Are LP generators a pain

[gnight]

I've been looking for months on downsizing from my 30ft class C to something 24ft or less. I do like some of the B's but it seems the majority have LP generators. Is that as big of a pain as it sounds? Always having to worry about your LP tank levels, finding a place to fill the tanks, and the rumor is they are fairly loud?

I like the simplicity of a generator pulling from the coach's gas tank but it's just because I've never had a LP genset

[Atlee]

They are a big pain from the stand point they are thirsty but the fuel supply is quite limited. The big plus from having a gasoline powered generator is it's ability to drink from the large on board gasoline tank.

For an example, about 5 years ago, when I had a Roadtrek, we were at the college football CFA game against Alabama in Atlanta. I jumped off the interstate to fill up with gas before going to the Georgia Dome. We arrived Friday morning. Atlanta during Labor Day weekend can be hot as Hades. We ended up having to run the generator and AC for 36 straight hours. On Sunday when we left, there was still plenty of gas in the tank. I just filled up shortly after leaving Atlanta. This never could have happened with a propane powered generator.

gnight wrote:
I've been looking for months on downsizing from my 30ft class C to something 24ft or less. I do like some of the B's but it seems the majority have LP generators. Is that as big of a pain as it sounds? Always having to worry about your LP tank levels, finding a place to fill the tanks, and the rumor is they are fairly loud?

I like the simplicity of a generator pulling from the coach's gas tank but it's just because I've never had a LP genset

[My_Roadtrek]

Propane generators need exercised as much as gas ones. The 2 hour exercise period is more for the windings than the carbuertors. Running fresh gas through the carbs for a 1/2 hour is probably all that is needed to keep them from varnishing.
Either gas or propane should be equally trouble free if exercised, and serviced per owners manuals.
If I was storing my Class B, and couldn't do the exercising, I would install a fuel cut off, so the carb could be run dry.

[Fastpaddler]

There is a thread: More ONan2.8 KW questions: carburetor.
There always seem to be LP genset bashers. Read the thread and realize that LP gensets dont have anywhee near the problems that gasoline/diesel generators have. I know as I had two previous Onans and carburetor problems occurred even with regular servicing although I put Stabil in my gas tank to help. The ONAN generator as noted by our Moderator, is a good product but needs service. With my LP 2.8 just an oil change so far. A big LP unit would be used in a bigger B than ours to meet area demand. I will check on the MR HEATER system to extend house LP tank useage.

[Fastpaddler]

Gene in NE wrote:

Fastpaddler wrote:
I conclude from all these helpful comments that the one BIG LP user is air conditioning. That has been my experience too. Otherwise, my PW LP storage tank has never run out of LP but then again, I dont live in Texas,SoCal or Arizona or similar locals and, I dont tend to drive in those climates if at all possible.

I don't believe your PW has a propane generator to make electricity for your air conditoner. That could be the reason your storage tank has never run out of LP.

Hi Gene and Happy New Year.
Yes. I actually was in Edmonton when it was nearly 90 degrees outside. I was parked by the roadside with my generator running and powering my house airconditioner--for 2 1/2 hrs. We were comfortable inside while waiting for our pooch Holly who was at the dog spa getting prettified!! The house aircon needs 20-30 amp a/c power and the generator supplies that. I certainly would not have tried running the engine aircon as the temp guage was getting up there as it was before I parked. I dont recall how much propane I used.

Cheers
Al

[Gene_in_NE]

Fastpaddler wrote:
I conclude from all these helpful comments that the one BIG LP user is air conditioning. That has been my experience too. Otherwise, my PW LP storage tank has never run out of LP but then again, I dont live in Texas,SoCal or Arizona or similar locals and, I dont tend to drive in those climates if at all possible.

I don't believe your PW has a propane generator to make electricity for your air conditoner. That could be the reason your storage tank has never run out of LP.

[Fastpaddler]

I conclude from all these helpful comments that the one BIG LP user is air conditioning. That has been my experience too. Otherwise, my PW LP storage tank has never run out of LP but then again, I dont live in Texas,SoCal or Arizona or similar locals and, I dont tend to drive in those climates if at all possible.

[Jim_Carolyn]

If you are worried about running out of propane, Mr. Heater makes a device called "Extend A Stay" that can be hooked up to an external propane tank to fill up your permanent tank in the rig. Of course you'd have to take along an extra tank of propane on extended boondockig trips.

[topless]

Lp is a cleaner fuel and much less problems if not used frequently. No carburetor varnishing, or water build up in fuel system. I like it, and would carry 20# cylinders if I needed more than the 7gallon tank, but that has never been a problem.

[homedad]

What I hate about LP in general is that I can't just take a couple plastic jugs to the gas station to fill up. I need to break camp and take the whole rig to fill. Some of the gas stations I go to will only fill LP during certain hours. I wish every LP appliance in my RV ran on gasoline.

[KD4UPL]

I like my Onan LP gen. It's not that loud, louder than a Honda or Yamaha but quieter than most any other generator I've heard.
Propane is readily available at just about any campground, hardware store, rental center, Walmart, truck stop, convenience store, etc. Getting fuel really isn't an issue.
My gen. always starts with no need to choke or prime. The fuel never goes bad. The exhaust doesn't have much odor to it.
I don't run the gen. that much. We use it for the toaster, coffee maker, microwave, etc. so mostly short duration. We do use it for the AC sometimes for several hours. I've never yet run out of fuel with 2 20# tanks.

[1775]

If you look at Roadtreks all of the gas models have gasoline Onan 2800 generators. Also Roadtrek has a new diesel or gas engine generator that runs off the engine.

[Fastpaddler]

Depends where you live re initial fillups, how much you use your genset, for what purposes, and other factors. Have owned two C classes with gas gensets:noisier in my view than my current 2800 lp unit. Also had varnishing problem and balky starting whereas never with LP. LP here is cheaper than diesel and, regular gas! Availability has never been an issue. A diesel genset would be nicer, noisier too but would meam my diesel MH would need a cutoff to ensure dont run out of diesel and get stuck in the bush with empty tank,Note: believe that is feature of newer Sprinter units. With all systems one needs to be aware of how much LP,gas,or diesel is available for prolonged DRY camping. In any week period I have never/never run out of LP including several days in the bush using LP for everything including charging the house batteries. But, I guess some people have more generous demands on available resources. I powered my brother-in-laws aircon and lights in his 5th wheel plus my aircon and lights on my B Class ONE LP 2800 Onan--no problem. But careful use of available LP is wise.

[Big_Katuna]

LP does not have as much energy per gal as gas so uses about 1.3 gallons per hour vs 1 gal per hour for gas. 20-30 gal tank is about 15-25 hours and then you are out of LP for cooking heat and the fridge until you refill. Vs a 40-90 gal tank of gas or diesel tank and your LP Tank full.

[Goldbrick]

Yes.....They burn more fuel and run hotter (air cooled) than most other generators... I always thought unsafely hot.