The Best BACKUP EMERGENCY POWER SETUP | EcoFlow Dual Fuel

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Let me know your favorite emergency backup setup. Thanks for watching!

[@TheFixFinder]

This is the exact setup I have thought would be great to replace my generator. I saw the need for something better after we had a power outage for 5 days, rather than just a day or two after a storm, and was kind-of a waste running the generator longer than a couple days. Although I would lose running wattage, the auto on and off to charge the battery would be great when the main thing I would need it for is keeping on the fridge, a few lights, and our 110v well pump.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

I was in the same boat as you. 5 day outage had me running the inverter off the car. Pain in the butt

[@ericarnaud7983]

Yes, the way to go is a duel fuel generator along with solar. Use the gasoline/propane powered generator to charge the solar generator/battery. I have both also. I will run it to charge my solar "generator" quickly and save the gasoline/propane fuel for charging. The solar "generator" will then be used to run what I need it to run. ✔️

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Seriously, that's the way to go. Cover multiple bases, multiple fuels. Propane is SO much easier in my book. Don't have time to deal with gas these days

[@garycase1790]

Do it the same way

[@crisservin3106]

I agree spending less time running generator to charge batteries

[@r.f.pennington746]

Since you asked...for our off-grid cabin, we do solar almost exclusively. The mountain range we're in receives about 5-7:1 sunny vs cloudy days even in winter with 6-12 inches of snow on the ground. For the odd days that we know we will be 'running behind' solar-wise, I have a cheap HF gas powered inverter. This runs ONLY to recharge the Anker, we don't run it to plug in the ice box, lights, pump, etc. So far, this works, only needing to run the inverter maybe 2-3 hours. Much of the SW is this way. Guess it depends on where one is. When we lived in the Willamette Valley in OR for 5 years, I can remember a total of, I believe, nine sunny days. May have just been eight...

[@gailwendtland5970]

People look at me like I'm a hick😅...when I call the fridge an ICEBOX. STILL DO...who cares!

[@r.f.pennington746]

@@gailwendtland5970 I understand. My wife has called me a hick for the last 42 years. It all stems from when I was growing up and the ice man would deliver a 20 pound block of ice to the house to put into our ice box. That changed when I was 8yo and we got one of those electric ice boxes!

[@gailwendtland5970]

​@r.f.pennington746 I say...we were raised right!😊 my kids say icebox too😂

[@rytbeard]

Yes, dual-fuel is the way to go with a generator. I have a pair of Honda EU2200i generators modified to run on propane or gasoline. In the case of an outage, I alternate between them. I store propane in several 20-lb tanks and one 30-lb. For running on gasoline, I quit buying from gas-stations in favor of no-ethanol gas intended for power equipment. This I get from Home Depot or Lowes. It's high priced but has a shelf life measured in years and will not gum up carburetors, so I can skip running the generators completely out of gas or draining the carbs. As for battery banks, I have a couple of Goal Zero Yeti units, which I charge with one of the Hondas. I'm not sold on the merits of DC-DC charging. Instead, I use a 600-watt Goal Zero AC charger plugged into the Honda. I'm OK with the conversion inefficiency to get the high rate of charging with this charger.

[@donbrloks3959]

First thing is to identify your goals in a grid down situation. Mine is refrigerator, freezer, lights, fans. 330 watts of solar panels. Eco flow River 2Pro, diy 1280 Wh power station and small Jackery 300. After 2 days of no sun, Champion 2500 Dual fuel generator with 10 gallons of ethanol free gas and 2 20 lb propane cylinders. Think I’m set.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Sounds like a solid setup that would last a couple to few weeks, assuming paced use

[@chuck_howard]

My setup right now is 400 watts of solar panels, a Westinghouse 2200 watt inverter generator and a battery bank in my basement that can run my house for 24 hours minus the central A/C unit. I can run the generator for around two weeks with the fuel I have stored. I also have the generator power totally isolated from my house wiring so no danger of back feed. It will be mostly running extension cords to the sump pump, furnace, and refrigerator along with lights.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Nice, another great setup. Really good way to save some money too compared to buying the power stations

[@chuck_howard]

@@PracticalPreparedness Yes, I did my entire battery bank and inverters and control units for the price of one Ecoflow 2000. NOT For the beginner to do without help from an electrician.

