up and all this silly a/c business is put to rest. It seems exhausting the trial and error and research. I feel like any day now battery technology is going to soar to new breakthroughs. I really like this generator though!
we now have a 1800 watt solar system on our rv roof which runs our ac and our batteries will run it for about 5 hours after the sun has set. after that we run our powerhorse 4500i inverter generator. its a great generator and will power our entire rv if needed. we only use gasoline in it. provides more power that way and is cheaper to run over time. it currently has 3100 hours and never had a problem, always starts right up.
Thank u for sharing. I think the goal of a lot of boondockers is just cracking the ac code. There are people out there leaving their Toyota sienna hybrid van 24/7 and the engine is totally fine and the cost is low
You are great man!! Only been watching for about a year but the honesty and sincerity makes you!! I read comments just to get a kick out of your critics. ❤😂
You can use Sta-bil gas additive to help prevent gas from gumming up your carb, and running the generator at least an hour each month will make sure it works when you need it, and use up the gas in the tank. But you really need to store a gasoline tank outside your RV.
Thanks, Bob. I truly appreciate how you explain things. You are very clear and I don't feel like I am an idiot. I leave thinking, I can do this. Thank you!!!
Nailed it again, Bob! So grateful for the many, many, many of your helpful life changing, possibility creating, invaluable ideas otherwise unavailable anywhere else videos. Stay safe and happy trails. 🙏🏼🐾🎶
Excellent idea! I've been wrestling with an old gas generator for years, I changed the carb (200$) it ran better for a while, but it's been surging forever. My next one will be propane for sure
I have 2k panels on my bus and 5kwh battery 48v system. You can run all your stuff fridge router water heater induction cooker all electric window AC is about 456w on full blast. Now on sunny days you run that all on panels but this will be great for those days you need to recharge the batteries when you get 5 cloudy hot days. Unless you have 20 to 30 kwh worth of batteries which at 1700 each with shipping I think a $500 generator a really good backup 2000w hr would charge my battery in about 4 to 5 hrs. But thanks for the vid never thought of a dual fuel generator!
Good video- Not as cheap, but another good option is a couple of litime 230ah batteries and the new Velit ac( they make top mount and bench mount ac's) a little solar and you're good to go. I have no affiliation.
I tried this generator so far so good. Difficult to start but as it breaks in should get easier. I run a 5000 BTU stand up AC unit with casters no problem.
Just purchased an EG4 Hybrid Mini-Split AC, 12k BTU. Runs on AC or DC. That's the hybrid part. Claims to only need a minimum of 380 watts of panels wired directly to the unit. I went in half with someone on a pallet of 10, 370watt, bi-facial panels rated up to 480watts when bi-facial kicks in under ideal conditions. I get 5, they get 5. I'm figuring on 400watts on average. Theoretically, 1 panel should power it. But reality is there are cloudy days, so more than one panel will be necessary. When the unit senses there's not enough DC power, it switches to 120VAC, if available. Supposed to be really efficient and quiet. We shall see. Granted, this is for my home, not for a camper van. Lots of off-grid folks are turning to these mini-split units. Very easy to install and "somewhat" affordable. Total cost for the unit was $1,200 after $100 discount code. My half of the pallet of panels was $481. $1,681 total. I figure another $200ish for a couple circuit breakers and misc. cable/connectors for the long run I have between the panels and the unit. For under 2k in this economy to not have to pay for air conditioning during the day, I'll take it.
I ordered a Pulsar dual fuel generator at the 40% off price after watching this review. It works very well for my needs. For the time being I’m running it on propane. I won’t use it very often so by just using propane instead of gasoline I shouldn’t have to worry about the fuel gumming up the carburetor from sitting in between use.
Would love to get a dual fuel but after researching how many hours you get and comparing it to my gas one. Running my 2250 WEN it gets 6 hours at 50% load per gallon. Online multiple sites state you only get about 6 hours per 20 gal tank (which is over 4 gallons) at 50% load. I would be paying more than triple $$$ a month to switch to propane. @ $3.50 gas vs about $15 a day as I use it about 6 hours a day to run my AC and Mini fridge and to charge up my Ecoflow
Great review. You should run one tank of gas just to make sure the generators the fuel system doesn’t leak. Case you had to return it under warranty because it had a problem completely drained out.
Since the generator is a floating neutral and not bonded to ground it is probably a good and safe idea to use a grounding plug to avoid getting shocked. That's why most generators used for portable construction are grounded. Read up on it!
I'm not a construction worker so I had no idea, never heard of it, I've been reading up on it for an hour now and have learned nothing, seems unnecessary like connecting a grounding plug to a motor vehicle.
