Propane Generator

[CLAYTON]

Who makes a good propane generator. . looking for 4000 -5000 w? I'm new to all of the 5th wheel stuff and need some knowledge from the people who have them. Thanks

 

[BKilbury]

hi, i'm researching the same. take a look at camp Power by Onan. These are sold and serviced by Cummins service shops. They are both gas and propane. Once in a while you can catch them on e-bay

rgds, bryan

 

[Bill Stockard]

If you are thinking built-in remote start propane powered units, go with the Onan. I've had both Onan and Generac. The Onan wins hands down in my books!



The Onan is quieter, has less problems, and has a much better service network that Generac. The only disadvantages for Onan is that it may cost more and weigh more depending on which models you are considering/comparing.



Bill

 

[klenger]

I have an Onan 3600 LP Microquiet and am very pleased with it. They have higher power models also, but this was all I needed and all that would fit in the gen compt.



http://www.klenger.net/arctic-fox/generator-installation/index.html

 

[dvaughan]

I have a Onan 2500 microlite (propane) and like it very much. You don't have to carry gas and I like that. I have had it for about two years and it handles my air and fridge with no problem.

Go ahead and get one. It might cost you a little bit of money if your trailer is not piped or wired for it.



Dan

 

[RMcCulloch]

If you plan to use it very much, you'll want to check on the fuel usage rate. (Propane generators are "thirstier" than liquid fuelled ones and produce less power. )



I went with a gasoline-fuelled Onan so as to preserve the propane for use with the stove and furnace. Another factor in my choice was the availability of fuel and ease of transport.



If you'll be using a propane generator for extended periods, you'll want to pick up extra propane tanks so that you won't have to make a lot of resupply runs just to keep the generator fed.

 

[ralbert]

I have a microlite 2500 in my truck camper running on LP. I agree it uses more fuel than I like. When I bought my 5th wheel I decided to go with a Honda 2000. Low fuel consumption and can be used for other things. I realize that the 2000 will not run my air but two 2000's will and not use as much fuel as one running on LP. If you drie camp in cool weather you might not want a big draw on that LP tank. My microlite is a good generator but this new Honda was less than half the price of the Onan.

 

[klenger]

I have been happy with the fuel consumption of my 3600 LP. I have two 40# tanks and refill about every 4th trip, but we only run the gennerator 2 - 4 hours / day. I like the fact that I don't have to worry about gas going bad or varnishing in the generator. Since I have a diesel truck, I'd rather not have to carry gasoline for the generator. I suspect that the furnace uses as much propane / hour as the generator, but I haven't done the math to prove that.

 

[Fishin Guide]

Onan, hands down. Not only are they very well built units, you can get parts almost anywhere in the country.



Dave

 

[richardcoxid]

I went through the agony of the gas/propane powered generator decision.



The Generator dealer suggested that I purchase a gas powered generator. (Less expensive [about $400], uses less fuel to generate more electricity, saves propane for cooking and heating etc. )



I then purchased a US Coast Guard approved 6 gal. boat fuel tank. (Including a 1 gal. reserve) It fits in the generator compartment next to the generator and is equipped with a quick disconnect fuel hose. That way I can re-fill it during a fuel stop, from a “jerry can” or disconnect the fuel hose and take the tank with me to a station.



My generator uses about . 6gal/hr @ 75% power. Giving 8 or more hours of use between fillups with still a 1 gal. reserve.



Just a thought!

 

[CLAYTON]

Originally posted by richardcoxid

I went through the agony of the gas/propane powered generator decision.



The Generator dealer suggested that I purchase a gas powered generator. (Less expensive [about $400], uses less fuel to generate more electricity, saves propane for cooking and heating etc. )



I then purchased a US Coast Guard approved 6 gal. boat fuel tank. (Including a 1 gal. reserve) It fits in the generator compartment next to the generator and is equipped with a quick disconnect fuel hose. That way I can re-fill it during a fuel stop, from a “jerry can” or disconnect the fuel hose and take the tank with me to a station.



My generator uses about . 6gal/hr @ 75% power. Giving 8 or more hours of use between fillups with still a 1 gal. reserve.



Just a thought!

I think this is more of the set up I am leaning towards. I might get a 3000 - 4000 w generator and then get a 15 -20 gallon full tank and connect it some how.



Thanks for all the input and I'll let you know what I end up doing here in the next week or so.