Do propane generators suffer from the same problems as gasoline ones, namely the dried up laquer problem in the carb and jets?Isn't it a no brainer to have a propane generator since then you share the fuel with the fridge, stove, and heater?

DarkSkySeeker wrote:Do propane generators suffer from the same problems as gasoline ones, namely the dried up laquer problem in the carb and jets?Isn't it a no brainer to have a propane generator since then you share the fuel with the fridge, stove, and heater?From what I've read, they don't have stale-fuel or carb gumming issues common to liquid fueled generators.As far as a no brainer? I guess that depends on the hassle level you're willing to put up with.It's been my experience over the short 30,000 miles I've RV'd, that propane ALWAYS costs more than gasoline and it's harder to find. Lots of places selling 3/4 full trade-in tanks, but few actually willing to pump LP into your tanks.LP is far less energy dense, so for any given input you get less output compared to gasoline. My generators are heavy enough, without having to lug around an external steel fuel tank as well. A rubber gas hose is going to dry out under the sun and eventually start leaking. I guess the generator's fuel tank will do the same eventually.My generator fuel is also "emergency" fuel for my truck. If I should miscalculate a refueling stop, I can empty the six gallon generator fuel can into the truck and go another hundred miles.

No gumming up (caused by additives the government requires in gasoline), but the regulator can ice up. This is less likely on the liquid side on the regulator which is what the gen runs on. Mine starts up every time when I go once a month to exercise it over the winter.I personally like the propane Onan in the Sahara, but then I don't run it a lot or for very long. Newer coaches with diesel engines, diesel fired Aqua-hot heaters and diesel generators run off the same fuel, and using a residential fridge completely removes propane from the coach.

Propane has its pluses. But, I'll take a gasoline or diesel generator over a propane generator anytime.

An engine run on propane will generally run longer and require less maintenance than running on gasoline. Propane is a lot easier to vaporize in the carburetor (really more a mixing valve than anything for propane) and propane, being gaseous at atmospheric pressure and temperatures, won't leave deposits behind. It also tends to burn a bit more cleanly overall.I personally prefer a gas powered generator due to the more readily available fuel (which is also simpler to transport and transfer about) and the greater energy density of gasoline per unit volume than propane. It's especially a contrast with a motorhome where the fuel tank has 40+ gallons usable by the generator and the propane tank is maybe 15 gallons typically.

Propane generators are quite "hungry" so filling up becomes an issue, particularly in small towns. Gas is more easily available.

Propane versus gasoline generator | Good Sam Community

DrewE
Explorer II
Jan 09, 2017
For astrophotography needs, I would think that a battery/inverter/solar setup would be about ideal. You're likely to be camping in a place with clear, wide-open skies, and the energy usage of the telescope gear and laptops is comparatively modest.
WackAway
Explorer
Jan 09, 2017
I purchased the Champion "Dual Fuel" 3500 watt inverter/generator when I bought my 5'r last November. Having a choice of fuels takes away that "not able to find LPG issue.

My 5'r has 2 30lb tanks and I bought 2 spare 30 lb'rs to use for backup, genny, camp stove and fire pit. So far I've only run the genny on LPG and have camped up to 5 days/nights on 1 of the 30 lb tanks while tee'd to the outdoor camp stove.

My truck is diesel so having emergency for the TV is a NA for me.

Also in my case, LPG is cheap since I get a $0.90 per/gal discount from my home LPG provider.

So for me, LPG is my first choice, but I still have the option to buy gasoline if it was the only thing available.
time2roll
Nomad
Jan 09, 2017
Might do just fine with more battery and inverter. Maybe a small 1000 or 2000 watt portable just in case. Portable may also help if you want to set up 100 yards away on a hill or something. Solar would work in the right conditions and charge your battery the next day.
Bionic_Man
Explorer
Jan 09, 2017
What type of generator? Built in, or portable?

If built in, what type of RV? Class A/B/C, or towable?

How will you use the generator?

What I would suggest for a generator fuel source greatly depends on the answers to the above questions.

To cut to the chase, the only area I might prefer propane is in a towable. Portable generator I would definitely want gas. A RV with a motor, I would prefer the fuel source that the motor runs on.

Even with a towable, I am not sure that the propane is the way to go (and I have a built in propane powered Honda in my 5th wheel. For little stuff like charging batteries, using the microwave, hair dryer, toaster, etc. propane is fine. But when I go and boondock and need to run the air conditioning, it just uses too much fuel. I think it would be much easier to fill with a 5 gallon gas can than to switch out the propane bottles.
DarkSkySeeker
Explorer
Jan 09, 2017
Really good content here, thanks.
WackAway
Explorer
Jan 09, 2017
One more thing to think of...

How sensitive is the equipment you'll be running off of whatever power unit you'll be using? Make sure that you get a pure sinewave type power source. A lot of digital equipment is sensitive to how clean the AC voltage is. Laptops are tolerant, TV's and most positioning servo's are not. I assume your astro-toys have tracking servo's in them, right?

Hope this helps :-)
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Jan 10, 2017
If you boondock a lot you had better have a spare LP tank !
SCVJeff
Explorer
Jan 10, 2017
iMO- Propane should only be used where gas doesn't make sense. For long term storage you can't beat LP. It lasts forever and there's nothing to gum up or go stale. Perfect for a standby residential gen set. There are also laws about commercial gas storage that got us in a pickle at the office. We store an emergency generator at a microwave shack located on top of a large commercial building. The landlord would not allow a flammable liquid up there, but had no issues with a 20lb tank that we store on the roof. Lasts forever, and if it leaks it just vents to the atmosphere. The generator is always ready to go with no fears of contamination.
tinner12002
Explorer
Jan 10, 2017
I think if they would start using FI gen sets in RVs they would be much easier to start and way more efficient. You'd still have to keep fuel treated but that's no big deal. I guess a person could get an LP to gas conversion for their gen, then you could switch back and forth as needed.
WackAway
Explorer
Jan 10, 2017
Here is the Genny that I bought. Like I said, it gives you the choice of fuels.

Champion 3500 Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator with Electric Start