Best portable generators advise I have seen for years

[Kayteg1]

HERE IT IS

We talk a lot about generator safety, when lot of members tend to downplay it, so here are some statistics.
So when you think about converting your propane generator to aftermarket gasoline generator, or add portable generator in your storage compartment - consider those things.

-Carbon monoxide poisoning sends more than 20,000 people to the emergency room each year, according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
-A 2012 CPSC report showed that portable generators were linked to more than 85 percent of non-fire carbon monoxide deaths associated with engine-driven tools between 1999 to 2012, and that many of those deaths were associated with Hurricane Katrina.
-

[Kayteg1]

edatlanta wrote:


My gasoline generator was factory installed with all of the proper techniques and it works great. I do use a Genturi to get the exhaust up and away when I use the generator for any length of time other than just monthly maintenance runs. I want that exhaust up and away from me as well as other campers near me. My CO detectors (2) are all in working order and current as well.

What camper has factory gas generator?
I know that Venturi vertical pipe is the only good way to go, but for "some" reasons it is not getting popularity.
Any pictures?

[bighatnohorse]

Kayteg1 wrote:
HERE IT IS

We talk a lot about generator safety, when lot of members tend to downplay it, so here are some statistics.

By 'em books, by 'em more books and all they do is eat the covers.

[valhalla360]

Lwiddis wrote:
Serious safety issue for hurricane survivors. Any RV statistics?

Yep, that 85% had so many qualifiers, it really doesn't prove much of anything.

That said, it is a safety issue but fairly straight forward to address.

[edatlanta]

JimK-NY wrote:
CO detectors are inexpensive. My camper came with a combination propane/CO detector. In addition I bought a battery operated unit. I replace my CO, weather station, clock, and kitchen timer batteries at the start of every camping season.

My generator is in a compartment made for a generator with two cabinet doors and good ventilation. The compartment is metal lined and totally sealed from the camper interior. I did have a CO alarm go off once. The generator was running and the back entry door is nearby and was open. Now I make sure to close the door when the generator is running.

There is very minimal risk with a proper installation and good detectors.

My gasoline generator was factory installed with all of the proper techniques and it works great. I do use a Genturi to get the exhaust up and away when I use the generator for any length of time other than just monthly maintenance runs. I want that exhaust up and away from me as well as other campers near me. My CO detectors (2) are all in working order and current as well.

[pnichols]

There is a way to be completely safe inside an RV while it's built-in, or an outside portable, generator is running: Pressurize the interior so no fumes can enter. I turn on the reversible roof fan with it set to push air in. This keeps a slight but very important amount of air pressure inside the coach.

Hence, so no generator fumes can enter. No "real breeze" is felt if all other coach openings are left closed (so this method can be used in cold weather, too). The fan is "trying to" bring air in but can't if everything is closed up. However, the internal coach air is raised just enough in pressure over the outside air pressure so as to block any outside fumes from entering.

This works great for us ... and is good way to also keep road dust from entering the interior when traveling on gravel or dirt roads.

[mr_andyj]

We saw a fella camping in a tent and there were RV'ers around with cheap-o construction generators loudly and inconsiderately running all night.
Fortunately he woke up vomiting before he died of CO poisoning .
CO is heavier than air, so never camp in a tent, or nap on the ground with running gens around.

I had a friend who is a "professor" at a popular college (aka, not smart).
The CO monitor was going off bc had had the gen running and the window opened. He did not like the alarm, so disconnected it. I saved his life.

Be careful sending your kids to college. Kids will think the professors are smart, they are not. They will deceive your kids and bad things happen.

[jimh406]

I don’t use a generator in my house. My TC has a generator, but like most built ins it is vented to the outside, and I have a CO detector. Seems the advice has nothing to do with a TC.

[JimK-NY]

CO detectors are inexpensive. My camper came with a combination propane/CO detector. In addition I bought a battery operated unit. I replace my CO, weather station, clock, and kitchen timer batteries at the start of every camping season.

My generator is in a compartment made for a generator with two cabinet doors and good ventilation. The compartment is metal lined and totally sealed from the camper interior. I did have a CO alarm go off once. The generator was running and the back entry door is nearby and was open. Now I make sure to close the door when the generator is running.

There is very minimal risk with a proper installation and good detectors.

[Lwiddis]

Geo, specially sales people.

[Geo_Boy]

With the lack of common sense these days with both the consumer and the sales people the death rate doesn’t surprise me.

[BarabooBob]

For some reason, people think that it is safe to operate gas powered equipment in an enclosed or protected area. Whenever we are running ANY gas equipment, it is in the open, downwind of any people, animals, or buildings.
I am installing a portable building on my property. The first thing that I will be doing, is installing a battery powered carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector. I already bought those alarms. This will be done before the truck leaves after delivery.

Over 500 people a year go to the hospital in WI because of CO poisoning. CO can be the result of generators, or any heating equipment.

[time2roll]

All the more reason to go solar and battery.

[gbopp]

Good advice.

[Lwiddis]

Serious safety issue for hurricane survivors. Any RV statistics?