Diesel vs Propane Generator

I'll "generalize" this discussion a bit: Go with a built-in generator powered by the same fuel as is used by the chassis engine - and of course make sure this built-in generator gets it's fuel from the main engine's large fuel tank.

I just plain don't get buying a motorhome without making sure it's design and systems allow for as long as necessary built-in generator runs with little excess generator noise, exhaust odor, or too-small of a built-in fuel supply. For example, we just completed a short but wonderful trip with the grandkids that offered us an opportunity to drycamp overnight during a hot, but otherwise superb visit to Antelope Island on the way to Wyoming. To keep from frying due to a July afternoon arrival at our campsite on the island, we merely fired up the built-in generator powered by the main engine's fuel and ran the A/C while we rested until it cooled off outside. To us, this is a far more valuable use of the built-in generator than for running the microwave or any other 120V appliance.

It's priceless to have the flexibility in one's Class C to be able to do this. Restricting our RV trips to drycamping at cooler high altitudes or to non-hot months would never do it for us. We spent too much for an RV to have to use it while placing this limitation on ourselves. We start another multi-week RV trip this coming August and will count on drycamping at times with no lapse in A/C comfort - regardless of where we camp. For batttery charging we can use the main engine's alternator initially, then follow up with the built-in generator or a small portable generator.

Been there done that.
had diesel pusher with propane gen set. would go through 28 gallon propane tank every other day...!!!! Propane hard to find, many stations don't have. ended looking all over small towns on more than one occasion....!!!!! Sold propane gen set on ebay. Bought cat (perkins) diesel gen set Best purchase I ever made. !/3 Gallon Diesel per hour running 2 A/C units. Ran 3 solid weeks when we were with out elect after Hearken IKE. kept all my neighbors and my refrigerators and cooling fans running 24/7 for 3 weeks + we had A/C in motorhome for cooling and sleep.

I vote for DIESEL.....!!!!!!!!!!!

I have a Yamaha EF6300iS that runs on gasoline. About a year ago, I heard you can get a tri-fuel conversion kit and it will allow you to run Propane, Natural Gas and gasoline.

So I looked at all the conversion kits that online. I like Century Fuel Products because they been in business since 1919, least expensive, free tech support and has durable parts.

Yamaha Generators Conversion Kits

My last RV had a propane generator. I prefer gas/diesel. Hard to find propane when you're out on a trip.

mlts22 wrote:
This was hashed out on the View/Navion forums. The winner? The diesel generator, by far. The people who have one say it doesn't smell, and some just use a Gen-Turi system so the exhaust is dispersed over the top of their rig, so it isn't an issue in any case.

You will hear dealers say that it is easier to use propane, propane smells better, and so on. Dismiss it. They just want to sell their rigs that have LP gas gensets. Propane can be a PITA to get, and it is a lot harder to take extra along than a few extra cans of diesel on a hitch mounted cargo rack.

If given the choice, go with a diesel generator. You will be happy you did.

On my View the diesel exhaust originally exited right under the awning which I didn't like so I had the exhaust rerouted out the rear of my rig and I do have a Gen-Turi to vent it over the top of our RV. Now it is no problem and I'm happy I have the diesel genny.

This was hashed out on the View/Navion forums. The winner? The diesel generator, by far. The people who have one say it doesn't smell, and some just use a Gen-Turi system so the exhaust is dispersed over the top of their rig, so it isn't an issue in any case.

You will hear dealers say that it is easier to use propane, propane smells better, and so on. Dismiss it. They just want to sell their rigs that have LP gas gensets. Propane can be a PITA to get, and it is a lot harder to take extra along than a few extra cans of diesel on a hitch mounted cargo rack.

If given the choice, go with a diesel generator. You will be happy you did.

I think it all depends on how you will use the generator. If you want to run the air conditioner a lot from it, diesel is the way to go. With minimal air conditioner use, propane will be better in some situations. The way I use the RV, I rarely run the air conditioner. When boondocking, I carry a portable inverter generator to keep the battery charged. It's a lot quieter and uses less fuel. The built-in generator usually gets fired up to run the microwave, and occasionally to charge the battery. Besides the lower initial cost, the propane generator IMO is a lot less prone to have problems with less-than-frequent use. There are no issues with old fuel, fuel pumps, and gummed-up carbs or injectors.

Interesting how many comments didn't mention the obnoxious smell of diesel. I can't imagine sitting around my campsite smelling diesel exhaust, or subjecting my neighboring campers to it. I'm taking delivery of a new Itasca Navion with a propane generator this week. I'm aware of the Navion's small propane tank but I don't need to run the gen for battery charging since I'm having a solar panel installed on the roof. I usually use my gen short time on hot afternoons for some AC or to use the microwave for dinner.

My previous class C and the class A I'm trading in both had gas generators, and I agee you don't have to think much about fuel consumption with using the same fuel for the gen that is used to for engine.

Time will tell how a propane generator works out for me.

Interesting discussion here, glad I found it.

newlee wrote:
Chuckhm
What was the cost of the propane generator?

Second dealer said you are much better running you generator on your diesel as it runs quieter, and save your propane for the other appliances that need propane. Cost of diesel option was about $4500

Do your own research on whether a diesel is quieter. Have them fire them both up and listen for yourself. DO NOT take the word of the salesman. Listen to them outside and inside the RV under conditions you will likely be using it. I seldom use the AC so that isn't a big issue for me. Your needs may be different.

had propane gen set in my class a when i first bought it. Had hard time always finding propane on the road. had to always ask some one where to find it in small towns. then leave main high way looking for it and it was a real pain.

Finally had enough of that sold my propane gen set and bought a 8KW diesel cat generator. never had to look for propane again. The diesel was much more economical to run also. it only used 1/3 gallon per hour running 2 ac units.

I had to shoe horn it into propane gen set space but it fit like a glove when I finished.

Go diesel forget the propane. Been there done that.....!!!!!
the salesmen will tell you not to worry....!!!! "worry "