ALP Propane 1000W Generator

TNOutback

https://alpgenerators.com/

Saw this propane-powered generator advertised on the OverlandExpo site.  (They are offering a $50 discount during the virtual expo, bringing the price to $450.). Looks like a 1000 Watt output, and seems to provide for parallel syncing, though I don’t see a parallel kit on their website.  Assuming it were a reliable unit, it would make for a quiet, clean boondocking generator for charging your battery system or running small appliances.

rfuss928

I know a couple folks that are happy with this unit.  900w ,  $270.    No personal experience.
https://www.amazon.com/Baja-900-Watt-Propane-Inverter-Generator/dp/B083VS1N2M/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=propane+generator&qid=1596807161&sr=8-6

TNOutback

After digging around looking for other 100% propane generators, I did see that Baja, which looks exactly like the Ryobi-branded one.

VictoriaP

I have the Ryobi. It’s sufficient to charge the 320 battery, which is all I ask from it.

The ALP looks interesting (and yay, color choices!), but I don’t like that they’re claiming it’s quieter than the competition without providing actual numbers or details on who they’re comparing themselves to. That sort of marketing throws red flags for me—it doesn’t mean the product is necessarily bad or deceptive, but it does mean I’d be digging a whole lot deeper into independent reviews to confirm their claims before buying.

Also annoying that at that price, they don’t include a hose for use with a 20 lb tank.

TNOutback

@VictoriaP it isn’t easy to find, but they claim 52 dB in eco-mode.  No reference to what distance that was measured at though.  Maybe it is quiet, but any generator can be 52 dB if you measure at the right distance!

DougH

Thanks for this thread!  About to switch over to full-time life and I'm torn about bringing a Honda 2000 (weight on hitch, smell, carrying gas canister), for days when solar isn't enough. A 320 A/C is only 500-600W during the compression cycle... I'll have to watch a couple dozen YouTube vids to see if anyone is successfully running an A/C off the 800-1000W units.

It sure would be tempting just to use the 12V output of the ALP and wire that directly to the battery bank.  But in the ALP operating manual it says the peak DC current is only 6.3A.  Seems a bit low when the inverter is pulling 50A when running the A/C.  I'll have to see if there's another brand like the Ryobi or Baja that can at least produce as much DC current as the stock converter.  Guess I can just use an AC plugin smart battery charger I always carry anyway to connect to the battery bank and run it in 12A mode, but it seems wasteful to do an extra conversion.  Or is it extra? Not sure how the electrical innards of a gen/inv creates energy... DC first, inverted to AC... or straight to AC somehow.

VictoriaP

TNOutback said:

@VictoriaP it isn’t easy to find, but they claim 52 dB in eco-mode.  No reference to what distance that was measured at though.  Maybe it is quiet, but any generator can be 52 dB if you measure at the right distance!

Thanks...I’d definitely feel better about it if they put that info front and center, but at least you found it!

And yes, one does wonder how far away that was. 

@DougH I have a pair of Yamaha 2k gens at home, after a week long power outage in winter one year. They’re great insurance, haven’t had an outage like that since! They’re heavy, bulky, and I didn’t want to carry all that gas traveling (which has to be properly treated and stored or it gums everything up). I’ll never have a gas-only generator again now that I've discovered propane.

All I wanted was a way to charge the trailer battery when solar wasn’t enough. The Ryobi propane genny takes 1 pounders, which I already keep stocked for use in emergencies with my Big Buddy propane heater, or it can be run off a 20 lb tank with the included hose. Weighs just 25 lbs. If I were in the market now, I’d definitely consider going with the ALP, which is a tiny bit more powerful and theoretically quieter.

Whether or not either the Baja/Ryobi or the ALP will run the Danby is questionable, I haven’t tried. The first question in the Q&A on the Home Depot page for the Ryobi shows mixed answers...depends on the draw of the A/C at startup. I’d say measure that first.  https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-900-Starting-Watt-Propane-Powered-Inverter-Generator-RYi911LP/302703564

ChrisFix

@DougH
Generators produce AC current directly via the motor turning an alternator - but inverter generators rectify the AC to DC, then invert it back to clean, unvarying AC current.

Here's a decent layman's explanation - but I'm sure there are many others as well:
https://www.norwall.com/power-expert/generators-and-inverters-whats-the-difference/

CrabTab

@TNOutback, Here is another option...

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/champion-2000w-dual-fuel-inverter-generator

It is dual fuel, 2000W on gas, 1600W on propane, rated @ 53DB, comes with a propane hose and can be linked in parallel (should you want to go all out on electricity in your 400).

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/champion-power-equipment-30-amp-paralink-parallel-kit?rrec=true

We have the gas version. It has worked well, when needed. The weight isn't too bad at about 47LBS.

This may or may not meet your needs...

Denny16

The Honda 2200i has LPG conversion kits available for it also, one allows either gas or propane, the other is a propane only conversion.
cheers

Denny16

I store gas in vapor-proof metal gas storage containers, which do not leak vapors or smells, very safe.  Also I use Avgas in generators that are not used often, it has a better storage life than auto gas, which does not have a good longish storage life, and can mess up small engines if left in them long term.
cheers

DougH

@VictoriaP ; I'm sold, and have the same use-case as you. Having a diesel vehicle, I was loathe to carry gasoline just for emergency gen use... especially since I usually have a spare 20lb propane tank on the tongue.

