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Old 06-04-2017, 07:18 PM   #1
scottz
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Generator fuel useage

For those with an Onan 5.5kw propane powered generator; about how much fuel does it use based on a moderate load; say one AC, converter, etc?

When I picked up my unit, they told me the propane tanks were full; of course no way to verify this. The generator ran for about 4 hours with a moderate load before the first tank ran out.
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Old 06-05-2017, 06:30 AM   #2
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The only sure way is to fill a tank and run it dry with your average load.
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Old 06-05-2017, 06:53 AM   #3
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The data I've seen indicates a 5.5KW generator at "half load" will consume about 0.8 gallons of LP per hour. So, at half load, you should get around 7 hours on a 30 pound/7.5 gallon LP tank (that's actually slightly more than 6 gallons of capacity with the expansion/safety valve). If you're using more than "half load" that will significantly reduce the run time.
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Old 06-05-2017, 07:00 AM   #4
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I agree with both John and Cardinal. The Cummins site claims usage at Cummins Onan 4-Cycle OHV V-Twin Engine (.8 Gal/H @ 1/2 Load). My neighbor in our Florida RV park was whining one day that his generator used "a whole damned tank of fuel in one night."
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Old 06-05-2017, 12:09 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by notanlines View Post
My neighbor in our Florida RV park was whining one day that his generator used "a whole damned tank of fuel in one night."
That's about right if he's talking about an external generator in the 3500-4500 watt range. 5 gallons, .75 gal/hour = ~7 hour run time...

When we run a Champion 3500 to drive an AC, fill it up before bed and it shuts down before breakfast...
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Old 06-05-2017, 12:51 PM   #6
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Sorry, DCG, he was talking about a tank of LP.
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Old 06-05-2017, 12:52 PM   #7
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Sorry, DCG, he was talking about a tank of LP. But I'm certain there was a little exaggeration involved
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Old 06-05-2017, 01:33 PM   #8
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Thanks, guys.. LP is measured in gallons too, right? I think you use 20% more or so than gas, but that's "ballpark".
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Old 06-05-2017, 09:38 PM   #9
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For comparison, our Onan Marquis 7000 would run out a 40 lb bottle of propane in 8 hours with the 13,500 BTU A/C running the whole time.
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