Forum Discussion

2cknights's avatar
2cknights
Explorer
Mar 10, 2017

Running generator on propane

I'm thinking of buying a champion duel fuel generator. I have the two 30 # horizontal propane tanks from my old truck camper and I was wondering if I could use them with the automatic changeover regulator to power the gennie or would I have to manifold the two together and use the champion regulator? I don't think you can use two regulators together can you?
  • this champion regulator looks like 2 in series. what are its specs?




    Having a 2 stage reg at the container and then one in an appliance like a furnace or stove would be three in series.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Depending on the size of the generator.. If it's designed for high power it may be designed to suck LIQUID propane out of the tank... Not gas as is your motor home.

    If it is designed to suck GAS, I'd "T" off the tnaks BEFORE the existing regulator and use the one on the engine.... Not that hard to do but make darn sure you use quality lines (high pressure) and if the generator is removable... Make sure you use good shut off valves, yes valves, one per tank plus one master.. You want to be able to shut it OFF!!!
  • FYI, the hose that comes with the generator has a male connector for the generator. This is backwards from what you normally get. So if you have a BBQ propane port on your RV, you will need to Frankenstein some fittings together to get it to work. Also, note that unlike the female fitting that is normally there, if you unplug the male fitting, nothing will stop the flow of gas. Which is why you can't turn off the gen when it's on propane. The button doesn't work to turn it off. You have to stop the flow of the propane to turn it off. Enjoy. I'm really excited about my Champion.
  • Thanks for all the replies. This is my first go to place for rv issues. You've never failed me yet.
  • I have the 3800 dual fuel champion. A friend owns a propane company and told me to throw the OEM hose and regulator in the trash. He set me up with a compact residential regulator and 25 ft braided hose and all the fittings. He said quick connectors are prone to leaking so I carry wrenches. Get with a good propane guy and get the best solutions to your propane questions.
  • Never seen an automatic regulator with high pressure output to feed the generator regulator.
    I would call Champion.
  • No reason why the auto change over won't work. No, you can not have two regulators in series.