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03-05-2020, 06:32 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 1,659
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Champion Inverter Generators on sale now!
Amazon has both variants of the Champion 3100/2800 watt generators on sale. 75537i and 75531i. They popped up in my news feed at their lowest price in nearly two years.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JZQUSAC $690
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BBDCE1S $632
__________________
2017 Keystone Bullet 308BHS in Saddle.
2017 RAM 2500 Laramie Mega Cab 4x4 Hemi 6.4L
2008 GMC Yukon XL Denali (SOLD)
Hensley SwiftArrow Control Hitch with 1000 lb Spring Bars
Me, DW, (3) little DS's, and 1 rambunctious Boston Terrier
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03-06-2020, 02:03 PM
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#2
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Mesa
Posts: 22
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I got a champion 3400 dual fuel for my fiver, so I can just tap into my propane to run the gen set or bring a spare tank.
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03-06-2020, 02:34 PM
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#3
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Gaylord
Posts: 26,997
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flynaz
I got a champion 3400 dual fuel for my fiver, so I can just tap into my propane to run the gen set or bring a spare tank.
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My only problem with using propane to fuel a generator is the amount of propane they use. It's easy to go through a 30 pound tank of propane in less than a day if trying to use it to cool the trailer. For me, it's much less expensive to use gasoline and much easier to refill a 5 gallon gas can than to find a place to refill a 30 pound propane tank.
What's your experience with propane to fuel your generator?
__________________
John
2015 F250 6.7l 4x4
2014 Cougar X Lite 27RKS
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03-06-2020, 02:42 PM
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#4
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Member
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Moses Lake
Posts: 45
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JRTJH
My only problem with using propane to fuel a generator is the amount of propane they use. It's easy to go through a 30 pound tank of propane in less than a day if trying to use it to cool the trailer. For me, it's much less expensive to use gasoline and much easier to refill a 5 gallon gas can than to find a place to refill a 30 pound propane tank.
What's your experience with propane to fuel your generator?
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They definitely are less efficient on propane, but it’s nice to have the propane as a backup in case you are low on gasoline and it’s inconvenient to fill the can, or for winter backup use as propane doesn’t have the shelf life gasoline (especially with ethanol) has.
__________________
2018 Keystone Cougar 27RESWE
2004 Silverado 2500HD Crew Cab 4x4 Duramax
2013 Glastron 185 runabout
1965 International Scout 80
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03-06-2020, 02:52 PM
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#5
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Site Team
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Joppa, MD
Posts: 11,757
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jfreek65
They definitely are less efficient on propane, but it’s nice to have the propane as a backup in case you are low on gasoline and it’s inconvenient to fill the can, or for winter backup use as propane doesn’t have the shelf life gasoline (especially with ethanol) has.
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Every dual fuel unit lists a diminished output while using propane. It's obvious that the propane doesn't have the energy/gal that gasoline does. My question is, what is the real world? Have you found the output difference to be that great?
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Marshall
2012 Laredo 303 TG
2010 F250 LT Super Cab, long bed, 4X4, 6.4 Turbo Diesel
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03-06-2020, 05:16 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 1,659
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I'm been considering switching to a dual fuel propane unit as it would lessen the maintenance requirements with gasoline only power. I'm curious to see how they (LP) perform in the real world and at any significant elevation (compared to gasoline). I've read conflicting reports with LPG use. The question for me is, does the cleanliness of liquid propane outweigh the lower price and higher efficiency of gasoline fuel? An upcoming Alaska trip has me looking for the best solution for our needs.
__________________
2017 Keystone Bullet 308BHS in Saddle.
2017 RAM 2500 Laramie Mega Cab 4x4 Hemi 6.4L
2008 GMC Yukon XL Denali (SOLD)
Hensley SwiftArrow Control Hitch with 1000 lb Spring Bars
Me, DW, (3) little DS's, and 1 rambunctious Boston Terrier
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03-06-2020, 05:26 PM
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#7
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Member
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Moses Lake
Posts: 45
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flybouy
Every dual fuel unit lists a diminished output while using propane. It's obvious that the propane doesn't have the energy/gal that gasoline does. My question is, what is the real world? Have you found the output difference to be that great?
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My family used older models and what was published was pretty close. I just received a new Westinghouse dual fuel inverter so I’ll see if the newer models outperform their published numbers but I made sure even using the lp numbers it had extra power for what I’m trying to do. I hate running generators at the bleeding edge of their capabilities as it is because there are too many variables that can limit accessing that full power.
__________________
2018 Keystone Cougar 27RESWE
2004 Silverado 2500HD Crew Cab 4x4 Duramax
2013 Glastron 185 runabout
1965 International Scout 80
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03-07-2020, 07:51 AM
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#8
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Mesa
Posts: 22
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The main reasons I went with dual fuel, I tow our fiver with a diesel, so I don’t want to haul around a gas can when I have propane on board! I chose the 3400 because of its output @3100 propane, thinking it’s right at my 30 amp design limits with my inverter system. With my setup I can run one AC unit and enjoy TV. Or run a few electric heaters! If I anticipate heavy gen usage, I throw in an extra propane tank.