@@mmmd3429 I would definitely hook up the grounding strap if I was going to run something that could get wet or interact with the environment like an RV
Getting ready to take possession of 2011 Chevy Express 2500. Don't know where to start though. I'm no spring chicken but my goal is to see Alaska before I die. I live in lower New York. Can you point me in the right direction as to where to start? Never done this before. TYI Joel
Hey Joel, Start by watching all Bob's videos from beginning to now! Consider your needs and be realistic about your comfort: 1. power and power storage (for AC / heat, food refrigeration/freezer, lights, fans, and capacity for your other plug-in needs (cooktop, ovens, elec kettle, coffee machine, tv, computing, internet, etc.). He just mentions it briefly here but solar is incredibly inefficient, and even maxed out, won't get the job done for most people most of the year in most of the N. Hemis., so maybe get a few portable solar panels that are compatible with the battery bank system you make or buy (I have one bluetti 2000w / 2000wh and it is also not enough on its own). I don't need a lot of heat so haven't bought this yet but look into a gas or diesel powered cab heater like the 18-wheelers use, webasto is one brand and there are others, you'll need prof install or someone well educated on the topic. 2. water (keep it simple: I like limited or no plumbing, one less thing to worry about in freezing weather) - use 5 gall water bottle or jerry can as clean water tank with usb rechargeable water pump built for those (amazon), and the sink drains into another tank / bottle. No water heater, you can do that easily other ways. Also have a water purifier, not just a filter. Or do it the old way and treat/boil all water which is a huge pain and won't remove chemicals. A Berkee is not a purifier... I got the LIfesaver brand jerry can (5 gall, purifier built in) and am still testing if I think it's worth it, but you can get cheaper purifiers at camping stores (last less long and require more wrangling, time, and effort), or buy bottled water. There are hundreds of videos on comparisons of purifiers. A new portable, usb rechargeable reverse osmosis RO system came on the market about 1.5 yrs ago when I was doing my research but no one credible had reviewed yet, so you might look into those too (see vids on YT). Sort those things out first, and actually buy the products so you understand the sizes and spacings, and then mock up the minimum necessary cabinetry around them. Watch 3 million videos about those topics (water and power), then start looking for someone to pay to do the work or who can help you. Everything else you do after that is easy as pie and can even be temporary or a "non-build" build while you figure out your preferences. Also if you are not an experienced outdoors person, watch videos on that too. You'll need the right gear and some safety knowledge just to be in the hinterlands. A lot of camping gear can also be part of or backup for your van equipment, such as have a small butane / propane stove, tarps, ropes, knives, safety and security gear, etc... Have fun!!!!
@@arborealscout4252 Thank you for responding so fast. I pick up the van 5/24. I think Ive watched most of Bob's videos here and many others as well. A certified mechanic, who happens to be my nephew checked the vehicle out and said for van that's thirteen years old with just over 100k is in pretty good shape outside of an ABS sensor and a ball joint. I wonder how many people are scared to death about the step into the void. I hope to meet a lot of great people on my journey. As far as power, I have an EcoFlow Delta 2 and i am waiting to get the alternator charger they just came out with. I have a 4 panel, 160 W array compatible with EcoFlow. But I am intrigued by this new product. I would love to get your feedback if you ever check the charger out. Long winded I know but excited to get on the road. TYI Joel. Also I can't thank Bob and the rest of the gang here for some great ideas and motivation.
@arborealscout4252 gives a great, detailed answer. I'm in between you both on the road, so just will add a couple things. If you're going mobile, (like the song lol) choose your weather, and learn the terrain, down to topological maps. I needed way less heat and humidity in my life, so I fixed my location first. Simple setups like Bob showed in his latest U-Haul rental video can be adapted to your vehicle. That covers basic, but important, life issues - where to sleep, and how to cook. Low power needs can be met by solar panels and power stations. Power stations store and distribute power, but don't collect themselves. So you're going to plug it, use solar if off-grid, or turn to a generator to charge it (like this one.) Again, the weather rules! It's not coming to you, dependably :) So go to it. It still won't be predictable, but you'll be prepared for its likely range. Motorized lithium power, if you upgrade your vehicle, can do magic things, but bring you into a different, but manageable, conversation about power. The shower/bathroom question can be solved as personal choice, and it is also highly weather dependent. Heating and cooling air and water, consistently, are your biggest challenges, basically. It can be done solely with solar, but electric is very inefficient for these tasks. That's where propane comes in, and that's why everyone is so happy about this generator :) As always, corrections, additional info welcome 🙏 😊 Have FUN with this. It's not a job. It's a lifestyle. And while I haven't met many folks bc I'm a loner, if you need to join one community, this one is it. Great and safe travels 💚
I run a 5000 BTU AC in my van off a 400 watt solar panel and a 200ah battery. My total setup was about $700 but I don't need fuel. I can recharge if no sun with my van battery but I've yet to need that.
I've been using the ALP propane generator that uses both small 1lb bottles or the larger tanks. Love it. Check it out! Also no gas tank so it takes up a smaller footprint in my van.
I run a 5k BTU Walmart window Midea AC off a dual fuel Champion suitcase generator. I can run almost 3 full nights off 1 BBQ sized propane tank. I can make 2 BBQ tanks last a week cooling my overlander in 100 degrees cooling my rig down to 75 in day high 60s at night. It can also charge your batt bank if solar isn't available.
What I was hoping and expecting Bob was going to cover next in this video was, since you can’t run this generator inside your rig, how is everyone hooking it up to their a/c? Leaving the generator outdoors and connecting it to the a/c unit inside the rig via a long extension cord? Also curious about whether folks had any trouble sleeping over the noise of the generator.
I can run rooftop air conditioning during the day on solar, but at night it's still a genset, no way around it. I even have 100ah 12v, it's just not enough on solar.
This is great information. Are there any inexpensive generators that don't have the pull start? I'm not sure I'm able to do that motion with my shoulder issues.
