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buylow12's avatar
buylow12
Explorer
Oct 08, 2015

Electric or Propane When Paying for Electric?

We just arrived in Tucson where my wife will be starting her next assignment. We'll be staying here at the Far Horizon RV Resort for the next three months. It's a great park but this will be the first time I've stayed somewhere that the electric is not included. So I was wondering what will be more cost effective, electric or propane? There are basically three items I'm considering.

The two way fridge
My propane catalytic heater vs my electric ceramic space heater
The hot water heater

I assume that in all three cases that the propane would be better but I have nothing to base that on. What do ya'll think?

As always, thanks for the help,

Tim Czarkowski
TotalTravelers.com
  • Propane might be slightly cheaper but electric electricity is a lot less hassle to get refilled.
  • This is a no-brainer with ALL cost factors computed. Look it up.

    Determine what you are paying per KWH for electric (factoring in any "surcharges")

    Multiply that by 27.

    Whichever figure is lower is the energy source you should use. Given today's prices in most areas, propane will win, hands down.
  • About a toss up.
    But doesn't the hassle of getting propane make electric a lot cheaper ?
  • It just isn't that big of a difference to worry over.

    When connected to electric regardless of metered or provided with site fee I use electric....it is simpler than having to check on propane and go refill if needed.

    Then if electric should NOT be available propane is ready to go as backup option.
    Same reason my fresh water tank is always full
  • Fridge and water heater use propane. Heater use electrical.

    The fridge and water heater don't use that much propane as they are just maintaining the temps for the most part. I can go over 28 days of using propane (50lb) for my fridge, water heater (on all the time) and stove/oven for a minimum of 2 meals per day.

    Use the space heater - safer for night time use.
  • Normally, electric is more efficient then propane cost wise. However, at some parks we've stayed at, the park doubles the cost per kilowatt that the local utility charges them. That is because the park owns the electrical system in the park, including the posts and the meters.

    Still, for convenience, I'd still use the electric option. Otherwise, you'll have to have your propane tank refilled frequently. For us in Yuma, the cost was almost equal in the park. On a private lot, the cost of electric was half. The only exception would be the frig. It is a very efficient user of propane, but uses quite a bit of electric to accomplish heating the coils. So, leave the frig on propane.
  • Ask about the / Kw hour charge, and propane. with this years low price on oil, my bet is propane. Look around for best price on filling tanks.

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