[@GySgt67]

I have an Eco-Flow River 2 and a few bigger Jackery Solar Generator products. If there isn't sun available, then I top off all my solar generators with my Briggs & Stratton 6250 Watt Hour gasoline generator. Great video. Keep them videos coming!!!

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Awesome to hear you want to see more. Thanks for the support!

[@petruSarac]

Any sensible power backup should have some kind of power storage build in. Maybe you can charge the battery (or solar generator) via solar panels, ICE generator, wind turbine, whatever works for you in your areas and conditions. Nice product!

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Exactly! Thanks for watching

[@Utah_Mike]

I save my propane for heating. Honda eu2000i for backup recharging when solar is not available. Honda will run 8 hours at 50% load on one gallon of gas. In 4 hours I can recharge multiple battery stations to 100%. I rotate my gas every 12 weeks, one can into truck each week then refill add stabilizer, move to the back on the line.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Nice setup, very similar to mine! I haven't had to pull the gas gen out for a couple years now thankfully. Have enough power stations now.

[@MetalMan1969]

I have the delta max 2000 with 2 extra batteries both 2048. Brings my garage to over 6k. Im buying the smart generator next. Job done, and there no huge rush for solar panels now. I will put 1000w of solar panels up in time for extra energy coming in.I run a Delta 2 with extra battery in house to run living room appliances which is over 3k. Soon i will run the whole house on a 12k system on transfer switch. I will be using a bluetti 9k on transfer switch and the delta 3k in house also. Im northern Ireland here and they mess us about with postage lots. Yet another delay on ecoflow shipping.

[@martinj2843]

What a beast, in Australia it’s $2200 but we’ll worth it 👍

[@PracticalPreparedness]

It pairs really well if you have any EcoFlow delta products too

[@gregory4154]

Awesome set-up! Well done!!!

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Thanks for watching!

[@survivalistgrandpa]

How are you protecting them from possible damage from an EMP or CME?

[@PracticalPreparedness]

I mention in the video and description

[@survivalistgrandpa]

Ok. I'll go back and check, I was on the treadmill and missed it, apparently. Thanks!

[@southernyankeeprepper]

So to clarify... The dual generator charges the solar power bank station....I'm assuming the power bank is compatible with solar panels right? For extra faster charging time when panels and dual generator used combined? Didnt mention anything about panels so I'm just curious

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Yes you can! Great point to add

[@zippy2641]

Might be a good solution for someone with no equipment at all (or a lot of money to spend). Thing is, most of us already have something, at least a garage generator. No money burning a hole in my pocket. I'm thinking of getting a 1000w AC inverter for the car to recharge my "solar batteries" as a backup plan. They all draw 750w when charging. I have a gas generator already, but if fuel runs out, there's another 15 gal in the car. For $150, that seems like a practical (backup) solution. Didn't bother getting any solar panels, just don't get enough sun where I am. Any considerations I should be aware of? I only have a 4cyl engine, wonder if the generator on the car is strong enough??

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Your car's alternator should be more than powerful, regardless of cylinder count, to run an inverter off it with alligator cables etc. Just do in well-ventilated area (have to say it)

[@zippy2641]

@@PracticalPreparedness oops, yeah I meant alternator. Would I just open the hood, connect the cables, turn on the engine, then turn on the inverter? (is there a proper order for safety?)

[@PracticalPreparedness]

@zippy2641 I would connect the inverter first, then turn the car on personally. Turning the car on first wouldn’t blow it up or anything but that is the order I follow.