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03-07-2020, 11:39 AM
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#9
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Mesa
Posts: 22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JRTJH
My only problem with using propane to fuel a generator is the amount of propane they use. It's easy to go through a 30 pound tank of propane in less than a day if trying to use it to cool the trailer. For me, it's much less expensive to use gasoline and much easier to refill a 5 gallon gas can than to find a place to refill a 30 pound propane tank.
What's your experience with propane to fuel your generator?
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I usually don’t rely on my generator except maybe dinner time and I run it for two or three hours to help kick the batteries. So my propane use is not noticed and certainly not as bad as my propane sucking furnace!
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03-07-2020, 01:03 PM
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#10
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Venice
Posts: 5,346
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JRTJH
My only problem with using propane to fuel a generator is the amount of propane they use. It's easy to go through a 30 pound tank of propane in less than a day if trying to use it to cool the trailer. For me, it's much less expensive to use gasoline and much easier to refill a 5 gallon gas can than to find a place to refill a 30 pound propane tank.
What's your experience with propane to fuel your generator?
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I have a Champion dual fuel 10,000 watt generator for storm back-up at the S&B. I keep four 20lb tanks for gen and BBQ. The beginning of hurricane season I get 25 gal. of non-ethanol gas and stabilize it. I use propane to exercise the gen each month so I don't have to drain the tank and carb. In my experience, both fuels supply enough power for my needs. (warm weather at sea level) Per gallon gas is much cheaper per run hour but the propane stores indefinitely. DW does not understand why her car gets such great mpg every fall.
What I'm saying is in my experience, for short term use, propane is convenient and lower maintenance. For longer or heavier use gasoline is much more efficient with longer run times.
__________________
Hank & Lynn
2007 Cougar 290RKS, E-Z Flex, 16" XPS RIBs ( SOLD .. Gonna miss her ... looking for new 5r)
2004.5 Dodge 2500 QC, LB, 5.9HO, WestTach gauges, Ride-Rite
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03-07-2020, 03:57 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Henniker
Posts: 2,172
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I will spare the math but can cite it if anyone wishes. Basically, propane is 74% as efficient as gasoline, meaning you will use more propane at a higher cost per gallon to receive the same result as gasoline. As an aside, diesel is an even more cost effective generator fuel source than gasoline.
But speaking only about propane vs. gasoline, the big differences lie in shelf life, transportability, odor, and spill potential. Also, propane burns much cleaner with less emissions and less carbon build-up than gasoline. So if you have the propane capacity and don’t mind the cost, it seems like a viable choice for short-term use.
__________________
Rob & Amy
2019 Passport 240BH SL (for sale)
2024 Cougar 29BHL (Taking delivery 5/11/24)
2022 Ford F250 7.3L Godzilla Crew Cab FX4
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03-12-2020, 12:47 PM
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#12
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Mesa
Posts: 22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flybouy
Every dual fuel unit lists a diminished output while using propane. It's obvious that the propane doesn't have the energy/gal that gasoline does. My question is, what is the real world? Have you found the output difference to be that great?
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My champion is rated at 3400/3100, which is right at my 30 amp limits if/when I boon dock. The propane burns clean and won’t gum up the carb. I have not put any gas in the tank for that reason.All I carry onboard my fiver is propane and my truck is diesel! This setup works perfect for me!
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03-12-2020, 02:29 PM
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#13
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Gaylord
Posts: 26,997
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flynaz
My champion is rated at 3400/3100, which is right at my 30 amp limits if/when I boon dock. The propane burns clean and won’t gum up the carb. I have not put any gas in the tank for that reason.All I carry onboard my fiver is propane and my truck is diesel! This setup works perfect for me!
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I'm not suggesting that your generator doesn't "do what you want it to do". But you're a tad bit off on your specificaitons. Nearly all of the Champion generators are rated the same.
Portable Generator Technology Dual Fuel
Gasoline Starting Watts 3400W
Gasoline Running Watts 3100W
Propane Starting Watts 3060W
Propane Running Watts 2790W
Gasoline Starting Amps at 120V 28.3A
Gasoline Running Amps at 120V 25.8A
Propane Starting Amps at 120V 25.5A
Propane Running Amps at 120V 23.3A
Inverter generators aren't as sensitive as the older copper wire wound generators, but they all are "very sensitive" to be operated consistently at the upper end of the rated limit. What happens is the heat created by producing the electrical output can lead to "heat soak" which is a common problem, especially for people who turn off the generator without allowing it some time to cool down before shutting it off.
__________________
John
2015 F250 6.7l 4x4
2014 Cougar X Lite 27RKS
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03-12-2020, 04:22 PM
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#14
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Member
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Salt Lake City
Posts: 48
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JRTJH
I'm not suggesting that your generator doesn't "do what you want it to do". But you're a tad bit off on your specificaitons. Nearly all of the Champion generators are rated the same.
