Community Forums

rigmover · 08-20-2012, 08:23 PM

Am seriously considering a propane generator, primarily to help power a big window unit here in the west Texas oilfield and would like input before ditching the Onan...

cb1000rider · 08-21-2012, 12:06 AM

Doesn't onan do propane?
I don't have one, but my only comment is that there is less energy in propane... Great if you're running a turbo or other motor that needs compression/boost... But I'd be concerned with how often you have to fuel the tank.... If you have a BIG propane tank, go for it...

Mr_D · 08-21-2012, 12:32 AM

We had a 6.2 KW propane unit in our 2000 DSDP. NEVER again!!
In 5 days at an FMCA rally in Bend OR we went through two 15 gallon tanks and most of our onboard 40 (32 usable) gallon main tank. Comes out to about 2 gallons per hour. It also blew the breakers on the unit itself several times but only at that location, didn't have much trouble with it elsewhere. The temps we only in the low 90°'s so it wasn't that hot. We were running two 13.5 heat pumps so it wasn't overloaded either.

clyon51 · 08-21-2012, 06:03 AM

First I'd have ask what's wrong with the Onan?

Propane gennys certainly burn cleaner and need a bit less maint. On the other hand, less efficient (more energy in gas than propane), most RVs designed for gas gennys have small propane tanks. This could mean re-fueling every 1-2 days.

If your RV stays in the field and propane is more available and/or cheaper, then it would make some sence. If you're like a friend of mine who stays 2 weeks and goes home 2 weeks, then it may be a big PITA.

anotherone · 08-21-2012, 06:17 AM

had one in a motorhome ; goes through fuel like insane. The joke for the home emergency gens is they burn a 20lb tank in 4 hrs

. Think if you needed it for a week. My diesel gen for hurricanes used 5 gal in 15 hrs ; much easier to manage.

Triker56 · 08-21-2012, 08:04 AM

Over the last 6 years my 6.5K LP generator has used from .59 gal per hour up to .88 GPH.
I fill the 40 gal tank once the same month every year.
I don't boondock and only use it to run my 2 AC when needed while traveling.

With propane you don't have to worry about using stabilizer when not using it.
Or the gas gumming up the carburetor.

rigmover · 08-21-2012, 09:11 PM

Wow!!
Nothing is wrong with the Onan, but was just curious as to if it would be more economical to run propane than gas because when I have my days off I have a big window unit AC that helps cool things down. I will run the rooftop with the generator power and the window from shore power