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Old 04-07-2018, 03:51 PM   #1
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LP or Gas Generator

We are seriously considering upgrading to a 377rlbh and want to get the on board generator. We dry camp in the heat of Texas one or twice a year for 4-6 days at a time. Plus we’d like to be able to run the a/c while getting to a destination to get it cool.

Fuel consumption is a big concern. How much LP would it take to run the Onan 5500 for 4-6 days in the heat?

LP is inconvenient for me to refill. The only place near the house is only open business hours. For this reason and not wanting to lug around/store a ton of propane tanks makes me think gas would be better, but would like to hear what you think.

I am prepared to deal with the monthly exercising and fuel treatments for the gas. We camp about once a month so that will help. The biggest knock against gas is that I don’t think Jayco will factory install it.
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Old 04-07-2018, 05:21 PM   #2
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LP 5500 burns slightly more than the gasoline version. I bought extra LP tanks so I don't have to run and fill them. I myself prefer LP over gasoline carburator engines.

I believe all Jayco offers is LP now. But you can buy and install a gasoline unit but you'd have to buy and install (if possible) a gasoline fuel tank.


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Old 04-07-2018, 06:32 PM   #3
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We ordered our unit generator prepped & Jayco installed gasoline - we were not given any option.
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Old 04-07-2018, 06:35 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by Marine71-76 View Post
We ordered our unit generator prepped & Jayco installed gasoline - we were not given any option.
My only choice was LP gen prep when we ordered our 2017 Eagle 293RKDS.

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Old 04-07-2018, 07:08 PM   #5
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The 377 has 3-40lb Tanks. That helps
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Old 04-07-2018, 07:44 PM   #6
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How long can you run the A/C with 120 lbs of propane?
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Old 04-07-2018, 07:57 PM   #7
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How long can you run the A/C with 120 lbs of propane?
That would be 28.2 gallons. So about 35 hours at half load. But don't forget the trailer uses the propane as well. If my memory serves the 5500 LP burns .8 gallons of LP an hour at half load.

My Eagle only came with a pair of 40 lb tanks. But I have (4) 40 lb tanks I can take with me for a total of (6) 40 lb tanks.

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Old 04-08-2018, 07:54 AM   #8
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I have limited experience with MH's but any that I have rented all had gas gennys. The only problem I could see with extended gen use with gas is that the genny will shut off at 1/4 tank. That seems to be an industry standard to prevent you from running the tank dry and not be able to "drive" to a station for a fill. For that reason I think I would prefer propane for extended off grid usage. I also think bringing and connecting spare propane tanks would be easier and safer than dumping gas from 5 gal tanks into the MH onboard tank.
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Old 04-08-2018, 07:59 AM   #9
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I have limited experience with MH's but any that I have rented all had gas gennys. The only problem I could see with extended gen use with gas is that the genny will shut off at 1/4 tank. That seems to be an industry standard to prevent you from running the tank dry and not be able to "drive" to a station for a fill. For that reason I think I would prefer propane for extended off grid usage. I also think bringing and connecting spare propane tanks would be easier and safer than dumping gas from 5 gal tanks into the MH onboard tank.
He's looking into buying a new 5th wheel.


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Old 04-08-2018, 08:34 AM   #10
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My only choice was LP gen prep when we ordered our 2017 Eagle 293RKDS.
Wish we had that option - we do have a spot for the 3rd propane tank. Converted it to hold our water softener though. We did ask why gas & not propane & was told propane was not an option any longer. Guess that is wrong!
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Old 04-09-2018, 11:31 AM   #11
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The generator prep for the North Point includes the third 40# propane tank. If you don't get the generator prep, the storage space is there ready to add a tank.

Based on what you are wanting to do, I would get the on board Onan and then invest in a pair of Honda EU2200s with an extended run tank or a Honda EU3000is for sitting still. Also, you might want to consider what your Frigerator is going to do to your power consumption needs while on generator. I think if you add up the watts, you will find for boon docking, the Residential Frig is a power hog on generator or not. Solar won't help you for your frig if you are running a generator. Automatic transfer switch will bypass the inverter.

Champion 3500 would be an option but it doesn't hold much gas and I don't know about extended run tank for the Champion. Propane.....Maybe with a large non-mobile tank.
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Old 04-10-2018, 04:32 PM   #12
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I have a 2015 Jayco Pinnacle, with the cummins 5500 gas generator...I really like it no problems.
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