Forum Discussion

camperdave's avatar
camperdave
Explorer
Oct 27, 2019

Running generator on a hill

I need to run my generator for a few days and am parked on a hill (using as backup power for our house). Should I be nose up or nose down to maximize the amount of fuel I can pull from the tank with the pickup?

It's a 2004 Ford e450 with 55 gallon tank.

15 Replies

  • It depens where the pickup is in the tank, and that I don't know offhand. I would guess it's probably reasonably close to being centered in the tank, so it shouldn't make a whole lot of difference nose up vs. nose down; in any case, 40+/- gallons is a good bit and should mean a few days of continuous runtime before needing to get more fuel.

    Being not too extremely out of level is a very good idea for the generator's happiness. It's not at all necessary to be super precise, breaking out the plumb bob and machinist's level, but if it feels unnatural to walk around in the RV it might be wise to get it somewhat closer to level.
  • Where is the pickup located in the tank? If it's towards the front, nose up would further reduce the level at the pickup resulting in premature sucking of air. So, you need to know where the pickup is coming from and use that as you guide. But as others mentioned, how will the angle effect your oil?
  • Isn’t this a question about removing fuel from a Ford on unlevel ground?
  • pianotuna wrote:
    Seeing as the oil may be a "splash" system I'd want to be level.


    At least eyeball level.
    I really don't know the 100% answer but I would agree with being as close to level as possible, especially long term running. I guess its also possible to run out of gas sooner if the rv gas tank is off level.