Research, but the ones with electric start start at $700 to $1,200 more and those small batteries only lasts a year or two. Best wishes on finding a solution that works for you.
@@anitasimmons3599 I’ve had a battery tender on my generator with an auto start for six years and kept the same battery in great shape. I live in Alaska and have to be sure the battery will start on demand at any time as well as replacement. Batteries are hard to come by. I keep all my batteries with tenders on them , and they last a very, very long time. Something that you might want to try?
If you have rote start on your genny and a remote for the AC you dont need to get out to Start your Genny/AC and if you get a Minispli or a Portable Unit that Heats and Cools then that would be year round use. Got a Ecoflow Delta Pro, 2x 400w folding panels and a Firman 2000w inverted Dual Fuel i can use to Top it Off when there isnt enough Sunlight plus run the AC. I also want to run a Water Heater so i wonder what the best hook up for both Water heat and AC would be…independent from each other or tied in somehow?
Dual fuel is the way to go and only use gas in an emergency after running out of propane if needed. I would buy one to charge my battery bank to keep my system going. I think you could do that and probably run a whole month or more if you only use the generator when needed and you have solar already. Bad weather makes solar not great and if it lasts long enough you will need a backup power source.
I just bought this same unit after the first episode of Bob’s friend highlighting this generator. It arrived a week before three tornadoes hit my area in the Florida panhandle and we were out of power for five days. I have an Ecoflow Delta 1300 and a Delta Max - one to run house fridge and one to run a second fridge and chest freezer in an outbuilding. I learned quickly I need more solar panels! I solved my problem by plugging the solar generators into my new Pulsar to recharge them both from 20% to full in a little more than an hour each day. I hadn’t even gotten my new propane tank filled yet but had just a little gas left in my BBQ grill tank. I was amazed that the unit isn’t that heavy, how easy it starts, how quiet it runs and so so happy that I don’t have to store gallons and gallons of gasoline year round. I ran it for a total of six hours and still have gas left in the tank. My neighbor spent $150 on gasoline to keep his big noisy genny running! 😮 He’s now switching over to my setup 😉 P.S. I’m a very petite almost-70-year-old lady 😊
You can buy a conversion kit for gas generators to run on propane. We converted our gas generator and hooked it up to our 250 gallon propane tank.
Thanks for your helpful comment. You commented that you still have a little propane left after 6 hours. How big of a propane tank was that? Thanks.
I'm glad you were prepared! So savvy for your age I am impressed 👍
You are great 💯👍😊❤❤❤
No way it will run 2 weeks on a full 20 pound propane tank, try about 30 hours at 25% load.
If you install a softstart on your ac you can run a full 15K BTU air conditioner. Will still take 1400 watts to run. A soft start costs around $200-300 dollars, but is well worth it if you want to boondock and not carry a large generator. Softstart fixes the problem of the ramp up surge needed to start a ac which can be up to 8000 watts. A smaller generators can't handle the ramp up on the larger ac. The soft start will also fix the issue of running ac off a standard 20 amp house plug when mooch docking as well. it also will extend the life of your ac since it puts less start up stress on the system even when your have full hookups.. Only took me an hour to install myself with no electric background. Manufactures will provide all the hardware needed and how-to sheets and there is plenty of reference videos out there. You just cut a few wires and splice it into the ac unit. It really should become standard equipment moving forward.
That’s great advice it seems !! Thx
Great advice!
Not completely sure, but I thought you could buy a window unit that has that soft start function already built into it?
@@Chubbydippin For a van build maybe, but a small window unit will not keep my 28' Travel trailer cool in the summer. I'm referring to a standard roof top ac units 15K BTU Coleman Mach. Window units most likely don't have the same watt and amp demands, but they also cant put out the same BTU. I have 1100 watts of solar on top of my travel trailer and another 400 watts of ground panels and together have run my AC without even needing to run my generator on solar along with my Bluetti AC200 max and B230 with the added charge enhancer which adds up to input of 1400 watts max from a potential 1600. Without the soft start this setup wouldn't work.
But now for 5 hours out of the day during peak sun in summer I can run my ac fully off my setup. Early mornings and late evenings would need support from a 2200 watt generator in high heat. I have a GENMAX Portable Inverter Generator, 3500W now which has a remote start and love it. Started with a IGEN2200 Westinghouse that worked fine up until I got to 8000 foot plus elevation in CO. You loose 3% power output per 1000 feet above sea level due to less O2. So a 2200 generator ends up maxing output at 1540 which left me no headroom.
I would hope that the RV A/C manufacturers would put soft start systems in their units from the factory.
Generators run great on propane. One of my neighbors was throwing out a 5000 watt generator after he couldn’t get it to run during a power outage. He removed the fuel tank from it to use with another generator and he put the generator out by the road for trash pickup or scrappers to pick it up. I snagged it and ordered a propane conversion kit for it. It runs great on the propane.
Bob, this is probably one of your most important channel reviews , I'm definitely sharing this and i'm saving it as well
I bought a duel-fuel generator. Never put gas in it. Primarily bought for days when solar isn't available. 1800 watts/1500 w/propane. I have 2 refrigerators,1 big 1 small and a t.v to power. I have 2 bluetti's. A 800w and a 600w. Hopefully this will work for me. Next winter willbe 1st in Quartzsite. Thanks for all you do!
