Installing Onan generator in a Fifth Wheel

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.