Generator - LP or Diesel?

KD4UPL wrote:
If you intend to put thousands of hours on your generator a diesel should hold up better. Most people don't put enough hours on a unit to wear out either type. Diesel is much easier to find and fill than propane.
Propane will likely have a bit cleaner and better smelling exhaust.

Probably the most accurate assessment.

One good thing about propane, if you don't use the generator very often, propane will not evaporate and gum up the carburetor.

Diesel all the way. A propane generator will suck up that small propane tank fast. I have a 150 gallon diesel tank and would not want to try to run the generator till it went to the 1/4 tank mark and shut itself off being out of fuel..

If it is installed in a motor home.. Well min MH is a gasser

I can carry 70 gallons of gas (Full tank) and use 3/4 of that for the generator (or just over 50..1 quart over about).

Propane I carry 27 gallons. Tops

Some diesels carry well over 100 gallons and can use 3/4 of it for the generator.

I try to keep tank at least 1/2 full in case I need to use generator by the way. I'll put 20 gallons in when I pull out of here and use Genny (Monthly maintenance run) on the way to the next CG)

If you intend to put thousands of hours on your generator a diesel should hold up better. Most people don't put enough hours on a unit to wear out either type. Diesel is much easier to find and fill than propane.
Propane will likely have a bit cleaner and better smelling exhaust.

What about gas?

Anyway, diesel will give you 50% per gallon more energy than propane. Gas is not far behind diesel.

I have been finding it increasely more difficult to find propane refill stations when traveling. Many former dealers have given up due to regulations, costs, limited sales and the need to pull someone specifically to refill tanks. They may give up entirely or switch to exchange tanks. I have been very unhappy with exchange stations. Typically costs are higher. They give you 15# instead of a full 20# tank. The tanks are often out dated and later on no one will fill them and you will need to buy new tanks.

Propane - pro, it’s cheaper to buy the unit itself, con - propane as a fuel is a PITA to find, the tanks are small and you’re using up your furnace, stove and h/w fuel.

Diesel, pro - if you have a diesel chassis the fuel supply is already there, and you don’t affect your limited propane supply for other devices, con - the generator is a LOT more money to buy up front,