So our NL has a generator compartment that will accomodate a Honda 2000. Thats the good news. Bad news is I am told the Honda will not run the A.C. Wondering what those of you that have had propane generators flet about yours and if you were to get a different TC, would you want the propane gene or not?

My propane generator is convenient. It's louder than a Honda.

Mine can, and I have a 13.5kBTU. A lot of newer ACs have 'soft start'. Extra capacitors on the compressor motor that help the start up surge for that very reason. I would recommend you borrow a friend's 2000 and try it before you write it off.That being said, I have had several RVs over the years, and all of them have had one thing in common - an Onan generator that was a royal PITA. Every single one of them was unreliable in some way, form, or fashion. My latest RV has no built in gen, a 3kw inverter, a bunch of batteries charging off solar, backed up by either a honda 1000 or 2000, whichever one (or both) I decide to pack along.

No, I wouldn't want a built in gen because I'd get sick and tired of listening to it and feeling the vibrations.

My LPG generator is heavier and louder than a Honda or Yamaha, but the conveniences are more than worth the negatives. I do not have to carry additional gasoline, secure the generator somewhere, worry about ethanol based fuel breaking down, or going outside to start or stop the generator.

I've had a couple of the Onan 2.5 microlites over the years and would NOT get one! Loud, sucks propane like a monster, unreliable to the point of just refusing to work at all. Service on them is expensive and I've had problems getting simple things like air filters (which they seem to eat!) and other little parts. I could go on and on but you get my pointp.s. the used camper I just bought has one in it, anyone want a deal??

So would you go with a built in propane generator today?

JohnJM
Explorer
Oct 28, 2015
I wouldn't get one. Worst 3k I ever spent was on an Generac for my lance 1010. After many trips to the shop. Exercising it etc I pulled it out with 40 hours on it. Tossed it in the trash I was so annoyed with it. NEVER Again.
Buzzcut1
Nomad II
Oct 28, 2015
Probably still go without. I never found that dealing with my Honda 2000 was problematic. 200 watts of solar does the job for the batteries and the Honda can run from my front torklift sidekick hitch rack without needing to be moved for those times when I need AC.
Mote
Explorer
Oct 28, 2015
In my simple minded opinion, it would depend on how I intended to use the camper. If I'm going to do a lot of boondocking, needing to run the generator for long periods of time, I'd choose the separate Red or Blue gas powered generator. Less noise and less fuel usage.
Now, if I just want to use it occasionally and just for short periods of time, the propane one is handy as it's all built in and all you have to do is push a button to use.
We have one in our Lance, I've played with it a few times. It is loud and it does vibrate the camper somewhat. The longest time I used it was when our power at home went out. I fired it up and plugged in the freezer, fridge, satellite and TV in the house for 8 hours.
GeoBoy
Explorer
Oct 28, 2015
First see if your present AC has the soft start kit on it and the Honda will/not run it.
Then think about changing the AC to a Coleman Mach 8 9.2K unit and selling the old unit.
kerry4951
Explorer
Oct 28, 2015
Ive owned 3 RVs all with built in Onans. They all worked fine.
One mentioned that getting service parts can be a problem. Even if you dont have a dealer or store close by, you can buy everything off Ebay or the internet.
blueglide
Explorer
Oct 28, 2015
Ford vs Chevy...Lance vs Arctic Fox...gas vs diesel...you won't get any answers to your question that are gonna be 100%. My Onan runs fine..so my answer is yes I would go with a built in propane generator again.
mkirsch
Nomad II
Oct 28, 2015
How is Onan still in business? At the very least, why does the RV industry still do business with them?

A good friend of mine has had two class C's with Onan generators over the past 15 years. Both of them complete garbage. The current one is brand new, and you have to crank it for over a minute to get it to fire at all, then you have to restart it 2-3 times to get it to stay running. Dealer can't find anything wrong, gave up and says it's normal. Previous one was about 50/50 whether it would run at all.
Leland1950
Explorer
Oct 28, 2015
Doing the math, you MIGHT get two days run time per 30lb bottle. 1/2 gallon an hr and we run a 15k AC in a 31ft 5th wheel that runs 75% of the time. A TC will use less, I'd stick with the Honda. The hard start capacitor really helps and is cheap and easy to install. Try one if you can. ( I use 2 and the extend tank using about 20-25 gals in a week at the races). My TC that I'm building will still use the Honda's until I can scrape up the money for a Dsl gen to run off my back tank.
nycsteve
Explorer
Oct 28, 2015
I have a built-in Onan. Its reliable and conveniant. That said, I don't use it much. Propane is a pain to replace on the road. I think I'de easly use a good part of a tank for AC overnight. Requiring replacement the next day. Good for emergencies though and more secure against theft than a Honda. But a generator, built in or carry along , wouldn't be a priority on a future purchase. Two agm's and solar is my choce.
lincolnmatthews
Explorer
Oct 28, 2015
I am with the "don't buy it" crowd. Had one on my old Lance, worked for about 50 hrs or so then it crapped out. Spent a Ton of money on it never did work right. When I ordered my new 015 Lance I didn't get it! I enjoy the extra storage!
I have a Yamaha 3000 which starts so nice & is quite & has a fuel shutoff to save the carb. I actually carry the gen behind the seat of my old Dodge ext cab, & haven't yet had a gas fumes. Works for us.