[@Mike-yl6hs]

The PROPANE doesn't LUBRICATE like the gasoline will./ VERY NICE SETUP!! m

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Thanks for watching!

[@JAHBroadcasting]

I’m new to the solar generator market. Haven’t made a purchase yet. I thought many of these generators charge up fairly quick in up to 2hrs, obviously slower w solar panel compared to electric source. I have a fairly open south facing yard. Wouldn’t that suffice to recharge as needed?

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Depends on your seasons and cloud cover honestly. I have no choice but to have a generator in winter unfortunately

[@LakeGitcheGumee]

That is amazing. Three-way charging? Wow! Is it just a generator? Or is it a battery bank too?

[@PracticalPreparedness]

It has a battery but it’s meant for the electric start. It’s a gas and propane generator that runs efficiently to charge the eco delta products. 40% more efficient supposedly

[@LakeGitcheGumee]

@@PracticalPreparedness thanx

[@Alljam12]

will the smart generator charge the smaller Delta 2?

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Any of the delta products

[@patricknolan4607]

Will this work with the new EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra that’s coming in January?

[@PracticalPreparedness]

I’m told they work with all deltas through the DC port.

[@jag2039]

Will it run on natural gas ?

[@PracticalPreparedness]

I haven't tried it, but I know many others have had success with minimal work to convert their other generators from propane to natural gas.

[@cbass2755]

I have gas and solar. I love my heating blanket. ❤

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Thats the way to go. I'll never get away from propane though. So much more hands off maintenance

[@cbass2755]

@@PracticalPreparedness Agree..

[@SAMMIEJONESJUNIOR]

@@PracticalPreparedness Also run 2x 400 watt panels then you can sit back and enjoy

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Definitely! I should have showed that

[@kawlreaper]

​@PracticalPreparedness that would be great. I have a old gas inverter and flits completely gummed up (old subaru). Can't get parts for it. Can you show the power output? What panels would you use? If complete power loss..how would you run thr entire system?

[@r3df1ns]

Can it be used as a standalone generator to power devices?

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Yes it is AC output as well

[@brucethomas6296]

Great

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Thanks Bruce

[@crazycrab8578]

in the UK, winer time, living in the wild, you have to have a Geny,

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Yes, I could absolutely see that

[@MosaicHomestead]

I solar and I have 2 generators, I like the batteries but they are a bit expensive here.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

They are pricey! I’m sure you DIY’d too which can save for a customized setup

[@MosaicHomestead]

@PracticalPreparedness I actually like eco flow now more with this generator set up, my beef with all these batteries was run time for a longer power outage, but this generator fixes this problem, I like that eco flow though about this, it's enough of a game changer for me to consider it...And that's saying a lot

[@PracticalPreparedness]

lol it is saying a lot. So far it’s my fav setup.. so far..

[@johnroyer3191]

New to all this. I have been looking at the Champion 2500 watt duel fuel for 60% of this cost. I guess if you have Eco Flow products, this one might be better? Again, new to this stuff.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

The EcoFlow is designed to be more efficient with the EcoFlow delta products. Doesn’t mean the champion is not a good choice for you. Will still charge them up you’ll just use more fuel

[@johnroyer3191]

Thanks!@@PracticalPreparedness

[@cayuse-jf7eq]

Backup the backup and then do it aging I would love to do solar but can't afford it saving up for it

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Definitely can be expensive. As long as you have the basics!

[@stevang4720]

Is this the sytem you personally run? New subscriber, new to the backup power world! I live in the middle of Nebraska and am looking to put a system in my house incase of a grid failure or simply a few day outage. Money means nothing to me over my familys well being! One of the last things to tackle in my preps

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Welcome aboard! It is the main system I run, I have a few lol. The ecoflow Max 2000 or Delta Pro with Additional Batteries (however many to suit your needs, I'd recommend at least 1-2 for a few days of no power for most) are great units. The Dual Fuel Gen with propane and/or gas would get you up and running if you ran out of juice. I'd say 1 extra battery with the Max 2000 or Delta Pro and Dual Fuel would get most folks through most typical short-term 1-7 day power outage.

