I like the idea of dual fuel capability. Hope you can do a video later using the van's propane to power the generator and charge the lithium batteries.
It's been a while sense you posted this video and I am considering getting this same generator. I see in the ad that it says dual fuel, have you ran it on propane and did you notice any difference if so?
Yes for both. I prefer propane because it’s much quieter but you do lose a little performance. It’s still has enough to power/charge the van and run air conditioning at same time, so it’s perfect for my situation.
The only parts inside that I can find a name stamp on say Huayi. I think it’s just a clone engine of a Honda or Yamaha. The magnetic dipstick also fits Yamaha.
I also bought a cargo carrier. The generator is intended for extended off grid trips or extremely hot summer weekend trips. I show the cargo carrier in this video with the generator loaded on it th-cam.com/video/q92VkIg10o0/w-d-xo.htmlsi=4hbP7EN2BvUTJy0K
How much oil to put ? I hardly put some and already full, I empty it it’s less than half cup everytime I add it’s full quick and pouring out, so what to do :/
Manual says 18.6 oz. Realistically I think I put in around 15-16 oz the first fill and even less on the repeat fill because some gets left over and can’t be drained. When you say half a cup do you mean 4 oz? Or do you mean half a quart? Half a quart would be about right at 16 oz. Make sure your work surface is level because a little tilt could make a big difference.
I’m new to van life - considering buying same van - is the purpose of the generator so if you’re off grid? Why exactly do you need the generator? Thanks!
Yes. The 400aH and included solar aren’t realistically going to support the van for very long depending on use. Especially if it’s hot and AC is running a lot. 3-4 hours is all you make it with constant AC running. In the winter it’s not as big of a deal because heat is propane. You can also start van and use inverter to charge as an option. So it’s not required, there are other ways to charge, but it’s convenient
@@jtbrv23 awesome. Thank you for the quick reply - this might (probably is a stupid question) - but can you leave the van running overnight (outdoors of course) to charge battery back up / use AC? Also - is it optional to add a 2nd inline battery to get more life out of the AC, or is that not a possibly modification to request from dealer? I’m in NC and travel to FL a lot - so A/C is a must. Hah
@campbell9439 you could. I had a situation where the campground shore power wasn’t stable enough so the van wouldn’t except it as adequate. The voltage kept dropping to like 110-112v. It was hot so the battery ran down to like 50%. Then turned van engine on and charged back up to above 90%. By then it was night and I didn’t demand to much on the AC. I worry about wear and tear on van engine to just have to idle for so long so decided to get generator. You might be able to supplement with another battery bank. It’s beyond my skill level to hookup, but Thor uses 800ah systems in the larger vans so it might just be a swap.
@@jtbrv23 awesome - thanks for the insight. I’m wanting to buy the 2024 model, but am going to wait a few months and let the prices come down like the 2023 models that are leftover inventory. Look forward to more videos
Good luck. Do your homework. I don’t know your needs but there are some nice two wheel drive vans out there too that you get more for your money. They might have bigger batteries or built in generators.
It’s doing pretty good. I switched to using the propane, slightly less power but even more quiet. I carry two gallons of gas in a rotopax just in case. That way I don’t need to store fuel in it. Propane can still run A/C and charge batteries at same time.
@@jtbrv23 that’s awesome I have a delta pro with two batteries and panels but for the days the sun doesn’t come out I’m thinking this would be a great option! I have a 13k portable generator but it’s a bit overkill
@dieseldawg7132 just a bit. I’m similar, a little smaller with a Delta 2 and extra panels. Use it to run small things that require inverter and not run down house batteries overnight. Generator is really just for those days that require air conditioner and shore power isn’t an option.
@@jtbrv23 funny thing I’m in Houston, Tx and we been having some insane weather lately…. I run a few things from the delta pro set up… mainly 2 refrigerators and some portable air conditioners… usually run our bedroom a/c all night long…. I’m thinking I’m definitely going for the wen 4500 trying to hold out for prime day hope I can get it at a great price… last year got the xp13000eh for about $899 instead of $1400
Nice. Thats the way to do it for big items. This weather has been madness. It’s nice knowing you have some self reliance and you’re blending solar and gas powered too.
good video. no BS . Thanks for sharing.
Sure thing! Thanks for watching
I like the idea of dual fuel capability. Hope you can do a video later using the van's propane to power the generator and charge the lithium batteries.
Definitely. Just need to get a quick connect and mess with my connection a little bit. It’s blocked by my side steps, but I think I can work with it.