Portable Generator Technology Dual Fuel
Gasoline Starting Watts 3400W
Gasoline Running Watts 3100W
Propane Starting Watts 3060W
Propane Running Watts 2790W
Gasoline Starting Amps at 120V 28.3A
Gasoline Running Amps at 120V 25.8A
Propane Starting Amps at 120V 25.5A
Propane Running Amps at 120V 23.3A
Inverter generators aren't as sensitive as the older copper wire wound generators, but they all are "very sensitive" to be operated consistently at the upper end of the rated limit. What happens is the heat created by producing the electrical output can lead to "heat soak" which is a common problem, especially for people who turn off the generator without allowing it some time to cool down before shutting it off.
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John, I already lose 25% output at my typical 8,000 altitude camping on gasoline (3% per 1000 feet) My 2 Champion 2000 (1700 continuous) is only producing about 2,500 Watts. Is there an equal 3% drop on propane?
__________________
Bruce&Kris
2016 Keystone Bullet 251RBSWE
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 4x4 6.2L 8 speed Max Tow Pkg
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03-12-2020, 05:33 PM
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#15
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Gaylord
Posts: 26,997
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BAPotter
John, I already lose 25% output at my typical 8,000 altitude camping on gasoline (3% per 1000 feet) My 2 Champion 2000 (1700 continuous) is only producing about 2,500 Watts. Is there an equal 3% drop on propane?
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According to Champion there's only one dual fuel 2000 watt generator currently being produced. It's the 100402. Specs are:
Gasoline Starting Watts 2000W
Gasoline Running Watts 1600W
Propane Starting Watts 1800W
Propane Running Watts 1440W
Gasoline Starting Amps at 120V 16.7A
Gasoline Running Amps at 120V 13.3A
Propane Starting Amps at 120V 15.0A
Propane Running Amps at 120V 12.0A
So, at sea level, a pair of these, running on propane would produce 2880 watts, 24 Amps. Given the 3% loss per thousand feet altitude, that comes very close to your 25% reduction for 8000 ft. So, yeah, it's even less if you're running on propane.
__________________
John
2015 F250 6.7l 4x4
2014 Cougar X Lite 27RKS
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03-12-2020, 07:25 PM
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#16
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Mesa
Posts: 22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JRTJH
I'm not suggesting that your generator doesn't "do what you want it to do". But you're a tad bit off on your specificaitons. Nearly all of the Champion generators are rated the same.
Portable Generator Technology Dual Fuel
Gasoline Starting Watts 3400W
Gasoline Running Watts 3100W
Propane Starting Watts 3060W
Propane Running Watts 2790W
Gasoline Starting Amps at 120V 28.3A
Gasoline Running Amps at 120V 25.8A
Propane Starting Amps at 120V 25.5A
Propane Running Amps at 120V 23.3A
Inverter generators aren't as sensitive as the older copper wire wound generators, but they all are "very sensitive" to be operated consistently at the upper end of the rated limit. What happens is the heat created by producing the electrical output can lead to "heat soak" which is a common problem, especially for people who turn off the generator without allowing it some time to cool down before shutting it off.
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Good info, thank you... I also left one important thing out of my requirements for a genset. That’s the weight! I have to load / unload it into my fiver basement and it’s just at 94 lbs. anything bigger is too heavy to lift!
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03-13-2020, 08:26 AM
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#17
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Member
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Quincy
Posts: 64
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Quote:
Originally Posted by busterbrown
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Those are great prices.........Thanks!
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03-15-2020, 08:15 AM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: West Jordan
Posts: 181
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They look like pretty decent generators, but they are loud as hell. Every time a friend goes camping with us and he starts his it sounds like a bucket of bolts bouncing around a wheel barrel. Honda's and Yamaha's are so quiet but yes a lot more expensive.
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03-15-2020, 05:30 PM
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#19
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Gaylord
Posts: 26,997
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kzneft
They look like pretty decent generators, but they are loud as hell. Every time a friend goes camping with us and he starts his it sounds like a bucket of bolts bouncing around a wheel barrel. Honda's and Yamaha's are so quiet but yes a lot more expensive.
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Something's wrong with your friend's generator. Every one that I've heard is essentially the same as Honda/Yamaha's 3000 watt generators. The Honda/Yamaha 2000 watt series are a bit more quiet than the 3000 watt models, and the Champion 2000's are less noisy than the 3000 watt versions.
Bigger motor, bigger alternator, more mechanical noise in all three lines.
__________________
John
2015 F250 6.7l 4x4
2014 Cougar X Lite 27RKS
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04-24-2020, 06:26 PM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: WA
Posts: 384
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I'm looking to find a deal on the Champion dual fuel right now I guess that the best price is Amazon.
__________________
2018 Dodge Ram 3500 6.7L Diesel Cummins Turbo
2019 Jayco Eagle 321RSTS 5th Wheel
Retired Army MSG
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