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Topic: LP generator -> Diesel generator (Read 891 times) previous topic - next topic

LP generator -> Diesel generator

I was on CL today and saw an add for a new Powertec 8KW diesel generator for $2K.  Add says it was purchased for a bus conversion that never happened.  That got me to thinking, has anyone done a conversion from LP to diesel on an older GV?  I was reading a few articles on diesel generators and it sounds like they're much more efficient than LP and on top of that last longer.  I don't even know if the thing would fit, but it sure would be nice to convert to a diesel gen someday and leave the propane for the small items like stove, furnace, etc.
Benjie, Ashley, Zoey, Fallon, and Lake
Round Rock, TX
In search of our next monster...

Re: LP generator -> Diesel generator

Reply #1 –
I don't know any details or dimensions of an 8KW PowerTech but I would be surprised if it would fit into the old generator bay. I know it would add more weight. Furthermore I was very satisfied with my Onan Emerald III propane 6 KW genie in my U225. It sipped propane and I can't imagine wearing out the engine on either a propane or diesel generator. 

My opinion FWIW.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: LP generator -> Diesel generator

Reply #2 –
An inexpensive source of propane can more than make up for the 40% efficiency advantage diesel has. On the other hand propane at a gas station may cost as much as diesel and be more expensive to operate at those prices. If you take longer trips with both air conditioners on while you drive, the diesel would probably be cheaper to operate.

If watching TV at night, the diesel will usually be a bit (or a lot) noisier that the propane generator. Generally less vibration with a propane unit also.

You could add a lot to the initial $2000 cost of the diesel generator by the time you get it mounted and all systems working right. Especially if you have to farm the work out.

Heavy usage would favor the diesel while occasional use with shorter trips might tip the scale for propane. Both types can do the job well. You just have to figure what will work for you best.

Just my opinion.
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: LP generator -> Diesel generator

Reply #3 –
Thanks.  It was more out of curiosity should the need ever arise to replace my Emerald III than anything else.  Hopefully, she runs for a long time! :-)
Benjie, Ashley, Zoey, Fallon, and Lake
Round Rock, TX
In search of our next monster...

Re: LP generator -> Diesel generator

Reply #4 –
That Onan Emerald that Kent is talking about is very quiet and VERY reliable, more so than a Honda. National Park rated also.
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: LP generator -> Diesel generator

Reply #5 –
No diesel generator large enough to run both air units will fit in the shallower basement compartments of the 225/240.  I've considered it and the only area that would make sense and where the weight might even be helpful is in the front but supporting structure and a remodeled front end would be necessary...way too expensive to be worthwhile.  Everything said about the propane is true but it is hard to find on the road and even the large tank is insufficient if used heavily.  Might make more sense trying to put a larger tank somewhere.  I can run the generator very heavily for two days between refills.  Doubling or tripling that would be very nice. 
Dwayne Keith
1992 U240
3116/MD3060

Re: LP generator -> Diesel generator

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Dwayne –
No diesel generator large enough to run both air units will fit in the shallower basement compartments of the 225/240.  I've considered it and the only area that would make sense and where the weight might even be helpful is in the front but supporting structure and a remodeled front end would be necessary...way too expensive to be worthwhile.  Everything said about the propane is true but it is hard to find on the road and even the large tank is insufficient if used heavily.  Might make more sense trying to put a larger tank somewhere.  I can run the generator very heavily for two days between refills.  Doubling or tripling that would be very nice.

That is definitely the weakness of the LP gen.  Running around in the hot TX heat with rooftop ACs just sucks the propane.  It would be so convenient to just worry about filling up with diesel and not worry about planning the propane stops.  One more bullet to add to my wish list when I upgrade to that Foretravel Phenix. ;-)
Benjie, Ashley, Zoey, Fallon, and Lake
Round Rock, TX
In search of our next monster...

Re: LP generator -> Diesel generator

Reply #7 –
The first step is knnowing the physical size of the generator vs size of existing bay that you want it mounted in.

Second, the actual difference in fuel burn between LP and Diesel, not from reading the comic books but in real life.

My experience with a 7.5kw Kohler water cooled, running the MCI conversin I had averaged 1.1 gph over a 1500 hrs run.  I then switched to a 12.5 KW Diesel Perkins with the Pancake generator with my own control panel, running the exact same load, the fuel burn dropped to .41 gph for over 7 K hrs.

