How To Power Up Your Overlanding Campsite?

Every time we get together with our friends and road-tripping partners in camping, the topic of propane generators invariably comes up in conversation. We all know they’re a great way to generate power at your campsite but how exactly do they work?

The propane generator functions by utilizing propane gas that is cheap, widely available, and conveniently stored in fuel tanks. This propane gas passes through an internal combustion engine powered by two pistons which are driven by something called “expansion” or “power” stroke followed by the “suction”, or intake stroke”. The propane gas is mixed with air when it passes through a carburetor or throttle body injection system. An electric choke contributes to proper engine starting by controlling the amount of air and propane mix.

A propane generator has a crankshaft with a piston attached to it which rotates at half the speed of the engine RPM. The propane-air mix enters the combustion chamber and is ignited by sparks from dual platinum spark plugs located on each side of the cylinder head. This results in extremely hot gasses that expand quickly, pushing down both pistons, resulting in rotation of the crankshaft. A belt or chain connects the propane generator’s output shaft to its power source such as an electrical load center or electric motor.

The propane generator’s power is enhanced when it passes through a centrifugal clutch and gearbox before reaching its adjustable regulator and finally out to your appliances. The propane generator’s crankshaft is prevented from over-rotating by the flywheel and the clutch housing. This allows smooth operation even with a slightly unbalanced load on the propane generator.

ALP propane generator puts out clean, stable power that runs at about 60Hz or 50Hz depending on where you live in the world. You can run anything from small appliances to electric power tools and large air conditioners with propane generators which make them ideal for camping and road-tripping . Their only drawback is their noise levels which can be quite high if they’re not properly muffled.

P.S: we all know propane generators are great for powering campsites, but did you know they’re also great for powering?