Portable generator and altitude issues

[intrepid27]

With Black Friday approaching I'm keeping an eye open for a portable generator for the RV (and home emergency). Looking at dual fuel in the 3000-3500 watt area. While reading reviews I've run across multiple people having issues in altitude over 5000 ft.
I realize the air is different but wouldn't the fix be a simple carburetor adjustment? I'm not very handy but could probably do that.
Anyone have any experience with this?

 

[vortec22]

Many of the manufacturers have high altitude jet kits for them. You still may lose a little capability, but it at least gets them to run much better at the higher altitude.

 

[Lafaester54]

Don’t own a generator…use solar when camping….that being said, I’ve camped with friends at 8,000-10,000’ who use a Honda generator..no problems.

 

[intrepid27]

Many of the manufacturers have high altitude jet kits for them. You still may lose a little capability, but it at least gets them to run much better at the higher altitude.

Is that something you put on and leave on or use only when needed?

 

[BCClone]

When I got a generator for business, I was informed that LP generators aren’t as powerful as gas generators. Meaning a 2000 gas generator would be equivalent to a 3500 or so LP one.

 

[vortec22]

Is that something you put on and leave on or use only when needed?

If you are going between high and low altitudes you would have to swap them out with elevation.

When I got a generator for business, I was informed that LP generators aren’t as powerful as gas generators. Meaning a 2000 gas generator would be equivalent to a 3500 or so LP one.

It is true to a point, not quite that extreme though. I think the little tailgate genny we have is 1850w running on gas and 1665w running on LP.

 

[BCClone]

If you are going between high and low altitudes you would have to swap them out with elevation.

It is true to a point, not quite that extreme though. I think the little tailgate genny we have is 1850w running on gas and 1665w running on LP.

Might be the size also. I have a 45kw Generator.

 

[intrepid27]

Might be the size also. I have a 45kw Generator.

Most dual fuel generators that I've looked at clearly state the wattage will be less on LP than gas.

My thinking is I have two 30# LP tanks on the RV so I almost always have fuel available. If I'm only going to use it for a couple of hours here and there I won't have to mess with a gas can while traveling.

 

[Yaz]

With Black Friday approaching I'm keeping an eye open for a portable generator for the RV (and home emergency). Looking at dual fuel in the 3000-3500 watt area. While reading reviews I've run across multiple people having issues in altitude over 5000 ft.
I realize the air is different but wouldn't the fix be a simple carburetor adjustment? I'm not very handy but could probably do that.
Anyone have any experience with this?

I've had a EU3000i Honda gas generator for 5 or 6 years. A couple of years ago I used it to charge power banks for a week at Colter Bay (6900 ft) and near West Yellowstone, and it didn't miss a beat. No issues, no problems and ran great. I bought it for camping and as a temp back up here at home.

Two things I appreciate about it is the easy start (I run for 30 minutes a few times a year) and how quiet it is. Realizing that Honda generators are a bit pricey, its worth it based on my experience. Some of the generators used out camping need to be shot to the moon because they're so fricken loud. Thank goodness for quiet hours, but not all generators are created equal. Big fan of Honda Generators.

 

[BCClone]

Most dual fuel generators that I've looked at clearly state the wattage will be less on LP than gas.

My thinking is I have two 30# LP tanks on the RV so I almost always have fuel available. If I'm only going to use it for a couple of hours here and there I won't have to mess with a gas can while traveling.

I totally agree that LP is better to deal with than gas. Gas is easier to get but can spill and take more work.

 

[Kinch]

If they want ac power in their homes, the Amish use a setup using a couple Milwaukee or dewalt batteries. I plan to use that for tent camping to run small appliances. Won’t have the power of a generator, but might give you an alternative if you need it.