Ok, so I actually seen this alot, people with 4wd trucks that offroad constantly have and run propane tanks, Im jsut curious as to what this is for, and how it is used?

 

The only thing I know of that people use propane for is propane injection on diesels. It's not exactly the same as, but can be compared to, running nitrous on a gasoline engine.

 

oooh really, I didnt know that. And ya, its actually gas engines that I see it used on, dunno if you ever heard of it, but the site pirate4x4.com .. there hardcore into rock climbing, and alot of people use it!

 

Oooh, I see. Just read this and it will answer your question...

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/propane/index.html

But the short version is, it replaces your gasoline fuel injection system with a propane injection system. It looks like one of the big reasons rock crawlers like it is because you can have your rig at any angle and not have to worry about fuel pickup.

 

thats pretty interesting. We dont have any spots that specialize in propane, nor do we have any service stations that have it. Other then jus the normal propane tanks that you buy for your bbq

 

Its done out here all the time. Right at the moment propane is considerably cheaper per unit than gasoline. Thus the reasoning for using it.

However, there are downsides. First and foremost you have to have propane tanks mounted in your truck. I for one dont enjoy driving around with a bomb behind my head. Gasoline burns, but rarely explodes. There have been accidents here that have set of propane tanks. Never anything extremely serious, but Ill pass none the less.

Kits exist out there with all the necessary parts for the swap. Its not an incredibly difficult process, ive seen a few of them done.

Doesnt float my boat, but I can see the draw of trying to use fuel alternatives.

Ohh...and if you have readily available propane tanks for bbqs then you have a place that fills them nearby. Usually they are relatively inconspicuous....IE if you werent directly looking for it youd never notice it. I bet if you searched the internet or a phone book youd find one close.

 

Theres a guy up the street from my gmas place who runs propane in his 2 late 70's ford trucks. He claims that its actually SAFER than gasoline. Hard sell for me though...
As that is a carburated vehicle, its a SUPER easy conversion. just some mods to the carb.
They did a 2010 F150 on "Trucks" a couple months ago. Go to spiketv.com and search for "trucks" or "powerblock" to watch the episode.

 

ya , I dont think it would really be something I would want. but ya, il have to check out that episode, be cool to see exactly how its done , and performs.

 

Throttle curves and power response are similar to gasoline.

Like I said, its a good idea, just not one I want to use. Im sure there are ways to make it safe, but you know most guys arent doing it.

 

A few around my town with propane. Alternative fuels are cool! My favorite is homemade bio diesel.