I followed my daughter to Florida to retire because of health reasons. I have been so worried about having air conditioner if a hurricane takes the power out. I can finally rest easy I ordered one of these today! I would love to join your nomad tribe but I'm running out of time. I also have two dogs and a cat. I love watching you.
You can still do it with modifications. If it doesn't work out, you tried though.
Bob, I would like to see you do a video of technology advancements we have seen since you started mobile living. It’s probably a lot more than what we think.
That’s a great idea, I would love to see that!
As usual another "Outstanding Video" well spoken & editorial done in both good faith & taste. I saved up for over 6 months for a Honda electric remote start because I knew that in the next year that I'd be doing the van life chasing the good weather etc... I've almost got everything the way I want it before stricking out on my own including a AAA membership too.
Propane is definitely a great fuel for generators. A 2000ish watt unit should run about 24-30 hours at 1/4 load on a full 20lb'r. Thanks for the demo and review.
Yep, but if you're running an air conditioner at full load a 2,000-watt generator will go through that tank in only 12 hours. That's only 1/2 a day for $15-$25 worth of propane. That's unaffordable in my book, which is why I chose to go with solar. It costs more initially but quickly pays for itself.
@@SuperSushidog very true. Gas is much cheaper to run than propane.
It’s good for recharging power stations as well. Backups are essential for off grid life.
Thanks Bob! Mine are expensive, but I have 2-2200 Hondas that are dual fuel, also. One of them has a 30 amp outlet. With all smaller gasoline tools, you should always run mid to premium gas, so your carburetors don’t get gummed up or even eaten up by ethanol gas. That Generator sounds as quiet as a Honda, over my phone. And the price is perfect!!
The main problem is ethanol. Stations sell non ethanol gas for a bit more but it will store WAY longer.
I use non-ethanol in ALL my engines. 2KW gen, motorcycles, car and pickups. A number of stations sell it In the West usually Maverick stations. All of the vehicles get 20% or more improved mpg.
Thank you Bob. Again your the #1 source for Nomad / RV living helpful tips and education.
Joe from Smyrna Delaware
Yes he’s Top Shelf in what he does.
Another benefit to the propane generator is if you are running a low or no load on it you can use it to recharge your solar generator battery.
Exactly how I intend to use mine to charge a battery!
Excellent advice Bob. For the same reasons you gave...I looked for a solution 2 years agl. After watching a YT video 2 years ago, I bought a Honda 2200i & a separate propane conversion kit. Waited for both to come in and never put a drop of gasoline in it. Very similar to the Pulsar, after priming it has started on the 3rd pull every time. HOWEVER, even though it had the 30A RV plug I was looking for so I could plug it directly into my RV like a shore power connection, the Honda cost me $1100. If I had to do it again, I would get the Pulsar 4000 Dual Fuel unit that has the 30A outlet at just $600 & 47lbs...I can still buy 2 of those for the price of the Honda and get 4X the power output. Thanks for the update Bob
Thank you for this video Bob. I live in Cypress, Texas and a week and a half ago we had a tornado hit us and knock out our power for 5 very hot Texas days. We couldn't find a hotel that would take us and our 4 pets. There weren't any to find even without our pets. I wasn't going to leave them so we stuck it out at home using our portable power stations and portable solar panels. Well it wasn't absolutely sunny all day so we had enough for our fans & they did get us through the night. It would have been great to run one of our portable & window AC units. Thanks again for this video. I was on the fence about which generator to purchase. Now I know which one to get so that at least we can hunker down in a small room with a window AC unit going and we won't bake. I learn so much from your videos!!!
Thank you for another informative video. Generators have really became more efficient and cheaper over the last 20 years... lighter too. Thank you again for educating us. Safe travels.
Glad to see this review, Pulsar makes awesome products ! I’ve got the gas only model that I’ve had for just over a year and have never had any issues with, but now you’ve got me thinking about upgrading!! Love your videos, always learning from your experience!
I have a Champion 2500w dual fuel generator/inverter. It’s very similar to the one shown in the video. Minor differences with the interface.
It will burn through a 20 pound propane tank in about 34 hours on continuous run on eco mode. Not 2 weeks as mentioned in the video at 8:15.
Yeah I have the same gen as you. He must have misspoken.
I believe Bob was referring to still using the solar generators but on days when it’s cloudy - run the propane generator for an hour or two each day to charge the batteries. Then that would be 2 hours times 14 days = 28 hours total.
@maryvaughn9227
I think thats what he meant, just using the generator for limited periods to charge
I have the same generator as you. I get about the same efficiency too. 32~34 hrs. depending on load. I use it with a Pecron E2000LFP for power outages. It keeps the essentials running.
2 weeks of using it to top off your solar power station on cloudy days. I don’t know how people can stand the constant sound of a generator
Good generator to have 👍. Quieter than most and has a handle that you can loop a chain through to lock it up to your rig.
It would be nice to hear more real world info from your friend - what size AC she is using? Average wattage draw, average runtime and how long does a 20lb tank last for AC duty.
