When you start looking at Class C's your going to find that they already come with generators -- in all probability it will be an Onan 4K and will be gas not propane.
I have seen a few class Cs sold sans generators. I'm guessing this is so the coach's price drops by a few thousand dollars, but it is something to make sure of before buying.
The smaller 2500 watt model will run 0.9 to 2.4 pounds an hour of LP gas, depending on load, so you can squeeze some more run time from that.
It is your decision: The advantage of LP gas is that it doesn't use the RV's fuel supply so when it runs out, you don't have to worry about the remainder of the gas giving you enough range to a gas station. The disadvantage that the LP gas generators will likely run two 40 pound containers dry during a weekend, far sooner if the furnace is in use.
Gasoline also packs more energy per weight of fuel, so it runs longer and has a bit more wattage available.
Were it up to me, I'd be leery of running the MH out of fuel when boondocking, so I'd choose to have a LP gas generator. If I run out of propane, I can drive the rig using the cab's heat to protect stuff from freezing and get things refilled.
I'd probably also go for a portable 2000 watt generator just in case of emergency. I've heard of incidences when boondocking that the batteries end up so low that the Onan can't crank, so having the ability to pull start something to get batteries charged enough for the inboard genset to start may be a lifesaver.
Were it up to me, I'd be leery of running the MH out of fuel when boondocking, so I'd choose to have a LP gas generator.
To my knowledge all factory installed generators have safety feature where the fuel line running from the generator to the rig gas tank is positioned so that generator runs out of gas when the rigs tank falls to about a 1/4 tank -- if so -- you can't be left stranded by running your generator.
if you happen to run the coach battery down and can not crank the genny, just start the engine and let it top off the coach battery. probably be able to fire up the genny right away, and then shut down the engine. might even be able to start the genny by just pressing the jump switch on the dash, but i would start the engine just in case.
Were it up to me, I'd be leery of running the MH out of fuel when boondocking, so I'd choose to have a LP gas generator.
To my knowledge all factory installed generators have safety feature where the fuel line running from the generator to the rig gas tank is positioned so that generator runs out of gas when the rigs tank falls to about a 1/4 tank -- if so -- you can't be left stranded by running your generator.
That is true. Because I boondock miles away from highways, 1/4 tank may not be enough to get to a gas station. Of course, one can haul a Jerry can or two, but better safe than sorry. I'm sure for a lot of people, that wouldn't be the case.
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