Starting the research phase of getting a "portable" dual fuel (LP/gas) generator for emergency back-up power for the S/B house. Any thoughts or experiences I should be considering? I say "portable" because I want the option of moving it around the yard or transporting (roll onto a trailer), but wouldn't be lifting it into a vehicle or taking camping. I want dual fuel because I have 5 portable propane tanks that can supplement the amount of run time I would have on just straight gas. Unfortunately, when there is an emergency here (usually hurricane), power can be out for a week or more and gas can be difficult to reliably get.My plan right now is to get as powerful one as I can afford and put in a transfer switch to run most/all of the house with maybe the exception of the heat pump. We are on a well, so it is critical that I be able to run that. Looking to spend 800 to 1.2K on the generator.I would love to just do a whole house automatic standby, but that just isn't in the budget. Plus, the "portable" can move with us.

I was a mechanic and had a lot of problems with a dual fuel setup in our forklift. The gas was used as backup to get back to the shop if they ran out of fuel but tended to go stale because of infrequent use. The propane also dried out the carburetor gaskets so gas leaked everywhere when switched over. I finally switched to straight propane, cost was about the same as fixing theold system.

I would stick to gasoline. The five portable tanks would not last for a week, unless you start and stop for every use.I think the budget is on the low side.If the well pump is 120 volts, my choice would be either Harbor freight 3000 watt electric start, or Champion 3400 watt with remote electric start.

there are honda conversions that are tri-fuel. I have my honda 2000 and honda 2200 converted to run on gasoline or natural gas. I have the jet to switch to propane if needed. Conversion is easy and I have a hose for the generators that plugs into the NG BBQ line outside the house. Conversion kit is from hutch mountain. At least with NG no worry about running out of fuel!Generator runs fine on NG or propane. Coupled it with a transfer switch that lets me run 6 internal circuits in the house. Furnace, Fridge, lights in some rooms and kitchen and living room outlets.

I have a Champion Dual Fuel. I run it mainly on gasoline but have never had an issue with propane.

Thanks for the input so far. My intent would be to run on gas with propane only as a backup in the event I run out of gas and can't get more. I haven't ruled out a gas only.As I said, I'm in the research phase. I plan to purchase in late spring. Typically in Florida, we have a tax-free week for emergency preparedness supplies and generators are usually allowed. The only issue might be the cost limit. I think it was $750 last year. But a lot of places put them on sale to try to drive business so you can still find deals even if it isn't tax free.

Dual Fuel Generators | Good Sam Community

Dtank
Explorer
Feb 02, 2020
p220sigman wrote:
You are correct that I'm looking strictly for S&B house. I would love to have one for natural gas, unfortunately, we don't have gas lines where I'm at, so it isn't an option. I don't worry as much about gasoline. I use non-ethanol in all my small engines with stabilizer when they aren't going to be used regularly. I don't have an issue with running a genny monthly to keep it running well. I do that with my chainsaw and other less-used small engines now.

Not having access to natural gas is not really a big deal.
Plus you have a "bonus" that you can obtain non-ethanol gasoline!
Another "plus" - propane not only eliminates any carb problems (dirty jets, etc.) - but it burns very clean.

Back in the 70's (gas lines, etc.) several friends converted their pickups to (only) propane fuel.
One of those guys eventually had high mileage on his Chev 454 engine. Thought it was time to tear it down for a re-build.

He said he never should have bothered! Engine "internals" were in great shape - no signs of sludge, etc.

Costco usually stocks the Champion brand of "portable" dual fuel gens.
Not "portable" as what you would want to put in the back of your pickup - but portable nonetheless.

Good price, & Champion has a great customer service reputation.

.
ktmrfs
Explorer II
Feb 02, 2020
p220sigman wrote:
You are correct that I'm looking strictly for S&B house. I would love to have one for natural gas, unfortunately, we don't have gas lines where I'm at, so it isn't an option. I don't worry as much about gasoline. I use non-ethanol in all my small engines with stabilizer when they aren't going to be used regularly. I don't have an issue with running a genny monthly to keep it running well. I do that with my chainsaw and other less-used small engines now.

So stock up on what you want or expect to need for propane and then if something is coming in, make sure your vehicle(s) fuel tanks are full. That should give you 20+ gallons each of gas in a nice storage tank plus what you have in any gas cans. Before I converted my honda to trifuel I figured I normally have 10 gallons of gas in cans for my motorcycles and lawn gear plus two cars with 20 gallon tanks. that and a syphon hose gave me 50 gallons of gas if the need arose.

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