Go bag for beginners

[Badgersmilk]

BM where did you find the conversion kit and how difficult was it to convert?

http://www.propane-generators.com/

I bought mine from here.  My geny looked almost EXACTLY like the one pictured with the red gas tank on top on their page (chinese made).  They had by far the best prices I could find.  And the kits are SUPER simple.  

Doing it yourself with these little kits is the way to go!  The kits give you the option to run on propane, natural gas, or even swap back to regular gas depending on what you want to do.  I did a "perminant Type A" conversion on mine, and it took about two hours to do just because I was going REALLY slow, tripple checking everything I did so I wouldn't F'up the brand new geny I'd bought!  

By the way.  They tell you to run the generator several hours on gas before doing the conversion so the rings seat in well.  "The propane causes FAR less engine wear than gas, so it takes forever to break in the engine".  In the couple days it took my kit to come I'd already stripped off the gas tank and hoses, so I never did get to "break in the engine properly".  But I had it years after the conversion and never saw a problem.  

[Hazcat]

Thanks!

[Ranger Dave]

Thanks for the info

[Badgersmilk]

I think the coldest it ever got when we were camping / using the generator, was probably in the low 30's, maybe high 20's.

Actually doing the conversion was rediculously easy.  If I remember right... The kit I bought required taking off the gasoline hose from the carb, removing the float from the bottom of the carb, putting in a new main jet, and drilling a hole to hook up the rubber propane hose to the carb.  Then drilling two holes to mounting the big disc (regulator, or whatever it is).  I studied up on everything when I'd done the conversion, but it's been years.  

Durring the summer it'd start right up by barely touching the electric start key switch.  I wired that to the inside of the camper.

M58, Call the place I posted that sells the kits.  If you ever have any questions their GREAT!  If your getting hard cold weather starts they tell you how to tune that out of it.  It's even in the instructions I think.  After we installed our kit I never touch it again other than to change the oil once a year.  Everything in the kit came already adjusted.  It started up on the second crank after the conversion, and usually the first crank every other time (when it was half way nice outside).

[Badgersmilk]

This picture pretty much shows the whole thing installed!

[Sponsor]

[MikeBjerum]

Thanks Badger, but I have enough experience with lp to know all I need.  Like I said, I've run vehicles on lp for several years and lived with their pros and cons, and prior to that I worked on them and did conversions for my paycheck.  It just isn't a real good fuel for our cold climates in many situations.  Even most of our lp dealers are going to diesels in their delivery trucks.  It is just an issue of getting enough vapor out of a tank to run the loads you need to. 

[garand4life]

Everytime I research bob's or we start a thread on them they get very complex very fast.  The problem with that is that it makes it seem unattainable for the average person to get ready. 

I figured it would happen I was just hoping that simplicity would assert itself. I just wanted a base line idea of what some of the DRTV members keep at had at all times.  I've seen too many times to dismiss that there is always something I miss that you guys don't.

[fightingquaker13]

I figured it would happen I was just hoping that simplicity would assert itself. I just wanted a base line idea of what some of the DRTV members keep at had at all times.  I've seen too many times to dismiss that there is always something I miss that you guys don't.

Well, the thing is that simplicity is simple, except when it gets complicated. Food, water, shelter, some means of navigation and SD are basic. Beyond that the questions are bug out to where, and under what circumstances? In my hurricane scenario, I'm not running FROM the feds, I'm running TO them. I just want to keep my pistol till I'm somewhere safe. After that, they can have it, I'll buy a new one. On the other hand, in a zombie invasion/red dawn deal, the BOB gets a lot heavier and I'm headed in the opposite direction. I'm not looking for a red cross shelter, but the thickest and nastiest piece of Everglades I can find that still has fresh water. (Pythons on the barby anyone?).   In Path's case, he needs the supplies to build an igloo up in the tundra. BOBs should be tailored to your location and your needs. My basic rule of thumb is that you should be able to leave your house, on foot, with everthing you will need for 3-5 days in under an hour. If you can't, don't bother. Just hope you have time to pack the truck.
FQ

[Badgersmilk]

You can't live without food, water, and shelter.  There are so many conditions that would change how you supply yourself with those none of us can even comprehend it.  Weather, are you traveling alone?, do you have medical needs, your area, were your going to, what happened to make you need the bag, what you can afford, it goes on and on and on.

I'd suggest the best thing to do (sure changes my choices up!) is to go hiking and camping with your BOB as you build it.    You'll be shocked how differently you pack it after each of the first few trips!

Don't forget, it's awfull nice to have something dry to sit on for a rest once in a while!   

[Ranger Dave]

Great idea