Forum Discussion

Tradewinds's avatar
Tradewinds
Explorer
Jan 24, 2018

Generator Fuel Usage

I have a 4000 KW Onan generator in my 2016 Winnebago, can anyone tell me what the fuel usage is per hour in the generator when under load. It is a gas unit...
  • .28 GPH at no load .48 GPH at half load, and .71 GPH at full load for an Onan KY 4000
  • Due to the changing load over several hours I use the formula of 2 hours per gallon.
  • My KY will average 1/2 gph running the A/C and water heater. 2 nght stay at the race track usually will burn 12 gallons for the week end. Running the gen between 12-18 hours a day.
  • Isaac-1 wrote:
    .28 GPH at no load .48 GPH at half load, and .71 GPH at full load for an Onan KY 4000


    This is very close to what my product information sheet indicates. Seems to be a very efficient device.
  • Generators can be engineered to be VERY efficient because they only have to run at a single speed, albeit under varying loads. The designers can then optimize the design for just that speed. This is unlike the engine in your car or coach that has to be able to run all the way from idle to redline.
  • dfletch wrote:
    Due to the changing load over several hours I use the formula of 2 hours per gallon.


    Ditto !! (= .5 Gallon per Hour)
  • Sorry to read about the old motor home. You should use 1/2gph on light load and 3/4 of on heavy load. Also the carburetors do not like alcohol in the gas . The carbs are sealed and you can't clean them easily. Use stale-bale in gas if you are going to be parked for more than 45 days. The carbs sell for $450.00 w/o the kiss.
  • AKRV, how are you guys doing, really lost track of you over the years. . Still in Yuma, we need to meet up sometime along the way. Well drop you a note on the rally site, we still visit on there...Bob and Sue