5000 BTU is as high as I would go. I'm off the grid and that's my setup
I installed a Softstart onto my AC and run it using our Champion 2400 Dual Fuel. Note that on propane will run at 90% of it’s rated capacity compared to gasoline and if you have a built-in battery charger you may need to either switch it off or wait until the batteries are fully charged to avoid overloading your generator.
I run both gasoline and propane, much prefer propane as the exhaust gas smell is much less.
I have a small rooftop ac. 8k btu. How long can u run ur ac on a 20 gal propane tank?
I just purchased another dual fuel, Pulsar. You can't beat the $400 deal! I bought my first Pulsar in 2019 when I first moved into my van and packed it around for years just in case I needed to run my A/C, which was just my floor model air-conditioner I had been using in my apartment. It was over kill I know. That thing blew ice cold and I vented it out my passenger side window with a custom-made hose vent holder. I only had to use my Pulsar a few times when it got over 90 degrees or more. I didn't want to pack gasoline around both for risk of fire and toxic fumes in such a small space. The generator does have a pretty good seal though. I think if you have a good quality gas can, packing a gallon or two of gas around shouldn't be a big deal. I found out it starts right up with one pull on gas. It takes a bit more to get it going on propane, though. Anyway, besides the ease of use, it also is a pure sine wave safe for charging sensitive electronics and is light enough for petite women like me to move around. I would recommend this generator to anyone!
Which floor AC?
Make sure you change your oil after the first few hours when new, and then no more than 50 hours of running. Since propane runs cleaner then gas the oil will look clean, however the oil will still breakdown after time. Add an hour meter to the generator to keep track of how many hours of running time.
You have to change the oil every 50 hours? 😮
@@joshspeed7794yes all small gennys same ….most have one quart capacity. Some have a good drain tube location others are horrible …..
Bob, you're awesome! I haven't found anyone on YT who even comes close to the wealth of information you share. Thank you Sir! I hope this message finds you well.
I always see wind blowing your hair, you should make a little air concentrator for a wind generator (basically a cylinder with vents on all sides). You can get some crazy power out of some designs, the air collector/concentrators are the secret just like diffusion and fluorescence is the secret to boosting your solar panels.
I have never had my propane last 2 wks. I usually get 24-48 hrs depending on use. But still very good . I have power banks that I charge and when full use those and then switch to generator to recharge but use it more full time to run the Ecowave air conditioner. Thanks for this as I watched previous videos where you mentioned solar better but I prefer my generator and power banks with portable panels. Thanks for including this.
Thank you for the info sir! Just finished your book. I think your viewers would love a video of you talking about how technology has changed since you started the nomadic life! Cheers
Lionel here in Central California. There are advantages to both fuels. But don’t think for a second that propane doesn’t have its set of dangers and disadvantages. When a propane tank blows up, it’s big! When it’s released into the air it freezes what ever it comes in contact with. The smell propane has is added for safety. Propane isn’t readily available as gasoline. Gasoline is everywhere, your car, truck, motorcycle, some toy haulers have a fuel station and gas station have it. With propane you have to have a wrench to connect and disconnect the hose. When you need propane you have to have someone fill it or you can exchange the tank for a full one but at a much higher price. Propane tanks also have expiration dates, gasoline containers are everywhere and inexpensive. You can borrow some gas, but not propane, lol.
I’ve filled thousands of propane tanks over the years and in the last 20 years or so we were required to wear gloves, googles, face shield over the googles, and a rubber apron. Anyone can fill gasoline.
I think it’s a good idea to have a better understanding of ins and outs of both options. Ever wonder why cars aren’t being run on propane?
My knowledge on generators is minimal but the ones I’ve seen have gasoline tanks as part of the unit. Does that mean that you have to buy a propane tank for the generator?
Just saying…. Food for thought….
I have that brand of generator. It's 2300 watts. I use it to recharge my Bluetti AC200P.
Thanks Bob for all the great information
Planning van life when I retire in 3 Years
Thanks for the information! I have been so lazy to go out and buy one of these, I really need to just DO IT!
I have an Energizer 2200 watt gas generator that I use. It has 12 volt DC outlets that allow me to recharge my two 100 ah solar batteries on cloudy or stormy days when I'm boondocking. It starts easily and is very quiet. I carry a 2.5 gallon steel gas can that I keep on my motorcycle carrier when I'm driving. The generator fits perfectly in the area in front of the passenger seat of my E250 Ford van. I don't have AC but it's great if I want to use a microwave, TV, DVD player etc.
See you at the RTR!
Safe travels to all.
Your the man ,Bob ! You are so very helpful...I wanted too thankyou ,also I appreciate everything you are doing for people....Take Care , Bob !
This video saved my life. As a new van lifer living in south Texas. The heat and near 100% humidity is no joke.
Sitting in my van in Yuma. °98 today. Park under a tree ( if you can find one ). The shade helps a lot.
For 8yrs I've used the Powermate 2000.
Gas. 5000 watt Artic King window unit. It's mounted in window of rear door.
Back home in Mississippi we have non ethanol gas . No gumming. On a road trip using ethanol gas daily , no problem. A full generator of gas runs the a/c 8 hours. I use this set up just for the hottest part of the day.
Tip...these new generators have a feature that if it is low on oil , it won't start. Check the oil level first if you are having start problems. Change oil every 50 hours. I change it every 25.
