GAS CANS FOR GENERATOR & HOW MANY GALLONS TO BRING?

binahkitty · Post by **binahkitty** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 5:51 pm

Anyone know the best idea for:

GAS CANS FOR GENERATOR (where and how big & how many)

HOW MANY GALLONS TO BRING?

thank you thank you for your good sam today....I will give it back someday (;

Chai Guy · Post by **Chai Guy** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 6:06 pm

Go to the manufacturer's web site for the generator you own and look up the consumption rates per hour/load for your make and model generator and determine by that formula how much fuel you will need based on the load and hours you will use the generator for. Then add some more fuel because that formula will be under optimum conditions and performance.

Once you have determined how much fuel you will require you can determine the size containers that will best suite your needs. Remember that any containers that are too heavy to lift will have to stay where they are and will probably require a pump of some sort. The same for any containers that are too heavy to tilt and pour fuel into the fuel tank (which will basically be anything over 5 gallons for the average person).

Kinetic IV · Post by **Kinetic IV** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 6:32 pm

Last year I used about 15 gal over 8 days with my EU2000i. The genny's load was about 1300 watts continuous and the only time it was turned off was when the dust choked it out (2X), I checked the oil, or I was refilling the extended run external tank setup. There were times it ran continuous for 2 days straight.

For safety and ease of use I prefer 5 gal plastic cans that at camp get distributed to various locations. That way if something happens to one I don't lose all my fuel. Plus I can strap the cans down easier for my run across Jungo which is guaranteed to break things...and yes I broke a gas can in 2003. What a mess. Also 19 gal is the max you can have...with 20 gal or more you are required to notify the fire folks that you have all that fuel and I didn't want to mess with that.

And no matter how much fuel you bring having a good, workable fire extinguisher on hand is highly recommended. I hope that helps.

geekster · Post by **geekster** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 6:48 pm

I just bumped another thread called "fuel storage and portage" that has some good links. Phil's in particular toward the end.

Other than a 5gal container, the only other larger container approved for fuel storage is a 55gal metal drum.

Transporting fuel in dangerous. It is best to transport it only for the distance you absolutely need to. I would probably get gas in Reno.

binahkitty · Post by **binahkitty** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 9:36 pm

Thank you all!!!!!!! so so much true true help (;

jbelson · Post by **jbelson** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 4:45 pm

Kinetic IV wrote:Last year I used about 15 gal over 8 days with my EU2000i. The genny's load was about 1300 watts continuous and the only time it was turned off was when the dust choked it out (2X), I checked the oil, or I was refilling the extended run external tank setup. There were times it ran continuous for 2 days straight.

Okay kinetic iv, since you have run the same generator almost exactly the same as I'm going to, got a question:

How much oil did you use during the week?
Were there any problems that came up or things you'll do differently this year?
have you used the 12v battery charging option? If so, how long did it take to charge the battery or how did you know when it was charged?

Kinetic IV · Post by **Kinetic IV** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 5:30 pm

Jbelson, I haven't used but maybe 1/4 quart of oil in a year. I ran it hard on the playa, during an ice storm it ran for 6 days non-stop and after I shut it down and let it cool I checked the oil. It didn't need any! I've since changed the oil in preparation for this year's run on the playa but I could have run what was already in it.

I haven't used the battery charger. I forgot where I put the cables last year and they resurfaced about 2 months ago. So I can't help on that one.

As for what I would change? Wind breaks. I plan to rig up something to help keep the dust off the top and maybe 2 or 3 sides of it. The only time it choked out was during the worst dust storm....I let it sit for 5 minutes and pulled the cord...it started right back up. I really have no complaints about the unit itself, it worked better than I expected, the fuel consumption seems very reasonable....other than highly endorsing Captain Goddammit's fuel can setup I won't be changing anything.