Posted 2008-10-16 10:40 AM (#93147 - in reply to #93145) Subject: RE: Gas or propane to run the generator.
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
If you have a LQ and already have LP. Then get the BIG tanks and the LP generator. If you are going to use a portable generator, get a gasoline powered inverter type.
Posted 2008-10-16 10:41 AM (#93148 - in reply to #93145) Subject: RE: Gas or propane to run the generator.
Location: Central Arkansas
I had a propane generator in my last LQ trailer. I HATED it. It sucked the propane down and the big bottles were such a pain in the butt to deal with getting filled. Rarely, can you find someone willing to fill the propane bottles while still sitting in their tray on the trailer. It is so much easier to deal with a gasoline generator. You can buy gasoline almost anywhere 24/7, propane you can not. Also, if you travel in the mountains or have a significate altitude change, the propane generators need adjusting ALOT more than the gasoline.
Posted 2008-10-16 11:41 AM (#93151 - in reply to #93145) Subject: RE: Gas or propane to run the generator.
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Arkansas
We have an Onan generator on board, and it works very well, gasoline powered. I can take off my 20 lb bottles of LP and exchange or fill them anywhere at my convenience for my furnance, hot water and cooking if boondocking.
The generator has it's own 20 gal gasoline tank that I top off when I fill the truck on my journey with the trailer. I can get a gas can and put gasoline in my generator's fuel tank easily without having to break camp or move the trailer. I think it is easier than than the propane powered generator. I have a neighbor who has the propane Onan on board generator, which I thought would be quiet, but it has just as much sound as mine, which is considered fairly quiet. I think I would stay with the gasoline powered Onan that we have, having compared the two. I have been extremely pleased with ours in performance and fuel economy.
Posted 2008-10-16 9:02 PM (#93171 - in reply to #93145) Subject: RE: Gas or propane to run the generator.
Member
Posts: 20
Location: Weatherford, Tx
Gas is always available, just remember to put stabil, or another stabilizer in the tank if it is going to sit for too long it will gum everything up. Propane can be difficult to find and a hassle to take out to go fill. The noise figures are almost the same like 1-2 db. Good luck
Posted 2008-10-17 9:13 AM (#93191 - in reply to #93145) Subject: RE: Gas or propane to run the generator.
Elite Veteran
Posts: 795 Location: Tenn/Ala.
The LP doesn't get stale like gas. But at ambient temperatures below 45 degrees, the LP sets are a bear to get started. And as was stated before- the gas gums up quicly in an Onan, but it still gets my vote over LP.
Posted 2008-10-17 9:14 AM (#93192 - in reply to #93145) Subject: RE: Gas or propane to run the generator.
Member
Posts: 28 Location: Broomfield, CO
I have LP, Used to have Gas. LP is a big fat Pain! The tanks freeze up even in 100 degree weather, when you run the ac too long. It is quieter. The tanks freeze up after about 4 hour of running, so If its cold and you need heat.... UGH! Its just not fun. I usually carry 2 extra tanks and do the propane exchange thing. Which isnt bad it you can plan ahead. I travel at various altitudes, so if anone has any suggestions about how to adjust it, they would be very welcome. I have asked many dealer for help and no one has any suggestions. GO gas with a nice big tank.
Posted 2008-10-17 9:54 AM (#93193 - in reply to #93145) Subject: RE: Gas or propane to run the generator.
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 399 Location: Ottawa, Illinois 61350
Most manufacturers of Living Quarters (conversions) now use gasoline powered in place of LP. LP's can be very temperamental if they sit a long time and don't get much use. We have had to pull several Onan units out of the trailer and send them off to have them worked on. Most of the time, its because they just don't get used enough, or the customer doesn't have routine service done on them. My rcommendation would be go with gasoline, and make SURE you get the gas out of it before winter or get Sta-Bil put in your fuel. Stick with an Onan or Honda.
