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06bowtie_guy's avatar
06bowtie_guy
Explorer
Jul 13, 2014

Onan LP 5500. Need a tanker of propane??

Just bought a new trailer, I added the propane 5500 watt onan genny for those days where i might want to cool down yet there is no power plug ins. Trailer has 2 propane tanks and no fuel tank so that is why I went that way.

Searching I have found people say bring lots of propane. I was wondering if anyone with a similar generator could shed some light on their actual usage while running A/C.

Wondering if I should buy a couple of 100 lbs tanks or would the 2 30 lbs tanks last a weekend? A/C might be on for 6 to 10 hours in a day if it's hot and the little guy is with me.

Trailer should be ready for pickup later in the week with a planned outing right away where I will be without hydro so going to run the generator/ break it in.

Thanks

15 Replies

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  • GON2SKI's avatar
    GON2SKI
    Explorer
    Jul 13, 2014
    I have not refilled my tanks yet to answer your question, but we went dry camping for three days over the 4th in 100 degree temps and started out with two #10's tanks 80% full. Ran the Onan for 20 hours with AC on. One glitch…….oops …...stored unit and did not shut off the tanks for a five day period and as I shut them down yesterday red was showing at the valve! I may have a leaky system. Back to the drawing board. Interested in comments from your post.
  • OpenRangePullen's avatar
    OpenRangePullen
    Explorer
    Jul 13, 2014
    Lantley wrote:
    OpenRangePullen_Ford wrote:
    I have a rack with 3 extra 40 pounders.

    Do you mean 3 extra 20# tanks? I have an Open range also and it comes with 4- 20# tanks

    Yep
  • Lantley's avatar
    Lantley
    Nomad
    Jul 13, 2014
    OpenRangePullen_Ford wrote:
    I have a rack with 3 extra 40 pounders.

    Do you mean 3 extra 20# tanks? I have an Open range also and it comes with 4- 20# tanks.
    I can go about 6-8 hours on a tank. If you plan to run genset for long periods regularly Gas or diesel s a better way to go.
    However if you don't plan to run genset for long periods very often LP will be fine.
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Jul 13, 2014
    My experience with our 6200w Onan l.p. genny
    Is about 1 gal per hour running the a/C, that's about 6 hours per 30# tank,
    you might get better fuel economy, with your new Onan
    ours is 19 yrs old and has over 3000 hrs on it

    We have large frame mounted tank, in our DP, approx 28 gal, that about 130#

    For a/C use, I think you would be better served with a gasoline version
    Easier to get, easier to transport, available every where, more energy per gallon

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