Starts right up with fresh oil.
a/c takes 800 watts at start up then runs at 400. Turn throttle switch to high when starting the a/c. When you hear the generator surge ( a/c is starting ) then switch to low idle. All of this a/c and generator stuff ends tomorrow as I'll be in San Diego. High of °65 . Glad I brought shoes and socks .😂
Thanks, Bob. As always, the information you provide your fellow van lifers is so needed and appreciated.
Bob she’s got a great system in place and I think it’s the way I want to go. There are so many advantages to having that generator in times of emergency so kudos to her
Thanks Bob! Just bought this sweet little genny from Amazon. Great price on Prime Day. $420 was a great price. Evan added extended warranty so we are covered.
I appreciate you walking through all the details to start the generator. Especially the prime button feature on the regulator. I am confident evan a Lil old lady can manage this!😊
Thank you so much!
The info on Soft Starts for AC units is good. ALSO consider the elevation you will be operating the generator. For every 1000 ft above sea level (less oxygen) you will lose 2-3% of max power. So, check the User Manual for power output using Propane, then deduct for your elevation. Good luck!
Sweet, I bought the exact model before I went to the 2024 RTR. Figured I'd want a secondary source of power to recharge my Bluetti EB200P while in the Quartzsite desert. It ran perfectly, break in oil change was simple and easy. I only ryn it on propane like Bob says, and this should last me for years to come. Well worth the money.
Thank you for continuing to share information that we need, Bob. This is all great to know.
This information is very timely for me, and I'm so glad to hear that there's a solution like this :)
Dometic 12 volt has been awesome for my rig running smoothly for 2.5 years on 2 renogy 12 volt 200ah lithium batteries. Can be charged from my solar, alternator, or generac iq2000 via aims inverter/charger. Highly recommend
I would like to see you cover the soft start please. Everywhere I’m looking on line is leasing me to believe this is a must. Why am I not hearing any channels talking on this? I can’t wait tell technology catches up and all this silly a/c business is put to rest. It seems exhausting the trial and error and research. I feel like any day now battery technology is going to soar to new breakthroughs. I really like this generator though!
Great Info Bob I’m gonna share it with my sister. Thank you.
we now have a 1800 watt solar system on our rv roof which runs our ac and our batteries will run it for about 5 hours after the sun has set. after that we run our powerhorse 4500i inverter generator. its a great generator and will power our entire rv if needed. we only use gasoline in it. provides more power that way and is cheaper to run over time. it currently has 3100 hours and never had a problem, always starts right up.
Thank u for sharing. I think the goal of a lot of boondockers is just cracking the ac code. There are people out there leaving their Toyota sienna hybrid van 24/7 and the engine is totally fine and the cost is low
another advantage is that propanr runs clean, engine life can be as much as 3 times longer and the oil stays clean.
You are great man!! Only been watching for about a year but the honesty and sincerity makes you!! I read comments just to get a kick out of your critics. ❤😂
You can use Sta-bil gas additive to help prevent gas from gumming up your carb, and running the generator at least an hour each month will make sure it works when you need it, and use up the gas in the tank. But you really need to store a gasoline tank outside your RV.
Thanks Bob for a great review and most importantly, how to start this rascal! 👍😀
Thanks, Bob. I truly appreciate how you explain things. You are very clear and I don't feel like I am an idiot. I leave thinking, I can do this. Thank you!!!
Nailed it again, Bob! So grateful for the many, many, many of your helpful life changing, possibility creating, invaluable ideas otherwise unavailable anywhere else videos.
Stay safe and happy trails. 🙏🏼🐾🎶
This really great information and timely as we approach summer! TY Bob!
Thank you Bob. Something I have been considering seriously this year. My seventh year in the cab of a truck . GOD BLESS
Excellent idea! I've been wrestling with an old gas generator for years, I changed the carb (200$) it ran better for a while, but it's been surging forever. My next one will be propane for sure
I have 2k panels on my bus and 5kwh battery 48v system. You can run all your stuff fridge router water heater induction cooker all electric window AC is about 456w on full blast. Now on sunny days you run that all on panels but this will be great for those days you need to recharge the batteries when you get 5 cloudy hot days. Unless you have 20 to 30 kwh worth of batteries which at 1700 each with shipping I think a $500 generator a really good backup 2000w hr would charge my battery in about 4 to 5 hrs. But thanks for the vid never thought of a dual fuel generator!
Good video- Not as cheap, but another good option is a couple of litime 230ah batteries and the new Velit ac( they make top mount and bench mount ac's) a little solar and you're good to go. I have no affiliation.
I tried this generator so far so good. Difficult to start but as it breaks in should get easier. I run a 5000 BTU stand up AC unit with casters no problem.
Bought. I've been looking at this but didn't realize it was slashed in price. Thank you!
Bobbie, I'm glad to see you're advising the use of a good propane regulator.
Great information. Thank you, Bob!!
This is a brilliant idea even for sticks and brickers........we can all use some power when the power isn't there :)
Hey I bought one. The price went up a little of course. Thx for the info Bob
Just what we’ve been waiting for
Just purchased an EG4 Hybrid Mini-Split AC, 12k BTU. Runs on AC or DC. That's the hybrid part. Claims to only need a minimum of 380 watts of panels wired directly to the unit. I went in half with someone on a pallet of 10, 370watt, bi-facial panels rated up to 480watts when bi-facial kicks in under ideal conditions. I get 5, they get 5. I'm figuring on 400watts on average. Theoretically, 1 panel should power it. But reality is there are cloudy days, so more than one panel will be necessary. When the unit senses there's not enough DC power, it switches to 120VAC, if available. Supposed to be really efficient and quiet. We shall see.
