How do you connect your propane generator to your camper?

[GregH.]

I recently purchased a Champion dual fuel generator and I'd like to set up a connection for it to my RV's LPG tanks so that I can easily tap into the generator when we have no other source of power. I have a few ideas for how to do this, but I'd like to hear what others have done.

How'd you do it?

Thx.

Greg

[woccow]

I have the same generator. I just hook up the propane with the attachment provided with the generator and turn it on, then plug my camper into the generator.

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[GregH.]

So, you actually disconnect the camper and connect the generator.

I'd rather not have to disconnect the camper, I'm thinking of a tee connector that fits into the system that would connect to the camper on one side and to a quick connect fitting to the generator on the other. This way I can continue to use LPG in the camper and when need the generator, I just quickly plug in.

[woccow]

So, you actually disconnect the camper and connect the generator.

I'd rather not have to disconnect the camper, I'm thinking of a tee connector that fits into the system that would connect to the camper on one side and to a quick connect fitting to the generator on the other. This way I can continue to use LPG in the camper and when need the generator, I just quickly plug in.
My gas company provided me with the device- they don't want customers here converting. Might be worth calling yours.

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[chuckster57]

You need to determine how much flow the gen requires. Adding a quick connection may restrict flow. You might be better off buying a dedicated LP cylinder for the gen.

[Desert185]

I'd like to know the answer to this, also.

From what I've read, a quick disconnect hose connected to the BBQ gas port on the trailer will power the gen(s).

My preference for generator fuel is still gasoline. I carry fuel for the ATV and gens (2000x2) and don't worry about running out of propane for heating or cooking. If running low, it always seems easier to find gasoline than propane when and where I boondock.

[GregH.]

So, I got feedback from the generator manufacturer that they recommended using only the regulator supplied with the generator. Yep, that works great. I have not tried running the generator with the regulator on the camper, I don't have the connections right just yet.

As for a preference for gasoline... LPG is actually my preferred fuel choice. I've always got it handy with the camper, no messy fuel tanks to carry. Also, using gas, your maintenance routine is more burdensome. With LPG, you have practically no maintenance burden at all. And then there's the smell of the gasoline.

This is still a work in progress. I was hoping to hear from more of you about what your solution was.

Regarding calling my gas company, I don't have one. No gas running into my house.

Regarding the suggestion to just connect it to my tank, I guess I could do that, but I'd have to take the tank out of the LPG tray and place it on the ground because the regulator/hose provided with the Champion generator is too short. I'm really looking for a permanent, easy connection solution for tieing the generator into the camper.

Thanks,
Greg

[Desert185]

Do you have a quick disconnect for a BBQ?

[GregH.]

Yes, there is an LPG quick connect for the BBQ, I wasn't planning on using that since it connects to the camper's LPG regulator and the generator folks specified that I should use only the regulator that came with the generator.

I guess that I should try it to see if it'll work.

[chuckster57]

If your gen has a regulator, connecting to the quick connect will most likely not provide enough flow to operate the gen. There's a reason bbq makers provide a kit to remove the regulator if your hooked up to the trailers regulated supply. I will say again- a dedicated cylinder for the gen would be my preference.

[ParadisePaul]

I too have the female quick disconnect on the RV and on my Champion generator I have a female quick disconnect. I have been researching to see if I could make a male to male hose (might need a male/male adapter to a hose) if this would work, I have not found an answer.

[JRTJH]

Paradisepaul,

This thread is from 2017, so the OP and responders may not even be active on the forum any longer. That said, depending on the size of the generator, it may need more propane than the regulator on your trailer can deliver. When the furnace, the water heater, and the stove are drawing propane, there may not be enough propane capacity through the regulator to support all the demand. So, before you modify your trailer quick connect to fit the generator, do some checking to make sure the system can support the demand.

[KRumm]

Use this type of high pressure fitting on the LP tank so you can use both regulators and put a quick connect on the generator side...

https://www.amazon.com/DOZYANT-Propane-Splitter-Connector-Cylinder/dp/B078VTH8B7/ref=sr_1_14?keywords=Lp+t+connect&qid=1580953981&sr=8-14

[MikaMakinly]

I will be attempting this next week with my new Firman WH3200ie.

I will post pics whether it succeeds or fails. I can't see it not working.

I will be removing the regulator from the big blue piece but have to use it as it had an electrical lead that attaches to the generator. From there I'll get a 10' hose on it and a quick connect to go to the rvs low pressure quick disconnects.

Cheers,

Mika

[flybouy]

I will be attempting this next week with my new Firman WH3200ie.

I will post pics whether it succeeds or fails. I can't see it not working.

I will be removing the regulator from the big blue piece but have to use it as it had an electrical lead that attaches to the generator. From there I'll get a 10' hose on it and a quick connect to go to the rvs low pressure quick disconnects.

Cheers,

Mika
Mike I can easily see it not working if the regulator on the trailer isn't capable of delivering enough volume or if it doesn't match the generator's regulator's output pressure. I tried to look up the model number you listed to get more information but couldn't find it anywhere.

[MikaMakinly]

Try looking up Firman Model *WH02942. Costco lists it as that. Got it on sale around christmas. Fantastic machine.

I don't think pressure will be an issue. But ya never know.

On Propane my max is 2900W 2600W continous which should require a maximum of approximately 60 000BTUs out of the available roughly 200 000. Should be gtg. Furnace and AC don't run together usually;)

What I won't do is run my 50 000btu fire pit at the same time as the generator off of the disconnects. I do believe the gen pulling max load with the furnace fridge and hw tank might be too much. I will test by turning on one more at a time until either it fails or everything miraculously works together. My plan is to switch to the onboard 1.8gal of gasoline while using my firepit if I need both simultaneously. Beauty of dual fuel machine.

[MikaMakinly]

Very happy to report it works perfectly!

I've turned on the furnace HW tank and stove while running the generator under heavy load (microwave) and it is PURRRFECT!

Just remove your first stage regulator from your propane Generators regulator, get a line on it with a quick connect and you're all set!

I'll get a video uploaded to youtube and share the link soon as I cant upload it to the forum.

YouTube Link:

https://youtu.be/TKGZE8xPqDw


Happy Camping Yall!

Mika

[Stumpy75]

Nice. I was considering the same thing...

I did notice one thing though. I think you should be using the yellow teflon tape for the LPG connections. It's made for gas, and the white stuff is not...

[MikaMakinly]

I did use yellow gas joint tape for all connections. Thanks!

[MikaMakinly]

Well today is day #5 Boondocking out at Tucker Lake. I have put 11 hours on the generator all on propane off of the disconnect, I've ran the AC for a few hours in the late afternoon to cool it off for the kids, furnace has been on overnight. I'm still on my first 30 LBS tank so I know forsure I have no leaks anywhere. Very pleased with this setup.

[JSisemoreTX]

I recently purchased a Champion dual fuel generator and I'd like to set up a connection for it to my RV's LPG tanks so that I can easily tap into the generator when we have no other source of power. I have a few ideas for how to do this, but I'd like to hear what others have done.

How'd you do it?

Thx.

Greg
I always turn off my 50 amp breaker first. Then start generator, attach with appropriate adapter, then I flip the 50 amp breaker back on. Same procedure when plugging into standard power....with exception that I first plug in the Surge Protector....but still always use 50 amp breaker as my final "on" step.