Community Forums

draboo · 01-28-2018, 08:01 PM

We have a liquid propane generator in our motor home. The only problem I've had was the oil in the carb. Took it off, cleaned it, and it's been running great.

We don't use it much, for we are plugged in to shore power 95% of the time. Sounds like you aren't going to be using the generator all that much. I wouldn't let the fuel type deter me from the purchase.

Our generator is fairly quiet. The gasoline one in our previous 1992 Fleetwood Flair was very noisy.

Papa_Jim · 01-29-2018, 05:59 PM

We used to have a '95 Monaco Dynasty with a 6.5kw Onan generator. It was a vapor fuel unit and worked well, with one caveat. The propane regulator was heated radiantly from the muffler, so the generator needed to be run for sufficient lengths of time to warm the regulator enough to prevent it from plugging up.

I believe the Kohler propane generators of that era were liquid propane, and were often very problematic with regulator and carburetor gumming up and plugging up issues. Some owners switched those Kohler propane generators out for diesel replacements.

Jim

diesel odor · 01-29-2018, 07:18 PM

I noticed at high altitude that the propane genny I used to own did not run too well. Needed adjustment the higher you went.

lrquil · 02-01-2018, 03:19 PM

Over the years we have had gas, diesel and propane generators. Diesel was by far the most reliable and no worries about finding fuel. If you're looking at a nice coach and won't be using the generator much, I'd say go for it!

DjDave · 02-08-2018, 09:40 AM

Thanks for the replies, but I still never really got an answer about how much propane they use, like per hour. I know there are variables, but an estimate running 1 A/C is what I'm looking for.

waspp · 02-08-2018, 09:54 AM

I have a 94 Safari with a propane generator and it works great. It's very quiet and from what i've seen uses very little fuel. I also like how clean propane burns, if you've ever torn apart a NG or propane engine they are clean inside!

twinboat · 02-08-2018, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DjDave

Thanks for the replies, but I still never really got an answer about how much propane they use, like per hour. I know there are variables, but an estimate running 1 A/C is what I'm looking for.

They are going to burn a bit more then a gas generator because there is less energy in propane. Figure .5 to .7 gallons an hour at medium load.

Scottybdivin · 02-08-2018, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

They are going to burn a bit more then a gas generator because there is less energy in propane. Figure .5 to .7 gallons an hour at medium load.

That's about right. I remember reading in the Onan manual, the gas 5500 used 0.6 gph and the propane version uses 0.8 gph. As a heavy generator user, I would never consider propane because of the inconvenience of acquiring fuel. It's much easier to run up to the nearest quick stop for 5 gal of gas or diesel. Try running a propane generator for 96 hours straight.

Our first RV · 02-08-2018, 02:12 PM

You said you only plan to use the generator for A/C when traveling in hot weather. That and boondocking are why you DON'T want a propane generator!

hohenwald48 · 02-08-2018, 05:31 PM

Manufacturers install propane generators (mostly in diesel motorhomes) to keep the cost and the sales price down to make them more competitive. There's a significant price difference (diesel is about double propane) between a propane generator and a diesel generator. You seldom see propane generators in gas motorhomes because there is no cost savings over the price of a gas generator.

Propane generators have their place but in my opinion it's not in a motorhome.

Scottybdivin · 02-09-2018, 06:34 AM

You see a lot of propane generators used in 5th wheels because they don't have fuel cells, gas or diesel. In this case, they are the only option.

hohenwald48 · 02-09-2018, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottybdivin

You see a lot of propane generators used in 5th wheels because they don't have fuel cells, gas or diesel. In this case, they are the only option.

Yeah, I think there are all kinds of rules and regulations regarding gasoline tanks in towed (TT or 5th) RVs. I can see where a propane generator would avoid all those issues.

twinboat · 02-09-2018, 03:02 PM

Many toy hauler trailers have gas tanks for the toys. I believe they are in the rear.

The problem may be the added weight of a gas tank and generator up near the propane tanks.

Scottybdivin · 02-10-2018, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

Many toy hauler trailers have gas tanks for the toys. I believe they are in the rear.

The problem may be the added weight of a gas tank and generator up near the propane tanks.

Yes. My 1st RV was a 5th wheel toy hauler. It had a 30 gallon fuel cell with a transfer pump for the toys. It also supplied the generator. A 2nd fuel tank dedicated to the generator was optional.