I just purchased a Touch of Class trailer with on onboard Onan propane generator. I have always had gas generators. My question is for those of you with propane generators is: Do they run on liquid propane? This trailer has 2 20 lb regular tanks and one large 40 lb tank that says both liquid and vapor on it. The local propane company thinks this trailers generator runs off the liquid tank and the rest of the appliances run on gas (or vapor) propane. The person I bought it from is no help as he bought the trailer used it a few times and then stored it for 10 years. Yes, I am having to redo alot but the trailer is like new and was a great deal. Thanks in advance.
Posted 2006-12-23 6:56 PM (#52798 - in reply to #52795) Subject: RE: Propane Generators
Location: Central Arkansas
I currently have a Onan Propane generator on my 2005 LQ trailer. It reads 3600 LP on the green casing. You should be able to go to the Onan website and pick yours out if you cannot find the model info. Even though it is a LP3600, it gives the same amount of power as my other weekend trailer that has a Onan 4000 gasoline generator. Another good source would be the RV Service Centers.
I really dislike the propane generator. I much prefer the gasoline since it is much easier to fill and much more readily available. The propane gen sucks the propane thru it like a 4 barrel carberator in a 55 Chevy! Propane will also freeze up in the winter and at high altitudes. Also, most places you go will NOT fill the propane bottles on the trailer anymore.
Posted 2006-12-23 7:25 PM (#52801 - in reply to #52795) Subject: RE: Propane Generators
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Danielsville Georgia
I have a Onan 2.5? Book is in the trailer.But it runs on the regular propane tanks that run hot water heater,stove etc.Just plurged and filled the tanks last week at the local feed store etc.
Posted 2006-12-23 9:25 PM (#52808 - in reply to #52795) Subject: RE: Propane Generators
Member
Posts: 6
Location: Lone Star State
Our living quarters came with an Onan propane generator. I absolutely HATE it - they never even ask what kind of generator we wanted and i never even thought about it being propane. Propane is harder to find when you are on the road than gas or diesel. The LQ burns both tanks of propane way too fast. I think changing to a gas or diesel generator would be a lot of trouble and a big expense. Does anyone know how hard it would be to have it changed?
Posted 2006-12-27 10:22 AM (#52906 - in reply to #52795) Subject: RE: Propane Generators
Member
Posts: 43 Location: Cheyenne,Wy
The Gen runs off of lp vapor. The tanks hold liquid lp but everything runs off the vapor. That is one reason for not over filling your tanks . you need to have that air space for the vapor to form and that is what is pulled off and the applinaces run off of.
Posted 2006-12-27 10:54 AM (#52909 - in reply to #52795) Subject: RE: Propane Generators
Member
Posts: 14
Location: Gobles, MI
Thanks for the responses. I was afraid of just what you all are saying. I can always take the small tanks off and have them filled but the large tank does not come off that easy, you have to take the whole trailer in to have it filled (not an easy task as it is a large trailer). I will go to the onan website. Someone also told me we have an onan dealer in Grand Rapids.
Posted 2006-12-27 11:02 AM (#52910 - in reply to #52906) Subject: RE: Propane Generators
Expert
Posts: 2953 Location: North Carolina
Originally written by mgisse on 2006-12-27 9:22 AM
The tanks hold liquid lp but everything runs off the vapor. That is one reason for not over filling your tanks . you need to have that air space for the vapor to form and that is what is pulled off and the applinaces run off of.
Actually, the vapor space is for expansion. NFPA code 58 allows LP tanks to be filled to only 85% of capacity. If there was no vapor space, liquid expansion would rupture the tank. The relief valve prevents this but, then explosive gas is released. So the better course is leave expansion room in the tank.
Posted 2006-12-27 11:08 AM (#52911 - in reply to #52808) Subject: RE: Propane Generators
Expert
Posts: 2953 Location: North Carolina
Originally written by 3Turns'Nhome on 2006-12-23 8:25 PM
Our living quarters came with an Onan propane generator. I absolutely HATE it - they never even ask what kind of generator we wanted and i never even thought about it being propane. Propane is harder to find when you are on the road than gas or diesel. The LQ burns both tanks of propane way too fast. I think changing to a gas or diesel generator would be a lot of trouble and a big expense. Does anyone know how hard it would be to have it changed?
Changing the engine to run on gasoline is relatively easy. Change out the carburator and you're done. You even get more horsepower from the engine! The hard part is providing the tank and plumbing to get the gasoline to the genset.
Propane Generators
