How to set up my generator and propane bottle

[CrossCountryGal]

I have a shuttle bus - airport to hotel style. &nbsp;Accessible from the rear outside via a lift up door, there is an area formerly used for luggage that is the width and height of the bus and approximately 3 feet deep.<br><br>Ideally, I like to set up a Honda EU200i generator on one side of the rear compartment, and a propane tank on the other side.<br><br>The question is, can this be done safely? And how best to tackle it?<br><br>Many thanks for your experienced advice for this newbie!<br><br>Cherie<br><br>

 

[akrvbob]

Hi Cherie, that sounds like an ideal spot for both of them. The key thing is to get their mesurments and be sure they will fit. You can mount the propane tank permanently with something as simple as plumbers tape. You just have to be able to easily get the hose in to fill the valve and reach over the top to open and close the valve. 5 gallon propane bottles fit perfectly inside real milk crates and then you would just need to be sure the milk crate couldn't move. That could be as simple as packing things in tight around and above it or bungee cording it in. It would be easier to be able to remove it and carry it to get it filled.<br><br>I don't think I would want to run the generator in the cargo area unless it was really big with lots of ventilation. My concern would be carbon monixide getting inside and killing you or heat building up and killing the gen. Much better if you can just get it out and move it away from the rig and run it. That's what I do with mine. The 2000 is about 50 lbs and fairly easily carried around. The shape and handle make it much easier than it sounds. <br><br>It sounds like you are building yourself a wonderful and comfortable little home on the cheap!! Feel free to ask any question and get lots of pictures along the way!! Keep us informed!<br>Bob

 

[blars]

A compartment where propane is stored should be ventelated on the bottom, propane is heavier than air.

 

[bee]

One thing you might want to look at is yamaha generators.&nbsp; They put all controlls etc on one side of the generator instead of 2 sides like the honda.<br>I would suggest running exhaust tubing out of the compartment in addition to having the compartment well ventilated in general.<br><br>Make sure it doesn't get to hot directly above the generator.<br><br>

 

[CrossCountryGal]

Thanks so much for y'alls input! I will try to take pictures of the area and share them here - a visual is so much easier &nbsp;I mentioned to my dad yesterday what I am considering and he was uncomfortable with the idea of the propane bottle and generator sharing the same space.<br><br>My thought was to hinge box off each on opposite sides of the area, with holes drilled through the flooring on the propane side, and on the generator side to install cut holes for two vents, one of which would be fitted with a 12 volt fan to assist in exhausting the carbon monoxide. &nbsp;Is this feasible?<br><br>Thanks!<br>Cherie&nbsp;

 

[papas34]

Looks like this went dead??<br><br>Wonder what you have done for the generator?<br><br>I would think that if you really feel the need to have your generator inside and use a fan.....make sure the fan is set up to blow out other wise you may just blow the fumes into the cabin.<br><br>I like the idea of mounting the generator onto a small metal frame that you can drive a tire onto thus locking the generator down.This is a pretty good idea, unless you are going stealth.

 

[akrvbob]

Cherie, that seems like another really good idea. It may be overkill but it is hard to argue with being extra safe and it should be pretty easy to do. <br><br>Go for it!!<br>Bob<br><br>P.S. Hope you make it out to Arizona, I'd love to see your rig!

 

[bk2valve]

Hi Cheri, I believe Blkjak did a thread on how he mounted a genset inside his van and vented it outside. You might be able to find that by a search on his name blkjak using the forum search engine here.<br><br>I think I would be wanting to partition off the two items, propane and genset....just me tho. As Blars says, definitely vent the propane out the bottom and speaking from experience be very, very cautious when installing the propane system. The fewer joints the better and having the parts, hoses, etc, professionally built is a good idea...test, test, test...as you can see in another thread about my two recent fires....<br>Best wishes,<br>Bri

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

Yeah i think he hooked a hose or pipe to the generator exhaust and pipped the exhaust out of the van.&nbsp; Or was planning to.<br><br>I think he starts on this page:<br><br>https://vanlivingforum.com/post/2005-ford-e250-van-build-....-blkjak-5419137?trail=315<br><br>Hes super pro level tho, so not sure how hard this is too pull off, looks like he was just spit balling.&nbsp; It seems simple enough....famous last words <img rel="lightbox" src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" class="bbc_img">

 

[CrossCountryGal]

Thanks for the link! Going to check it out in just a bit.<br><br>Meant to take pics today but got busy doing other buskeeping chores. Will add to my to do list for tomorrow.<br><br>I'm finding the plastic drawers I originally put in aren't working very well (or maybe I have too much stuff?), so I bought a sturdier piece of furniture and spent the day putting that together. Should finish tomorrow.<br><br>Then it was time to do the initial oil change on my generator, cleaned out the debris in my gas can, and tended to email and texts to check in with family/friends.<br><br>Loving the road - buskeeping with a beach view is awesome!!&nbsp;

 

[CrossCountryGal]

Checked out the link and I think I like his idea better than mine! &nbsp;Again, thanks for the direct link - very helpful!