Back up Propane?

tatest wrote:
Your genset should be an Onan KY series (3600 Microquiet). That is vapor feed, so extend-a-stay type connections should work. A 5-pound bottle might not work, depending on temperature, because the generator might draw vapor faster than the smaller bottle can feed it. 20-pound and 30-pound bottles should have enough liquid surface area except at very low temperatures, but other appliances running (furnace, water heater, oven) operating at the same time might draw more than the bottle can provide. This is also the ultimate limitation on supply from your built in tank, which is horizontal to provide a much larger surface area.

Interesting thought, although my plan would be only as a Emergency in the middle of the night to run the heater only. With the bottle being small I would not try and run the generator anyway... Very good point thanks....

Your genset should be an Onan KY series (3600 Microquiet). That is vapor feed, so extend-a-stay type connections should work. A 5-pound bottle might not work, depending on temperature, because the generator might draw vapor faster than the smaller bottle can feed it. 20-pound and 30-pound bottles should have enough liquid surface area except at very low temperatures, but other appliances running (furnace, water heater, oven) operating at the same time might draw more than the bottle can provide. This is also the ultimate limitation on supply from your built in tank, which is horizontal to provide a much larger surface area.

Discussed last September:
http://forums.goodsamclub.com/Index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/27206902/gotomsg/27211387.cfm#27211387

aruba5er wrote:
Really should not use galvanized for gas. Can flake off. Thats why they use black iron.

That is correct.

Really should not use galvanized for gas. Can flake off. Thats why they use black iron.

Thank you all so much..... You have given me some GREAT ideas and areas to check......

Thanks again

I can go all winter using an external 20# tank (4.7 gallons US) and a Stay-A-While adapter. I use a Grill Gauge to weigh it and when it gets to about 1/4 tank I switch over to the onboard tank just long enough to refill the external tank.

Another thing that is handy in a real out of propane emergency is this POL to 1lb Propane Adapter, you would still need the Extend-A-Stay, but if you were totally out and couldn't get the other tanks filled would get you by.

With a propane generator the answer is .... I don't know.

Question: On your propane tank, IS there ONE HOSE that feeds both the "House" (Furnace, Water heater, Stove) and the Generator? IF so, then yes.

Or is there a 2nd hose/line for the Generator only \? If so, then you can provide external Propane to the house, but the generator can not use it.

NOTE: if you are unsure about hoses.. Try shut off valves. Same answer, If there is one, good, if there are two, NO.

Larger generators generally suck LIQUID propane.. The Extend-a-stay type devices work on GAS (Vapor) only.

You can use the extended stay for sure and then you always have a back up.