When I first started getting into overlanding, I had a little 1000-watt gas-powered generator that was, well, awful.
I don’t even remember the name of the brand, to be honest, but whatever it was, it seldom worked, and when it did, it was painfully noisy.
Now, my poor experience with that generator rests on my shoulders because I saw an incredible price for a 1000-watt generator and didn’t do my due diligence about whether or not the generator was even worth the hugely discounted price. But, to be fair, it did have decent reviews, so I wasn’t expecting it to be as terrible as it was.
Fast-forward to today, and I now rely on an ALP 1000-Watt Propane Generator as my primary power source. It was a big leap from using gas generators to propane, but one that has revealed all sorts of benefits of propane generators.
Below, I outline four of the best benefits you can derive from using this type of generator.
Benefits of Propane Generators: They are Quiet
Well, let me say that my propane generator is quiet…
Surprisingly quiet, in fact!
I can stand next to my ALP 1000-Watt Propane Generator and easily carry on a conversation with someone without yelling. That was not the case with that old gas-powered generator I had years ago.
Now, this isn’t to say that there aren’t gas-powered generators that are quiet, because there are plenty of quiet options on that front. But for me, the difference in the noise level between the gas generators I’ve used and this propane generator is astonishing.
This generator runs at under 52 dBA. I don’t recall what my old gas generator operated at, but it was much louder.
Enjoy Extreme Portability
In addition to my ALP generator, I also have a Generac 7127 iQ3500 that puts out 3,000 running watts. It’s my go-to when I need a ton of power.
The Generac tips the scales at 109.1 pounds, though. It’s obviously not something I can throw in the back of the truck and take with me on an overlanding trip. It’s simply too big and too heavy.
But that’s not the case with my ALP generator. Now, I know it’s not a 3,000-watt beast, so this is a little like comparing apples to oranges. However, you can’t deny the portability of this thing: it weighs just under 30 pounds and measures 18-1/4”L x 10-1/4”W x 14”H. This makes it easy to transport in my truck or even in the underbelly storage of my Turtleback Expedition Trailer.
What’s more, with the top handle, the ALP generator is easy to pick up and move around camp as needed without getting my buddies to help me. Since I seldom need a ton of power on my overlanding trips, it’s the ideal solution for all the power I need in a portable package.
Benefits of Propane Generators: They’re More Friendly to the Environment
In addition to putting out less noise pollution, running a propane generator means that less carbon monoxide is produced than a gas generator. In fact, propane releases about half the carbon monoxide as a gas generator. Less emissions means propane generators are more environmentally friendly.
Not only that, but since propane is stored in safe tanks, there’s no risk of spillage like there is with gas.
I know that I’ve spilled my fair share of gas over the years when trying to top off my gas generator tanks. No matter how hard I try, there’s always a little spillage here and there. Not only is that not good for the environment, but the lingering gas fumes are not joy either.
Lower Operating Costs
One of the best benefits of propane generators is their lower operating costs.
Unlike gasoline, propane doesn’t have an expiration date. You can fill up your tanks when prices are low and let them sit as long as you want. Of course, since propane generators are so efficient (my ALP generator can run for 60 hours on a 20-pound tank at 25 percent load) you won’t have to fill up your tanks nearly as often.
When thinking about operating costs, you have to consider how clean propane generators run. There’s no worry about carbon build-up as there is with a gas generator. This, in turn, means less maintenance and less money out of your pocket to keep your generator going.
So, from my point of view, propane generators are the way to go. My ALP 1000-Watt generator gives me all the juice I need for my overlanding trips and does so in a small, lightweight package that runs quietly and is more environmentally friendly than comparable gas options. Heck, I can even use my propane generator to run my refrigerator at home for several hours if the power goes out!
If you’re in the market for a small but mighty generator, check out ALP generators. I’ve had mine for over a year and I have enjoyed every minute of it.