Propane versus gasoline generator

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

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

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.

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.