Installing Onan generator in a Fifth Wheel

WyoTraveler wrote:
I had a propane generator in my 5ver. Burns cleaner than gas. You will burn up lots of propane. Plan on carrying extra propane along. We had 2 bottles in the 5ver and an extra 2 in the PU. Not near enough. If I was in a 5ver again I would have a gas generator in the bed of the PU. Never again propane. Keep in mind when you need propane the most is when it is cold. Those are also the times when you need generator the most. It wasn't that I couldn't afford propane. It was I couldn't carry enough propane bottles. Have you noticed in newer THs they install gas generators and gas tanks? JMHO.

Wyo - I would argue that if you are going to use a generator for those extended periods, neither gas or LP are the answer in a built in. The most efficient would be the EU type inverter generators such as Honda and Yamaha that can actually idle down to be more efficient for lighter loads. I have known folks to get 8 hours on a couple of gallons of gas using the twin EU2000 Hondas.

I would also argue that TH have gas tanks because of toys, not because the gas generators are more efficient. Some manufacturer install gas generators simply because the tank is there, and because it takes the fuel demand away from your other appliances.

We had a used 7000 Onn installed in our 2011 Cameo. It was generator ready. Had it installed by pros. They did a beautiful job of it. They built an insulated box around the unit. Its right ubder the bed room and there is no vibration or sound. Very happy with the install and the generator.

I think many on this thread are not distinguishing the difference between the generator engine and the electrical generator itself. They are two completely different systems designed to work together and generate electricity.

The engine, if it runs on gasoline, should be run monthly to prevent carburetor build up (gumming) but if LP maybe not so critical.

The generator, consists of windings and magnets which are constructed the same whether no matter what fuel is used for the generator. These windings and magnets will get moisture in them over time from the natural humidity in the air and condensation. If they are not exercised, over time, the windings and magnets will lose efficiency and eventually become inoperable. Exercising the generator monthly will help to prevent this situation by simply drying these windings from use.

Yes, some will say they have never had a problem but if you really want your generator lifespan to be longer, monthly exercise is best.

I would disagree that running it 1/2 hour a month is critical, and would argue it is not even necessary. I run mine in the summer when it is needed, nothing more. It sits 8 months a year in the winter. I only change the oil every other year. It is going on its 11th year, and it runs like a top.

These aren't big Detroit powered fire pumps - they are just small engines like your lawnmower that also sits all winter.

Some of these self imposed maintenance requirements make this work rather than fun


Ant, you are mostly preaching to the choir. If I exercised or fogged all my stuff out there in the Barn, to include the two gennies, I would have to have a spread sheet to keep up with it. I would bet anybody one of my social security checks that I could go out in the barn, gas up, and run both of the gennies. One of them is kind of a drug addict so it does appreciate a shot of carb cleaner in the intake. :W Between running up the gennies and doing wheel bearings and blowing out lines and whatever else is required, it seems to me that the brewsky time would really take a hit.

But I firmly bekieve that one has to do what makes them comfortable.

I had a propane generator in my 5ver. Burns cleaner than gas. You will burn up lots of propane. Plan on carrying extra propane along. We had 2 bottles in the 5ver and an extra 2 in the PU. Not near enough. If I was in a 5ver again I would have a gas generator in the bed of the PU. Never again propane. Keep in mind when you need propane the most is when it is cold. Those are also the times when you need generator the most. It wasn't that I couldn't afford propane. It was I couldn't carry enough propane bottles. Have you noticed in newer THs they install gas generators and gas tanks? JMHO.

Atom Ant wrote:
Coach-man - I agree that could be true in Florida.

I think it is dry enough here in CO that running it that often would only build up unnecessary condensation through the warm up cycle and then cool down. As we speak - my generator probably wouldn't even start, but if it did I would be climbing to operating temperature from -8 ! We really don't have corrosion issues here except from what they put on the roads for winter.

LOL
I agree. 1st I'd have to walk through about 2' of snow, then lift the overhead door then I would have that slight problem of it being in an enclosed garage with the exhaust killing me.
I would love to start it monthly but its not really doable in some locations. 7 years and it still fires right up come May.

My brother works on small engines as a business, and he gets a lot of generators.
He told me that they will quit making power if they are not used under load. He told me, and all the manufacturers that I have researched (which isn't all of them by any means) recommend using them monthly.

He said after Y2K and the generators had sat for a while, he was very busy with people wanting to know why the engine would run, but they couldn't get any power out of it.

I run mine monthly, and it gets as cold here as it does anywhere in the lower 48.

Atom Ant wrote:
Coach-man - I agree that could be true in Florida.

I think it is dry enough here in CO that running it that often would only build up unnecessary condensation through the warm up cycle and then cool down. As we speak - my generator probably wouldn't even start, but if it did I would be climbing to operating temperature from -8 ! We really don't have corrosion issues here except from what they put on the roads for winter.

I kind of agree with Atom Ant's point. Strating a genset in the dead cold of winter just to exercise it is not always practical or beneficial. In a moderate climate. I imagine it is always a good idea, but starting is sub freezing temps may do more harm than good.

Coach-man - I agree that could be true in Florida.

I think it is dry enough here in CO that running it that often would only build up unnecessary condensation through the warm up cycle and then cool down. As we speak - my generator probably wouldn't even start, but if it did I would be climbing to operating temperature from -8 ! We really don't have corrosion issues here except from what they put on the roads for winter.

Atom Ant wrote:

Coach-man wrote:

Lantley wrote:

edatlanta wrote:
30 lb of propane in 8 hours? I have the Onan 5500 on gasoline and with one a/c running it runs for 20 hours on 10 gallons of gasoline. I run my Onan one hour under load every month, I keep stabilizer in the fuel and it has never failed me in going on 4 years now.

Maintain a gas generator and do not ignore it for long periods, and it will treat you well.

Gas genset are more efficient simply because a gallon of gas contains more energy vs. a gallon of propane.
Lp gensets are generally more reliable because the lP is cleaner burning than gas. You can ignore a LP genset to some degree and have fewer issues vs. a gas genset.
Running monthly is still a good idea with lp but not as critical.

You normally run the genset under load for two issues. First, if gas engine to keep the carb flushed with fresh gasoline, burn off any water vapor in the oil, as well as keeping the engine lubed. Second, to exersize the genset itself! Water vapor can build up in the windings and cause corrosion and premature gen failure.

With a propane genset the only problem you eliminate is the stale fuel problem. All the other issuse apply to the engine as well as the genset. Running the genset under load for at least ½ hour per month is critical to keeping it well maintained!

I would disagree that running it 1/2 hour a month is critical, and would argue it is not even necessary. I run mine in the summer when it is needed, nothing more. It sits 8 months a year in the winter. I only change the oil every other year. It is going on its 11th year, and it runs like a top.

These aren't big Detroit powered fire pumps - they are just small engines like your lawnmower that also sits all winter.

Some of these self imposed maintenance requirements make this work rather than fun ;)

Again, perhaps I am not making myself clear, it is as much or more about the generator than the engine! You are correct these are not big detroit diesels, and if it where just the engine atom ant would be 100% correct, nothing he said I disagree with for the ENGINE! But water vapor and corrosion affect and can damage the windings in the generator, and those need care as much or more than the engine, which was my original post!Yes depending on where you live you can take shortcuts, but in the long run doing the required maintenance will prolong the useful life of the device.