Posted 2008-10-17 10:54 AM (#93194 - in reply to #93145) Subject: RE: Gas or propane to run the generator.
Location: Central Arkansas
Fate as Nate, there is a big screw that you adjust for the altitude. I remember seeing a diagram of where it is in the Onan book. We had to adjust the propane generator everytime we went to CO & WY and then again when we came home. Up in the mountains, it would run really rough and sputter until we adjusted it.
Posted 2008-10-17 5:19 PM (#93205 - in reply to #93145) Subject: RE: Gas or propane to run the generator.
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 317 Location: Barnesville, Ga.
We have had both; the propane tank was large but was permanently mounted under the nose so you had to physically take this large unit to have it filled. The gas is much easier and can be filled at the pump or with a funnel. Both were Onan with remote starts, but the gas has definately been easier to fill and work with. We don't have to worry about running out of fuel with gas; just carry an extra 5 gallons in the truck. Good Luck!
Posted 2008-10-19 5:10 PM (#93242 - in reply to #93145) Subject: RE: Gas or propane to run the generator.
Veteran
Posts: 134
Well for what it is worth I use two honda 2000's with a parallel kit. I originally did it to save on the overall cost of the trailer and they have worked out great. They are easy to operate and move around. not only that but last winter when we lost power for four days they really saved the day. Hooked one to my refrigerator/freezer and the other one to the TV, VCR and Satellite dish. Used coleman lanterns for light. they will run 12 hours on one tank. Super quiet and efficient. They also do a great job for my trailer and are half the cost of an installed generator. I would definitely do it again. Good luck
Posted 2008-10-19 7:25 PM (#93248 - in reply to #93145) Subject: RE: Gas or propane to run the generator.
Member
Posts: 31 Location: Way, Way Up North
We have propane (Onan) with the tank mounted in the manger. In five years we've NEVER had a problem--and it gets cold up here. Also, if our fuel runs out, we can just switch tanks. It's clean and easy. With a diesel truck, the last thing I wanted was a third type of fuel to manage. Mounting the tank in the manager shortens the lenth of the line, therefore eliminating some of the problems in cold weather. For us, propane has been the best way to go. We'd do it again.
Posted 2008-10-20 5:56 PM (#93302 - in reply to #93145) Subject: RE: Gas or propane to run the generator.
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Danielsville Georgia
Gas gets stale and ruins carburetors. It will at some point sit for long periods of time over the years.Propane will not do any damage as it won't get stale.
Posted 2008-10-20 7:41 PM (#93308 - in reply to #93145) Subject: RE: Gas or propane to run the generator.
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 317 Location: Barnesville, Ga.
Usually the LP gensets are not quite as powerful as the same size gas. I had an Onan LP rated at 3600 and now have a Onan gas rated at 4000. Most of the paperwork I've seen says that the same size LP will be slightly downsized. Still powerful enough to run the AC and microwave at the same time. Just different. I had mine mounted on the roof and love it up there out of the way. Seems easier to service too.
Posted 2008-10-21 10:45 AM (#93343 - in reply to #93145) Subject: RE: Gas or propane to run the generator.
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
I use Stabil in all our gasoline engines. Got an old 2500 watt, 5hp Briggs & Stratton powered generator that gets started about once a year. It will usually fire up on the second pull. I'll leave it running a well pump until the tank is empty, refill the tank, cover it back up with the tarp, see ya next year!! I give the old 496 Big Block Chevy a taste of Stabil every once in a while!! WalMart carries all sizes of Stabil. Getting back to the generator for the living quarters. You might ask about a dual fuel set up, burn gasoline or LP at the flip of a switch.
Posted 2008-10-21 10:57 AM (#93345 - in reply to #93145) Subject: RE: Gas or propane to run the generator.
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Been using Stabil for many years. No carb gum or foul fuel, engines fire right up in the Spring. It's a lot cheaper and easier than yearly carb rebuilds.
Gas or propane to run the generator.
