Propane versus gasoline generator

DarkSkySeeker wrote:
Do propane generators suffer from the same problems as gasoline ones, namely the dried up laquer problem in the carb and jets?

Isn't it a no brainer to have a propane generator since then you share the fuel with the fridge, stove, and heater?

From what I've read, they don't have stale-fuel or carb gumming issues common to liquid fueled generators.

As far as a no brainer? I guess that depends on the hassle level you're willing to put up with.


It's been my experience over the short 30,000 miles I've RV'd, that propane ALWAYS costs more than gasoline and it's harder to find. Lots of places selling 3/4 full trade-in tanks, but few actually willing to pump LP into your tanks.

LP is far less energy dense, so for any given input you get less output compared to gasoline.

My generators are heavy enough, without having to lug around an external steel fuel tank as well. A rubber gas hose is going to dry out under the sun and eventually start leaking. I guess the generator's fuel tank will do the same eventually.

My generator fuel is also "emergency" fuel for my truck. If I should miscalculate a refueling stop, I can empty the six gallon generator fuel can into the truck and go another hundred miles.

No gumming up (caused by additives the government requires in gasoline), but the regulator can ice up. This is less likely on the liquid side on the regulator which is what the gen runs on. Mine starts up every time when I go once a month to exercise it over the winter.

I personally like the propane Onan in the Sahara, but then I don't run it a lot or for very long. Newer coaches with diesel engines, diesel fired Aqua-hot heaters and diesel generators run off the same fuel, and using a residential fridge completely removes propane from the coach.

Propane has its pluses. But, I'll take a gasoline or diesel generator over a propane generator anytime.

An engine run on propane will generally run longer and require less maintenance than running on gasoline. Propane is a lot easier to vaporize in the carburetor (really more a mixing valve than anything for propane) and propane, being gaseous at atmospheric pressure and temperatures, won't leave deposits behind. It also tends to burn a bit more cleanly overall.

I personally prefer a gas powered generator due to the more readily available fuel (which is also simpler to transport and transfer about) and the greater energy density of gasoline per unit volume than propane. It's especially a contrast with a motorhome where the fuel tank has 40+ gallons usable by the generator and the propane tank is maybe 15 gallons typically.

Propane generators are quite "hungry" so filling up becomes an issue, particularly in small towns. Gas is more easily available.

A couple 30# bottles will run the fridge, furnace, stove, water for an extended period.
If you plan to run the air conditioner 24/7 you may want to increase your propane supply. But then if you are worried about carburetor gum you may not be using it that much.
And I suppose the furnace does burn some serious propane as temperatures dip well below freezing.

Propane does burn cleaner. There are no carb or bad gas issues with lp.
Propane is generally less efficient. An lp genset will burn more fuel vs. a gasoline genset. There is more energy in a gallon of gasoline vs.a gallon of lp.
Transporting fuel will vary based on the RV type. Motorized RV's gas or diesel will always be easier based on the engine type of the RV.
Towable RV's present more of a challenge. A toy hauler generally has a built in gasoline tank which works well for a built in gasoline powered genset.
However a towable 5'er generally has no gasoline tank. Portable gas cans or portable LP tanks are your only method.
Most fiver's comes with LP tanks already installed on board making a LP genset and easier solution from a transportation and storage viewpoint.
My 5'er comes with 4-20# lp tanks from the factory. Making a lp genset a viable solution for power.
I am a convenience genset user and lp works great for me. However if I were a heavy genset user I might consider a different fuel source.
Camping style, usage,and RV types are all factors to consider when choosing a genset fuel type

Gumming up the carb doesn't happen with propane.
I have a propane gen. and I like it. But, I don't use it that much. Mine starts every time I need it. The exhaust is fairly odorless and clean. I use far more propane for my furnace or water heater than anything else. I haven't had much trouble finding propane filling stations either. In fact a lot of the campgrounds I've stayed at have them.
If I were going to run the generator a lot, like all day for the AC or something, then gasoline would be easier to deal with as far as getting and transporting the fuel. For my occasional use for a few hours now and then it works out great.

Thank you all for the great answers. I am grateful.

I have not purchased my RV yet, but this propane versus gas question is part of the decision process.

One of the main reasons I camp is to do photography of the stars with telescopes, and we need power for that.

So my needs are fridge, ac, furnace, stove, oven, and (for the astrophotography) multiple laptops and less than 500watts of telescope gear.

Given what's been written already, is the energy density issue my main concern?