@ChrisFix ; Sound like from your post and the article's details, they ought to be able to produce a lot more DC current.  But maybe some brands can.  Or maybe the DC coming out of the rectifier is too choppy with the same motor frequency noise in it, and is considered unsuitable for DC outlet use... so a separate module produces a cleaner DC output but at only 100 available watts instead of 1000.  Thanks for the explanation.

I did find a 9000W wind turbine system on AliExpress for only $150.  Sure, that's been a failed experiment for every RVer who has ever tried one in typical 3-5mph wind conditions... but they couldn't advertise it at 9000W if it wasn't true.

And most of the gas or propane generators are measuring decibels at 20 feet instead of 1 meter.  Pointless, except as a comparison between models all tested at 3/4 load.

TNOutback

I just found this one interesting because it was 100% propane; not a dual fuel unit.  Not having to maintain a gas tank and plumbing for the second fuel source  it makes the ALP more compact and lighter.  It can run the 1lb tanks or connect to a larger tank. I like the fact it is designed such you can stack on it, and the handle is reinforced so that it can be locked through the handle.  No gasoline fumes ever. 

DougH

@TNOutback ; Agree. I'll sell my Honda 2000 regardless. ALP seems slightly overpriced, and I only see them at Camping World so far.  Leaning towards the Ryobi since its $200 less and 10lbs less. If Camping World sold the ALPs for under $400 that'd be different.

ChanW

@DougH, not happy with your Honda? I thought they were the gold standard for reliability and dB levels.

Is the Ryobi as quiet as the Honda? 
Edit: ah, now I see your previous post re trying to reduce your fuel containers.... Propane's tidier too.

xdr

Is it possible to run two generators in parallel that are different brands? Say a Yamaha 1600 with an Alp 1000w?

TNOutback

@xdr in theory, yes, you can.  If they are both inverter generators that are parallel capable, it requires phase matching and syncing between the units, and probably would be helpful if your best friend was an electrical engineer.  If the two are not synchronized, then you risk damaging your connected appliances.  Much better/easier if they are the same brand, then you are just connecting them with the paralleling kit.

Kr@cken

Are there any propane options that would allow someone to run the Air8 in the 2020 T@B 320?

N7SHG_Ham

@Kr@cken yes. I have a Honda 2200i with a Genconnex propane conversion. Starts and runs the CoolCat in my 2019 400. Air8 should work too, slightly less power required to run that. Is it inexpensive, no, about $1500.

johnfconway

Also tested Genconnex propane conversion Honda eu2200i with regular Air8 (awaiting call for "upgrade"). Came right on with no hiccups. Is indeed quiet and runs like a Swiss watch. Can "one arm" it.

Kr@cken

Thank you!

JeffroNC

Here is a Hobotech review of the ALP. As usual, he is pretty thorough. I have the Champion Dual Fuel which is big and heavy. I thought we would be running our AC but it was not a something we needed to do. We just need to charge the battery when there is no sun or hookups.
28 lbs is very enticing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSK_lEqHGr8&t=1357s

DougH

Thanks!  Watched the video. Change the oil every 50 hours?!  I always thought it was 5 years, and only if it looks dirty. And 80-85dB at 1m (louder than a Honda) is unfortunate. Claimed 53dB at 20ft. Guess you could always carry an easy to assemble quiet box to put the thing into.

Still, a quality efficient generator for those in need. Video shows it could run a 550W A/C for 20h (with A/C compressor always running) off a typical tank. Maybe a week of more typical air conditioning with two 20lb tanks. Video also shows perfect sine wave regulated 14.1v output for using to charge a battery bank if solar isn't available.

JeffroNC

@DougH On the plus side of the hose issue, my Champion dual fuel needs a giant pressure regulator and hose which is another thing to store.    Apparently, the regulator is built in to the ALP.

Hobotech's sound test was done with the meter closer to the unit (3' away) than others I have seen. The LOLOHO guy does it from 25' in his reviews and says it is an industry standard?
  
I usually won't be 3' feet away from the generator when its running, and if my camping neighbor is that close, we will be having a different discussion. LOL

DougH

@JeffroNC Never thought of that. Generators can be great for enforcing social distancing! 

dsfdogs

Unfortunately, it appears the Ryobi is discontinued.

VictoriaP

dsfdogs said:

Unfortunately, it appears the Ryobi is discontinued.

It is, but the seemingly identical twin Baja generator appears to still be sold at Home Depot. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Baja-900-Watt-Propane-Powered-Inverter-Generator-BAI911LP/306283803?MERCH=REC-_-pipinstock-_-302703564-_-306283803-_-N& For occasional use, I wouldn’t hesitate to pick it up.

Haven’t watched the ALP video yet, and that decibel measurement REALLY needs to be retaken at the correct distance (and after engine break in, if that wasn’t already done.) 

SarahSimm

What can you say about this one? https://generatorpick.com/best-quiet-generator/#product2
The review says it's durable, but I'd like to hear some real user experience 

AnOldUR

Sticking with a 1000W or less category, after some initial hiccups, the Baja (Ryovi clone) so far is working out well for us.