That is fact, not fuzzy math / comic book smarts. 

Re: LP generator -> Diesel generator

Reply #8 –
If you could built a cage to hold it above the front axle that's about the only place you could put it. The bays are too short, I'm pretty certain. You would have to check your weight limits, too...
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: LP generator -> Diesel generator

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Dwayne –
I can run the generator very heavily for two days between refills.  Doubling or tripling that would be very nice. 

Dwayne, you might want to check the gas line to the generator, your propane gauge or the tank itself. On my 93, U225 I filled the propane tank two or three times per year while living in it 4 months per year, using the furnace in the winter and using the genie on a fairly regular basis. I can't say I ran it constantly for two days at a time but I can't imagine that it should use that much propane. I certainly could be wrong but that seems like an awfully high rate of consumption.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: LP generator -> Diesel generator

Reply #10 –
Kent, Let me expand further on the fuel usage issue.  With the LP 65 Gal tank, that was good for a little over 50 hours running 24 X 7, when I changed over to the diesel, I installed a 50 gal diesel tank, ran over 4 days 24 X 7 no problem.  I figured with the diesel 10 gal / 24 hrs. 
Do not forget LP tanks are rated water capacity, meaning a 10 gal tank only holds 8 gal LP, 20 % space for expansion/pressure.
My load in the old MCI setup was two 13,5 a/c units, normal stuff, household type refrig, Electric baseboard heat along with the LP Furnace, all the normal things, and again 1.1 gap per hour on LP.
Cheers

Re: LP generator -> Diesel generator

Reply #11 –
Well, I guess at 1.1 gals per hour you could use up the propane in a 41 gallon tank in two days but that sure doesn't correlate to my experience with my Emerald III. I guess I was more conservative than I thought.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: LP generator -> Diesel generator

Reply #12 –
Kent, The 7.5 Kohler was a 4 cylinder water cooled unit, it was not as efficient as the Onan 2 cylinder air cooled units.  Also I was not real conservant with what I ran on it nor for how long, it just ran 24 X 7...

Re: LP generator -> Diesel generator

Reply #13 –
If the propane was everywhere I wouldn't complain but on a long trip stopping at C. Barrel or Walmart, and no propane at most every fuel stop...it is not good.  If I could travel leisurely everywhere and spend every night in a campground where they typically have propane...wouldn't be a problem.  If I am ever in the market for another MH, a diesel generator is a must have.
Dwayne Keith
1992 U240
3116/MD3060

Re: LP generator -> Diesel generator

Reply #14 –
The Onan Emeralds like mine are opposed twins which means that they are not very tall.  The pictures of the 4 cyl diesels I've seen appear to be vertical, making them much taller.  I have tried to not use the roof air on the road because of the propane consumption.  I came across a note that listed propane at the local U Haul dealer as more than $3.00 per gallon while PPL was ONLY $2.85.  Diesel at that time was $1.99.  I've only gotten lucky one time and found propane at $1.80 and that was four years ago.
John Cooper
'91 GV 36'
Oshkosh chassis
Cat 3208T 300HP
 

Re: LP generator -> Diesel generator

Reply #15 –
I was originally shopping for a coach with a diesel genny, but it seemed they only came with the bigger coaches that had more potential electrical load.

The gen bay in my 1991 U225 couldn't hold anything bigger than the Emerald III vapor-converted 6.5KW gennie (factory) in there now. And as I have to have propane anyway, I'm sticking with it. It's very smooth and quiet. Pulled it recently to go through it in detail and clean it up. After 2000 hours, the brushes still have 60% left, and all she got was new plugs, plug wires, oil and filter. Not bad for a 20 year old gennie.

I looked into an all diesel coach (was originally looking at a bus conversion). Europe is way ahead of us in this regard. A diesel stovetop, furnaces, and water heaters are available over there. About the only thing not available to run on diesel is a fridge, as far as I know.

It seems we're stuck with multiple fuel sources for now; but in my search I saw many a coach with a gasoline genny - even with diesel engines, so am grateful I only have two fuel sources to be concerned about.  :)

Steve
1991 U225 Grand Villa