Retired CDF'er
Fresno, Ca., USA
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Joined: 10/27/2004
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Is it acceptable to install and run an LPG generator in an RV and use the house LP tanks as a fuel source. Or, do you have to install a separate LP tank for the generator?
Someone told me that using the house tanks as a fuel source would starve the refrigerator, hot water heater and the pilot lite on the oven when running the generator.
Thanks in advance.
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nbounder
Arizona mountains
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Joined: 11/26/2006
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Suggest calling the local building code authorities - they'll ask you the BTUs of all the gas using appliances in the house and let you know if your tank+delivery pipes can support the additional load of the generator.
Joe
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Mark Heisler
Viking,Alberta Canada
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Joined: 03/23/2008
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yes you can i have two buddie that did this in there fifth wheel. they put the gen when there lp tanks were and put a mh road tank under there fifth wheel. and plum this all together. i have been think of doing this on my new fifth wheel
2003 dodge 2wheel drive diesel 375hp 750torque
2007 citation fifth wheel model 29bhs
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K3BH
Slower Lower Delaware
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My MH has propane generator, along with propane reefer, stove, and water heater. They are all fed from the same tank and same regulator.
Jay
Jay, Susan, 2 cats in Bigfoot 29G 6.0L Diesel. Toad Honda CR-V
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rvdriverca
B.C. Canada
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Just remember that a LPG generator uses a lot of LPG. And it is not always available. And a gas or diesel generator would be a lot cheaper to operate with less problems. Do some research what would be better for you. but Yes you can use the same tank with proper sized regulator valve.
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Eycom
Fl to NY
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Joined: 09/12/2004
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rvdriverca is correct. An onboard LP genny, while very convenient, is an energy hog. It's best suited for short runs, like running the coffee pot, microwave, or recharging batteries for an hour.
Running the a/c for a couple of days during the warm months will blow through 2 30# tanks pretty quick. My LP 3600 Generac uses about .4 gal./hr at 1/2 load. While I prefer to boondock, it's simply not feasible in the south during the summer.
When the LP genny retires, I suppose I'll replace it with Yamaha 2400 and carry a third fuel source.
F-350 PSD/CC/DRW
Lance 1121-Nicely Appointed
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Twomed
On the road USA
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Same comments as Eycom only I had a 5500 Generac. You can't pour propane so if you run out on a weekend it can be a pain. For tailgating we would use two 30# and get into a 20# that I carried extra. Having one fuel is nice if you aren't going to run the air a lot you may be ok. 
Happy Trails
06 Monaco Dynasty
07 Hummer H3
FMCA 279843
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gunny357
North Carolina
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Our Mh is a diesel pusher so the genset is diesel. Very convenient.
If I had a RV that didn't move under its own power, and were to instal a genset, it would be propane. Some have already come on and pointed out the minuses. Plus is that you don't end up carrying gasoline containers. Just be sure that you have enoug on board propane storage to last you for your intended useage and then get 10% more, plan ahead. Your existing fuel distribution system, including the regulator may be inadaquet to supply everything at once.
A propane fueled genset will last a lot longer than a gasoline fueled one, no carburetor to gum up, no rubber fuel lines to crack and leak. No gas tank to rust and leak. Folks won't steal propane, too much work. Exhaust is nearly odorless and wont stain the side of your RV.
Propane does not have as much stored energy as gasoline, about 20% less and about 40% less than diesel. Propane is cheaper, by the gallon than gasoline and when you factor in the price/usage, it still is cheaper to run, not by much but some. Propane genset is quieter than a diesel.
A new genset comes with an installation manual. Might be a good idea to get one for the machine you plan to get, read it, measure, do your homework and be sure that will work for you before making a purchase. Pay very close attention to ventilation requirements, exhaust and fuel.
Good luck with it.
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Retired CDF'er
Fresno, Ca., USA
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Thanks for all the replies. I appreciate your input.
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Generator Jim
Conway, SC
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Go to the search function at the top of this page and type KLENGER. In his signature you will find a step by step installation of an LP generator. It should give you some good ideas.
JimL
Jim & Jane Latour
08 Chevy 3500HD, crew cab, dually, Duramax/Allison
05 Wilderness Advantage AX6 365 BSQS, Onan 3.6KY
Retired AF CMS (E9) Power Generation and Onan RV genset Level III tech
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