Diesel vs. LP Generator

My reason for diesel is simple---I put 110 gal of diesel in and I am done. RV goes down the road and 7500 Onan purrs right along....And that thing don't seem to use much but just like the RV I never check because if I use it I have to feed it.

Effy wrote:

vegasfoodguy wrote:

bluwtr49 wrote:
Since the question was what are the advantages of each....it made me stop and think. The only advantage of an LP genset that comes to mind is that they are cheaper to buy and perhaps a tad lighter.

On every other front, diesel has the advantage included when time come to resell the coach, no many buyers want LP gennys so that could be a huge problem.

If you find a plan you like, I wouldn't let the generator be a deal breaker. I have LPG, I carry 60 gallons of propane, Diesel is $4.00 gal, Propane is $2.59
Both are readily available. 2 weeks at Quartzsite, my refer used about the same as generator. You don't need to run it that much. I use my inveter as well.

Hope this helps.

Terry.

I want to by LP where you are getting it. Anywhere I go it's about the same as gas.

Several places in the Reno/Carson City area, Speedee Mart, Damonte Ranch and S. Virginia st,
In Quartzsite this year, $3.00 delivered to camp

Terry.

Keep in mind that a propane fired genset is derated by about 10%, since propane does not develop the same power as gas or diesel.
I had a propane fired genset in a fifth wheel and one in a truck camper. Both worked just fine. All of the motorhomes I have owned had gasoline gensets. They worked just fine, too.
You can go to the Onan website and read all about propane gensets, including the fuel usage.

I have a 6.5kw LP generator in my MH and I don't have any issues with it. The tank is 35 gal if memory serves and I've never run out. If I had a choice I would probably go with diesel just for the sake of convenience. I would check into a diesel conversion if this one ever goes belly up, but that would be the only reason to change.

I usually buy propane at one of the big local propane joints. I can't really speak to price but I believe the last time I filled up it was way less than diesel or gas. I have never tracked hours per gallon, maybe somebody else will have figures on that. I have propane on board anyway for cooking and the fridge so I still have to buy it.

Our MH has a great floor plan and that is the reason we bought it. I guess what I'm getting at is I wouldn't pass up the right MH just because it has an LP generator.

If you do end up with an LP generator do yourself a favor and swap the fuel line from the liquid port to the vapor port if it hasn't already been done. Less hassle with fuel line clogging etc.

The answer really depends on how you plan to use the coach/generator.

If the generator will be running all the time you drive and/or long periods while drycamping, I agree a diesel is the way to go.

BUT, if you just use the generator occasionally (maybe a hundred to two hundred hours a year) propane will work just fine. Yes, they use a little more fuel, but are half the weight and very problem-free, particularly when compared with their gasoline counterparts. And, you could buy a brand new propane generator for the cost of any major repair on the diesel generator.

We have had propane generator on two coaches over the last 15 years, and they have been virtually trouble-free and absolutely fit our lifestyle.

vegasfoodguy wrote:

bluwtr49 wrote:
Since the question was what are the advantages of each....it made me stop and think. The only advantage of an LP genset that comes to mind is that they are cheaper to buy and perhaps a tad lighter.

On every other front, diesel has the advantage included when time come to resell the coach, no many buyers want LP gennys so that could be a huge problem.

If you find a plan you like, I wouldn't let the generator be a deal breaker. I have LPG, I carry 60 gallons of propane, Diesel is $4.00 gal, Propane is $2.59
Both are readily available. 2 weeks at Quartzsite, my refer used about the same as generator. You don't need to run it that much. I use my inveter as well.

Hope this helps.

Terry.

I want to by LP where you are getting it. Anywhere I go it's about the same as gas.

Typically, one finds propane gennies in entry level moho's where the manufacturer is trying to save a few bucks.

As compared to a gasoline genie, advantage propane by only the tiniest margin.
Compared to a diesel, no contest diesel, but it costs 4 times more to put it in there.

As for Terry's Diplomat, that can only be the exception that proves the rule.

bluwtr49 wrote:
Since the question was what are the advantages of each....it made me stop and think. The only advantage of an LP genset that comes to mind is that they are cheaper to buy and perhaps a tad lighter.

On every other front, diesel has the advantage included when time come to resell the coach, no many buyers want LP gennys so that could be a huge problem.

If you find a plan you like, I wouldn't let the generator be a deal breaker. I have LPG, I carry 60 gallons of propane, Diesel is $4.00 gal, Propane is $2.59
Both are readily available. 2 weeks at Quartzsite, my refer used about the same as generator. You don't need to run it that much. I use my inveter as well.

Hope this helps.

Terry.

BTU of propane is less than diesel which means you need a big propane tank if you boondock and use the ACCOUNT very much.

Since the question was what are the advantages of each....it made me stop and think. The only advantage of an LP genset that comes to mind is that they are cheaper to buy and perhaps a tad lighter.

On every other front, diesel has the advantage included when time come to resell the coach, no many buyers want LP gennys so that could be a huge problem.