Granted, this is for my home, not for a camper van. Lots of off-grid folks are turning to these mini-split units. Very easy to install and "somewhat" affordable. Total cost for the unit was $1,200 after $100 discount code. My half of the pallet of panels was $481. $1,681 total. I figure another $200ish for a couple circuit breakers and misc. cable/connectors for the long run I have between the panels and the unit.
For under 2k in this economy to not have to pay for air conditioning during the day, I'll take it.
Bob another important video on how to use a generator! Thank you very much👍
Thank You Bob. We got ours with over $ 300. discount.
I like the eva polar in dry climates. It can work in a mini van and smaller. Just have a lot of water for it.
I needed to see this. Game changer. Thanks Bob
I ordered a Pulsar dual fuel generator at the 40% off price after watching this review. It works very well for my needs. For the time being I’m running it on propane. I won’t use it very often so by just using propane instead of gasoline I shouldn’t have to worry about the fuel gumming up the carburetor from sitting in between use.
Excellent and it's quiet
Would love to get a dual fuel but after researching how many hours you get and comparing it to my gas one. Running my 2250 WEN it gets 6 hours at 50% load per gallon. Online multiple sites state you only get about 6 hours per 20 gal tank (which is over 4 gallons) at 50% load. I would be paying more than triple $$$ a month to switch to propane. @ $3.50 gas vs about $15 a day as I use it about 6 hours a day to run my AC and Mini fridge and to charge up my Ecoflow
Great review. You should run one tank of gas just to make sure the generators the fuel system doesn’t leak. Case you had to return it under warranty because it had a problem completely drained out.
Since the generator is a floating neutral and not bonded to ground it is probably a good and safe idea to use a grounding plug to avoid getting shocked. That's why most generators used for portable construction are grounded. Read up on it!
Yep, I ground mine.
I'm not a construction worker so I had no idea, never heard of it, I've been reading up on it for an hour now and have learned nothing, seems unnecessary like connecting a grounding plug to a motor vehicle.
@@Lobo-PerezIf you're running just extension cords you will be fine.
Hooking it up as a primary source for an RV, ground it!
How do you ground it for Rv Use..?
@@mmmd3429 I would definitely hook up the grounding strap if I was going to run something that could get wet or interact with the environment like an RV
So will it run a small electric heater too? And any suggestions on compact a/c units that would work well with this?
How cool is that Bob! Great review!
Great idea.....thanks Bob
Getting ready to take possession of 2011 Chevy Express 2500. Don't know where to start though. I'm no spring chicken but my goal is to see Alaska before I die. I live in lower New York. Can you point me in the right direction as to where to start? Never done this before. TYI Joel
Hey Joel, Start by watching all Bob's videos from beginning to now! Consider your needs and be realistic about your comfort: 1. power and power storage (for AC / heat, food refrigeration/freezer, lights, fans, and capacity for your other plug-in needs (cooktop, ovens, elec kettle, coffee machine, tv, computing, internet, etc.). He just mentions it briefly here but solar is incredibly inefficient, and even maxed out, won't get the job done for most people most of the year in most of the N. Hemis., so maybe get a few portable solar panels that are compatible with the battery bank system you make or buy (I have one bluetti 2000w / 2000wh and it is also not enough on its own). I don't need a lot of heat so haven't bought this yet but look into a gas or diesel powered cab heater like the 18-wheelers use, webasto is one brand and there are others, you'll need prof install or someone well educated on the topic. 2. water (keep it simple: I like limited or no plumbing, one less thing to worry about in freezing weather) - use 5 gall water bottle or jerry can as clean water tank with usb rechargeable water pump built for those (amazon), and the sink drains into another tank / bottle. No water heater, you can do that easily other ways. Also have a water purifier, not just a filter. Or do it the old way and treat/boil all water which is a huge pain and won't remove chemicals. A Berkee is not a purifier... I got the LIfesaver brand jerry can (5 gall, purifier built in) and am still testing if I think it's worth it, but you can get cheaper purifiers at camping stores (last less long and require more wrangling, time, and effort), or buy bottled water. There are hundreds of videos on comparisons of purifiers. A new portable, usb rechargeable reverse osmosis RO system came on the market about 1.5 yrs ago when I was doing my research but no one credible had reviewed yet, so you might look into those too (see vids on YT). Sort those things out first, and actually buy the products so you understand the sizes and spacings, and then mock up the minimum necessary cabinetry around them. Watch 3 million videos about those topics (water and power), then start looking for someone to pay to do the work or who can help you. Everything else you do after that is easy as pie and can even be temporary or a "non-build" build while you figure out your preferences. Also if you are not an experienced outdoors person, watch videos on that too. You'll need the right gear and some safety knowledge just to be in the hinterlands. A lot of camping gear can also be part of or backup for your van equipment, such as have a small butane / propane stove, tarps, ropes, knives, safety and security gear, etc... Have fun!!!!
