Installing Onan generator in a Fifth Wheel
Well, we had an offer we couldn't refuse on our Class A and sold it! We discovered we absolutely LOVE RVing so now, we have moved into a Fifth Wheel (first time)for the additional room, etc. We fell...
Forum Discussion
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!
