Late last year, I picked up an ALP 1000-Watt propane generator to serve as a backup power system for my overlanding setup.
Since we just now came out of a strict lockdown here in California, I’ve only had a few opportunities to use this generator in the field. However, the time that I’ve been able to spend with this thing has shown me one thing – it’s really impressive.
From its performance to its price, its portability to its efficiency, this ALP propane generator is everything I wanted, and more. Let’s get to the nitty-gritty of the ALP generator review so you can determine if this is the right propane generator for your needs.
ALP Propane Generator 10-Month Review: An Update
I must say, when I originally wrote the ALP generator review, I had only a handful of outings with this generator. Frankly speaking, I generally like to update reviews sooner, however with this review, I waited longer because I was trying to find a fault in the generator – something that I could legitimately say was negative. I think a product review without a negative is questionable…however, I have spent the last 10 months trying to find one and have come up with nothing!
Let me share with you things that I really like about this Alp Propane Generator:
First, the elephant in the room is the size and weight of many generators.
Now, I’ve spoken about this before, but if this is the first feature of mine that you are reading, you may know I have numerous generators that I use and test.
For example, I have a Generac iq3500 and while I like this generator, it’s a BEAST! It tips the scales at 109 lbs. and is very large in size, so when I go on most of my outings, it’s not practical to bring with me. This is one area the ALP propane generator shines above all the generators I’ve tested… it’s SMALL!
Secondly, let’s talk sound. When I first got the ALP propane generator, many of you asked about quiet boxes for generators. I built a quiet box, and it was fun to make in my garage, but this little 1000-watt ALP generator didn’t need it. This is the second point I’m going to give this company credit for, this propane generator is very quiet.
Third, this generator burns clean. Another point that I have really enjoyed about the ALP generator is that it runs on propane. And seeing that my Turtleback Expedition trailer has two onboard propane tanks, I have all the juice I need to run this generator when I’m off-grid.
So, there’s a lot to appreciate about this generator, and so far, there’s nothing that really turns me off about it.
In the video above, you can get a first-hand look at this generator and how it’s treated me for the last 12 months.
As I stated earlier in my 10-month update, this sucker has done nothing but impress!
PREVIEW | PRODUCT | RATING | |
| ALP 1000W Propane Generator | ||
Honda EU2200i Portable Inverter Generator 2200 Watt | |||
GENMAX Portable Inverter Generator 3200W | |||
| CRAFTSMAN 2,500-Watt Gas Portable Generator |
ALP Propane Generator Specs
Let’s begin ALP propane generator review with a quick discussion of the ALP 1000-watt propane generator’s specs:
- 1000 starting watts; 850 running watts
- Two AC 120v outlets
- Two USB ports
- Built-in emergency LED light
- Parallel ports for doubling up on power
- Pure Sine Wave technology
- Weight: 28 pounds
- Dimensions: 18” x 9.5” x 15”
- Compatible with one-pound and 20-pound tanks
- Three-hour runtime on a one-pound tank; 60-hour runtime on a 20-pound tank
- 52 dBA ultra-quiet operation
- One-year limited warranty
- EPA & CARB Approved
- Comes in orange, green, or blue
So, as you can see, this ALP propane generator packs quite a punch in the specs department. Let’s examine some of these specs in more detail.
ALP Propane Generator Offers Clean, On-Demand Power
I’ve used ALP propane generator on a few different weekend trips, and it has provided me with all the additional power I need. My Turtleback Expedition trailer has an onboard solar power system to take care of its lights, refrigerator, and so forth.
But I wanted a separate power source to act as a backup in case something went wrong with the trailer’s power system.
Likewise, this propane generator is ideal for charging my phone or iPad, running power to my laptop, charging my camera batteries, and so on. I also used it on a particularly chilly weekend to run an electric heater in the annex room of my Torro Offroad Skylux tent. Not only has this generator provided me with all the juice I need, but it does so cleanly. Sure, I could’ve gotten a 1000-watt gas-powered generator, but who wants to deal with the noise and the gas fumes?
ALP 1000-Watt Propane Generator is Ultra-Portable
When you head out for a weekend of camping, space can be at a premium. By the time my Jeep and trailer are loaded up, I don’t have much spare space. For this reason, I wanted a generator that was small and portable, and the ALP propane generator fits the bill.
At just 18” x 9.5” x 15”, this thing can easily fit into the storage compartments of my trailer. I could even put it in the backseat of my Jeep if I really wanted! And since it weighs just 28 pounds, it’s not a huge chore to get it out and use it and put it away when it’s time to head home.
Additionally, since it’s a propane-powered generator, I don’t have to worry about gas leakage in the storage compartment of my trailer or in my Jeep. That’s a HUGE bonus!
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You Get Whisper Quiet Performance
Whether I’m camping in a campground or I’m off-grid with other folks, the last thing I want to do is keep everyone awake with a noisy generator. So, one of the features that I would appreciate the most about this ALP propane generator is that it is so quiet, even when it’s drawing power. You can literally stand right next to it and have a conversation without having to scream at one another – it’s that quiet.
And when you want to fire up a heater to warm your tent (or an annex room, as is my situation), you don’t have to worry about disrupting other campers early in the morning with a noisy gas-powered generator.
The Runtime is Fantastic
I’ve used this ALP propane generator with both one-pound and 20-pound tanks, and in both cases, the runtime was simply outstanding. In most situations, I’ll use a one-pound tank because it gives me about three hours to charge the batteries of my electronics. But when it gets cold and I want to keep the heat running in my annex room, the 20-pound tank is ideal for all-day power.
In fact, even after a long day of using my 20-pound tank, I should have a solid 45-48 hours of propane left for my next weekend adventure. Compare that to running a typical gas generator for 8-10 hours overnight before having to refill the tank.
ALP Propane Generator Review Summary
Part of my review process for this ALP propane generator was approached from a real-world standpoint. Could this 1000-watt generator power all my gear, and my dual 100ah lithium batteries in my Turtleback Expedition trailer when solar charge wasn’t available? So far, the answer is a resounding yes!
As I noted earlier, the stay-at-home orders we’ve had here in Southern California were just lifted. This weekend, I’ll be heading to Big Bear, California with my family for some fun in the snow. We won’t be camping, so I won’t need to take my ALP 1000-Watt propane generator with me, but I certainly look forward to my next camping adventure so I can put this bad boy to the test more thoroughly.
So far, I couldn’t be more pleased with this generator. It gives me all the power I need, all the power options I need for running small appliances or charging electronics, and it’s portable and quiet. With a price tag of around $530.00, it might be more expensive than a 1000-watt gas-powered generator, but for me, the benefits of running clean propane are well worth the price difference.