@@arborealscout4252 Thank you for responding so fast. I pick up the van 5/24. I think Ive watched most of Bob's videos here and many others as well. A certified mechanic, who happens to be my nephew checked the vehicle out and said for van that's thirteen years old with just over 100k is in pretty good shape outside of an ABS sensor and a ball joint. I wonder how many people are scared to death about the step into the void. I hope to meet a lot of great people on my journey. As far as power, I have an EcoFlow Delta 2 and i am waiting to get the alternator charger they just came out with. I have a 4 panel, 160 W array compatible with EcoFlow. But I am intrigued by this new product. I would love to get your feedback if you ever check the charger out. Long winded I know but excited to get on the road. TYI Joel. Also I can't thank Bob and the rest of the gang here for some great ideas and motivation.
@arborealscout4252 gives a great, detailed answer. I'm in between you both on the road, so just will add a couple things. If you're going mobile, (like the song lol) choose your weather, and learn the terrain, down to topological maps. I needed way less heat and humidity in my life, so I fixed my location first. Simple setups like Bob showed in his latest U-Haul rental video can be adapted to your vehicle. That covers basic, but important, life issues - where to sleep, and how to cook. Low power needs can be met by solar panels and power stations. Power stations store and distribute power, but don't collect themselves. So you're going to plug it, use solar if off-grid, or turn to a generator to charge it (like this one.) Again, the weather rules! It's not coming to you, dependably :) So go to it. It still won't be predictable, but you'll be prepared for its likely range. Motorized lithium power, if you upgrade your vehicle, can do magic things, but bring you into a different, but manageable, conversation about power. The shower/bathroom question can be solved as personal choice, and it is also highly weather dependent. Heating and cooling air and water, consistently, are your biggest challenges, basically. It can be done solely with solar, but electric is very inefficient for these tasks. That's where propane comes in, and that's why everyone is so happy about this generator :) As always, corrections, additional info welcome 🙏 😊 Have FUN with this. It's not a job. It's a lifestyle. And while I haven't met many folks bc I'm a loner, if you need to join one community, this one is it. Great and safe travels 💚
Thanks Bob.
I’d love to know more about what AC unit she uses with this and how to connect it…I have no clue .
I run a 5000 BTU AC in my van off a 400 watt solar panel and a 200ah battery. My total setup was about $700 but I don't need fuel. I can recharge if no sun with my van battery but I've yet to need that.
Thanks, Bob!
Thank You Bob for the information. Great video. I'm a beginner this is helpful. Thank You for sharing.👍🙏😎🐕🦺
That’s Bob I’m learning a lot from you please keep up with the amazing awesome job..thanks so much!!
I've been using the ALP propane generator that uses both small 1lb bottles or the larger tanks. Love it. Check it out! Also no gas tank so it takes up a smaller footprint in my van.
I run a 5k BTU Walmart window Midea AC off a dual fuel Champion suitcase generator. I can run almost 3 full nights off 1 BBQ sized propane tank. I can make 2 BBQ tanks last a week cooling my overlander in 100 degrees cooling my rig down to 75 in day high 60s at night. It can also charge your batt bank if solar isn't available.
You just saved me! Thanx!
My friend has one of those..its really an amazing little generator.
Thank you for this timely video Bob.
What I was hoping and expecting Bob was going to cover next in this video was, since you can’t run this generator inside your rig, how is everyone hooking it up to their a/c? Leaving the generator outdoors and connecting it to the a/c unit inside the rig via a long extension cord? Also curious about whether folks had any trouble sleeping over the noise of the generator.
Great review.
I can run rooftop air conditioning during the day on solar, but at night it's still a genset, no way around it. I even have 100ah 12v, it's just not enough on solar.
Rule of thumb for propane is 0.9 X continuous output of petrol for the lpg continuous output.
This is great information. Are there any inexpensive generators that don't have the pull start? I'm not sure I'm able to do that motion with my shoulder issues.
Research, but the ones with electric start start at $700 to $1,200 more and those small batteries only lasts a year or two. Best wishes on finding a solution that works for you.
@@anitasimmons3599
I’ve had a battery tender on my generator with an auto start for six years and kept the same battery in great shape. I live in Alaska and have to be sure the battery will start on demand at any time as well as replacement. Batteries are hard to come by. I keep all my batteries with tenders on them , and they last a very, very long time. Something that you might want to try?
Thanks, will tell my sis in arizona..
Very interesting. I have a propane fridge but really miss AC
If you have rote start on your genny and a remote for the AC you dont need to get out to Start your Genny/AC and if you get a Minispli or a Portable Unit that Heats and Cools then that would be year round use. Got a Ecoflow Delta Pro, 2x 400w folding panels and a Firman 2000w inverted Dual Fuel i can use to Top it Off when there isnt enough Sunlight plus run the AC. I also want to run a Water Heater so i wonder what the best hook up for both Water heat and AC would be…independent from each other or tied in somehow?
This was great information. I learned a lot. Thank you so much!
Dual fuel is the way to go and only use gas in an emergency after running out of propane if needed. I would buy one to charge my battery bank to keep my system going. I think you could do that and probably run a whole month or more if you only use the generator when needed and you have solar already. Bad weather makes solar not great and if it lasts long enough you will need a backup power source.