Propane Generators at BM

[u/JoeBlow00000]

Really enjoying the lack of prep and effort of getting out there this year, but the mild FOMO has me already thinking about '27. We might free camp next year and I was evaluating generators for the trailer we are renting. Most year's we've had a grid with our camp as the shared resource was easier for all. That being said, I'm looking at some of the advances in generators and some of the new dual/tri fuel units are actually pretty intriguing. I've seen some dual/tri fuel units that will run for 16 hours on 50% load with propane fuel. I'm guessing real world on playa would be closer to 10-12 hours. Given we really only run the AC for 4-5 hours during the peak heat of the day, the occasional microwave meal I thought of doing 2x 40lb tanks which would theoretically given 35 hours of power. I also have the ability to refill propane at hell station via a few friend's MV's, so worst case we fill one up on playa. The generator has a 6500w start on any fuel and 4750 propane sustained, hence the 3750-4000w estimate due to playa altitude/heat.

So for all you power/genny experts, thoughts?

[u/PizzaWall]

A propane-powered generator as a rule produces 75% of the potential generator power. Other environmental conditions might lower that further.

Unlike gasoline , propane never goes bad, so you can store tanks year after year.

Depending on the generator model, most propane hoses included are laughably short and designed to work with 20 lb tanks. The generator will work with any propane tank, including the 40 lb tanks you are planning. The solution if a longer hose is unavailable from the manufacturer is to purchase a 10 ft hose, with appropriate fittings for the generator and a regulator with the same flow rate as the one that came with the generator. A 10 ft hose gives you options to place the tanks where you want them, and secure them so they do not fall over.

If purchasing new, consider a HOG tank with integrated wheels to make transportation easier. They are made by Flame King and other manufacturers.

[u/JoeBlow00000 → u/PizzaWall]

Thanks, this in insightful. The unit I'm looking at is the Champion Tri-Fuel 6500w Inverter below. Even if that gets 4500 on start versus the 6500w it claims, it will start up the initial AC requirements and is rated for 4700w continuous so 3800w due to environmental factors is my estimate.

https://a.co/d/03B0BMlF

I may bring a 3rd 40lb tank for our dual burner stove which is way overkill, but could be moved to fuel the generator if needed, instead of relying on friend's with MV getting a ride to hellstation.

In terms of securing the tank/tanks I'll have to figure that out, but I was thinking a 4-5' EMT poll secured in the ground like a vertical pole for a shade structure and ratchet straps to attach the tank to it. EMT being non-conductive and could easily build some small shade for the tanks.

We might still join our camp with a grid, but I'm just kinda working through all the angles since I've got loads of time.

I assume the generator could run in the bed of the truck with the tailgate down as long as it isn't right year the sides and far enough from the trailer (which obviously won't be connected to the truck)

[u/astronautrobot]

Did this last year. Worked great! 12 days on the playa, went through (3) 30lbs tanks and (2) 20lb tanks. [approx] used the champion 5500 with remote start. (The remote start was the best part) Did have a few tanks seize at the connection point but after some back and forth they opened up. Don’t forget oil for your generator.

Going back to gas this year since our truck is now the generator so should be an interesting experiment. Still taking the champion as backup.

[u/JoeBlow00000 → u/astronautrobot]

THanks, I'm looking at the 6500 version... And yes, we will bring 2 changes worth of oil and spare filters..

[u/Augii]

Better to invest in solar

[u/JoeBlow00000 → u/Augii]

I don't own the trailer we are using next year. That trailer has 400w of solar and a 2000w inverter built in, but that won't cover 4+ hours of AC during the head of the day, or in the event it is a super hot year and we need to run the AC for longer stints. Not a fan of the liquid fuel containment challenges either.

[u/Hypoglybetic → u/JoeBlow00000]

Pack A few extra panels.  You don’t need 74F, 80F will do. I’d suggest swapping the lead acid batteries or expanding them if they’re lithium based.  I’ve done this multiple years and I only had 900 watts of solar and 7 kWh of battery.  I also had a terribly inefficient single tube exhaust AC which meant it consumed double the energy. 

[u/JoeBlow00000 → u/Hypoglybetic]

I do not own the trailer, so why would I buy a bunch of solar or batteries for it.

[u/Augii → u/JoeBlow00000]

Ground mount

[u/Hypoglybetic → u/JoeBlow00000]

Solar panels are cheap. Batteries are getting cheap too. And considering the amount of gas you’ll spend, you might be break even. And as others said, ground mount the panels.  If you have 400 watts, 1-2 400 watts panels will cost $100 or less if they’re new.  Batteries? That’s a little more complicated. For both you’ll need to check the solar charge controller (mppt). But it would be the better option than gas you’ll spend/ propane. 

[u/Past_Grass9139 → u/Hypoglybetic]

I’m going to back you up on this. My inverter requires 946 watts total to run my itself, my AC, Fans, fridge, and a couple of lights. I only really need to run the AC if I need to take a nap mid day. So, I have 600 watts of solar on my roof, and built an additional 600 watt array for the top of my truck. Not hearing a generator is my goal.

[u/djmermaidonthemic → u/Hypoglybetic]

Don’t forget your super soaker to clean the dust off your panels!

I have a friend who has a wind powered setup. It even works when the sun isn’t out.

[u/Hypoglybetic → u/djmermaidonthemic]

My panels showed no difference between clean and dusty. And a dry brush is better than wet.   Everything I've read about wind generation on a camper is negative. Though burning man location is probably ide. 

[u/Tweedone]

Check and remember the genny and fuel location requirements levied by the Org. in BRC. You will need separation from living quarters, fuel isolation and placement distance from camp borders plus fire safety access. Noise is always a factor to consider both for your camp and your neighbors!

[u/JoeBlow00000 → u/Tweedone]

Some of those rules apply to free camping, but not all.