[@stevang4720]

@@PracticalPreparedness Thank you sir! I'll take a look at those options and figure out my power needs!! Looking forward to watching your future videos! Have a Merry Christmas!

[@hoody2141]

Should be running the generator outside. I dont think that it's practical to charge those batteries outside, especially when it's cold.

[@gatorred157]

i got a 8000 watt propane to like 9200 watt duel fuel tractor supply farm generator it has higher out put for house power with like transfer link or transver box to total wire what you need in your home to work on its main wiring with a 220 in power cord to plug in generator or i was told 3000 to 5000 solar system scrap working grid ties & systems i had ps there system was grid tie use only i said no way click in 3 years since I run it not one 30 lb tank of propane & link a few times to roll this monster out takes time and it hard alone it a wheel monster it was like 1/2 to 1/3 both costs total! solar repairs total up keep 4 panel set lighting strike 200 dollars total 5 panels 3 were blown 0 charge one 14 volts and other 13.5 volts harbor freight set 4 panels = 100 watt 4/20/2022 date why my birthday ok i blew my right arm bicep tendon on loading them! ps paid helper no show just lies ( i hurt because there crap) no arm repair! either its crap! my relation died thus-day 12/14 2023 aunts son who died! ps it manual run system i use i got power box's & limited solar use power systems off battery's the main heater & cooking i use generator mine was like 1500 total 4 years ago tranver box & wiring & generator & 200 in large propane tanks 2 like 40 or 50 lbs it not full run house too its limited heat lights and charger for battery systems ( the solar i did was for 4 battery's and camper use 1000 watt inverter & gas generator & solar off grid camp the first time i did it the you do this off grid it was so good they though i was on the grid i went to a off grid camp same deal every thing tv & computers satalight tv it all worked for 2 gallon of gas 1 gallon = less then 4 liters like 4 days)

[@PracticalPreparedness]

SOLID setup if I heard you right. Massive fuel storage with generator and a battery setup. Nice! If prob have a smaller backup propane gen if I were you, but solid setup

[@jasonbroom7147]

Dual fuel is great. Proprietary DC-DC connections is AWFUL. Those efficiencies you claim are lost when the EF power station inverts the DC to AC, for household use. Far better to build a dedicated, component-based system, especially since those are easier and easier to commission.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Interesting take. Wouldn’t you still be losing efficiency converting dc to ac anyway when using the stations? It’s still a better option to use the dc-dc of the EcoFlow when using EcoFlow products, unless I’m missing something.. If you’re saying a dedicated DC out setup custom made is better “in general”, I’m with you 100%. For most folks, the portability and ease of buying something like EcoFlow, the video was more for them. Thanks for watching

[@jasonbroom7147]

@@PracticalPreparedness - I've been in the IT business for almost 25 years and have developed a strong distrust of proprietary soluations. It has been my experience that they are not fully supported for the entire life-cycle of the product. I prefer open source or open architecture solutions that are based on industry standards. Paying extra for the Ecoflow products, then getting stuck using those products, is something I will not do. These days, building a DIY system is easier than ever, but I agree most folks don't want to go that route.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

@jasonbroom7147 got you. Open source all the way baby. It’s a great point. Lots of advantages

[@cindystucker4834]

Too expensive too complicated. You Tube marketing is well disguised these days. Yes he has these units because the company gave him them for selling to you. I bet that price of $1150 is just to start, what about the cost of the other units that go with it. This infomercial seems deceptive, I could be wrong but something smells. Don

[@PracticalPreparedness]

The generator is ~1000. Power stations are not included. Just like buying a power station does not include a generator. They usually send the unit free of charge to do the review.

[@FriedBuffaloChickenWings]

What’s the best way to get/store quantities of propane?

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Massive 500lb or more tanks if you can. Stay portable with 20, 30, 40, etc