Wow! This should work great with our vans. Is it quiet enough for you? Great review.
I was surprised how quiet it was. Might not be the quietest I’ve noticed in the campgrounds but it is quieter than most.
It's been a while sense you posted this video and I am considering getting this same generator. I see in the ad that it says dual fuel, have you ran it on propane and did you notice any difference if so?
Yes for both. I prefer propane because it’s much quieter but you do lose a little performance. It’s still has enough to power/charge the van and run air conditioning at same time, so it’s perfect for my situation.
What brand of engine is used in this generator?
The only parts inside that I can find a name stamp on say Huayi. I think it’s just a clone engine of a Honda or Yamaha. The magnetic dipstick also fits Yamaha.
Very informative video. How do you plan to carry this in your van?
I also bought a cargo carrier. The generator is intended for extended off grid trips or extremely hot summer weekend trips. I show the cargo carrier in this video with the generator loaded on it th-cam.com/video/q92VkIg10o0/w-d-xo.htmlsi=4hbP7EN2BvUTJy0K
How much oil to put ?
I hardly put some and already full, I empty it it’s less than half cup everytime I add it’s full quick and pouring out, so what to do :/
Manual says 18.6 oz. Realistically I think I put in around 15-16 oz the first fill and even less on the repeat fill because some gets left over and can’t be drained. When you say half a cup do you mean 4 oz? Or do you mean half a quart? Half a quart would be about right at 16 oz. Make sure your work surface is level because a little tilt could make a big difference.
I’m new to van life - considering buying same van - is the purpose of the generator so if you’re off grid? Why exactly do you need the generator? Thanks!
Yes. The 400aH and included solar aren’t realistically going to support the van for very long depending on use. Especially if it’s hot and AC is running a lot. 3-4 hours is all you make it with constant AC running. In the winter it’s not as big of a deal because heat is propane. You can also start van and use inverter to charge as an option. So it’s not required, there are other ways to charge, but it’s convenient
@@jtbrv23 awesome. Thank you for the quick reply - this might (probably is a stupid question) - but can you leave the van running overnight (outdoors of course) to charge battery back up / use AC?
Also - is it optional to add a 2nd inline battery to get more life out of the AC, or is that not a possibly modification to request from dealer?
I’m in NC and travel to FL a lot - so A/C is a must. Hah
@campbell9439 you could. I had a situation where the campground shore power wasn’t stable enough so the van wouldn’t except it as adequate. The voltage kept dropping to like 110-112v. It was hot so the battery ran down to like 50%. Then turned van engine on and charged back up to above 90%. By then it was night and I didn’t demand to much on the AC. I worry about wear and tear on van engine to just have to idle for so long so decided to get generator. You might be able to supplement with another battery bank. It’s beyond my skill level to hookup, but Thor uses 800ah systems in the larger vans so it might just be a swap.
@@jtbrv23 awesome - thanks for the insight. I’m wanting to buy the 2024 model, but am going to wait a few months and let the prices come down like the 2023 models that are leftover inventory. Look forward to more videos
Good luck. Do your homework. I don’t know your needs but there are some nice two wheel drive vans out there too that you get more for your money. They might have bigger batteries or built in generators.
Does it come with the propane regulator?
Yes. It has the regulator that you will need if using a propane tank.
How’s it holding up
It’s doing pretty good. I switched to using the propane, slightly less power but even more quiet. I carry two gallons of gas in a rotopax just in case. That way I don’t need to store fuel in it. Propane can still run A/C and charge batteries at same time.
@@jtbrv23 that’s awesome I have a delta pro with two batteries and panels but for the days the sun doesn’t come out I’m thinking this would be a great option! I have a 13k portable generator but it’s a bit overkill
@dieseldawg7132 just a bit. I’m similar, a little smaller with a Delta 2 and extra panels. Use it to run small things that require inverter and not run down house batteries overnight. Generator is really just for those days that require air conditioner and shore power isn’t an option.
@@jtbrv23 funny thing I’m in Houston, Tx and we been having some insane weather lately…. I run a few things from the delta pro set up… mainly 2 refrigerators and some portable air conditioners… usually run our bedroom a/c all night long…. I’m thinking I’m definitely going for the wen 4500 trying to hold out for prime day hope I can get it at a great price… last year got the xp13000eh for about $899 instead of $1400
Nice. Thats the way to do it for big items. This weather has been madness. It’s nice knowing you have some self reliance and you’re blending solar and gas powered too.