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Old 12-08-2015, 05:42 PM   #1
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Propane generator?

Does anyone have any experience with using a propane generator with their AS? We have a 2015 FC 25' FB and are looking at a 2000 watt Honda. We do not plan to use it very much. Propane seems it would be easier, safer and cleaner then gas. We are fulltiming and I don't want to have to carry a gas can in my capped 2015 Ford F150 TV. Since Honda does not make a 2000 propane I would have to buy it from a conversion company.
Any drawbacks? Experience with a conversion or recommendations for a company? Is the Honda 3 year warranty negated with a conversion?
Any feedback is appreciated.
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Old 12-08-2015, 05:51 PM   #2
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Personally I think it's a great idea especially with the propane port in the front. I've seen a few posts on here about conversion kits & one said it works great but burns up propane rapidly.
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Old 12-08-2015, 06:07 PM   #3
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Originally Posted by phowe46 View Post
Does anyone have any experience with using a propane generator with their AS?
Most Airstream Interstates come equipped with a propane-fueled generator built-in. But it's an Onan, not a Honda. So while I can't answer Honda conversion questions, I can say that propane does burn cleaner, producing about half as much carbon monoxide as a gasoline generator.

One drawback to the conversion is reduced fuel efficiency; a converted generator will not run as long on a gallon of propane as it did on a gallon of gasoline; even ethanol gasoline is more energy-dense than propane. But that is balanced by not needing to refuel as often, since you can and will tap into a propane cylinder that is much larger than the Honda generator's on-board gasoline tank.
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Old 12-08-2015, 08:29 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by phowe46 View Post
Does anyone have any experience with using a propane generator with their AS? We have a 2015 FC 25' FB and are looking at a 2000 watt Honda. We do not plan to use it very much. Propane seems it would be easier, safer and cleaner then gas. We are fulltiming and I don't want to have to carry a gas can in my capped 2015 Ford F150 TV. Since Honda does not make a 2000 propane I would have to buy it from a conversion company.
Any drawbacks? Experience with a conversion or recommendations for a company? Is the Honda 3 year warranty negated with a conversion?
Any feedback is appreciated.
I converted a gas standby generator several years ago to run on natural gas, and the kit included an option for propane. I used this company's product and am totally satisfied.
Generator Conversion Kits to Propane and Natural Gas.
The only drawback that for me is that it is harder to start than with regular gas. My generator is an older one, none electric start.
Alternatively, why not buy a generator made to run on trifuel?
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Old 12-08-2015, 08:43 PM   #5
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We have a propane converted Yamaha 200 watt generator and would never consider a "gas only" model for all the reasons stated by the OP. We went with the Yamaha because the conversion did not void the warranty. With Honda the warranty issue was not as clear.
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Old 12-09-2015, 01:54 AM   #6
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I have a AP20002 Inverter Generator mad my Smarter Tools (Sold by Costco) it is similar to the Honda and Yamaha in fact has a Yamaha engine. I converted to to run on propane and natural gas and gasoline.

I bought the kit from US Carburetion. They make kits for most model of generators. I believe the web site is uscarb.com Hope this helps. Dave
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Old 12-09-2015, 04:41 AM   #7
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I think the best propane generator on the market is the Onan QG 2500... I have one installed in my Globe Traveler Project, with the additon sound prove cavity, drop down air door underneath the trailer, with addional anti-vibration air mounts, program auto start, the result is quiet no hassle great additon to power needs.
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Old 12-09-2015, 06:26 AM   #8
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Your in New England check out this company in Hingham, MA.
http://www.genconnexdirect.net/
I bought the conversion kit for a Honda EU2000. About 1hr for the conversion very simple and clean. You can buy from them, but it was a little cheaper to by the Gen from the best deal you could find on line (I paid $799 free shipping) and then buy the kit from GenConnex (I paid $399 thru their Ebay store) I changed it over as soon as I bought it and have never run gas thru it. Made the conversion easy becasue it was brand new and no lingering gas smell to deal with. Saved all the parts and can always put it back to as new if needed. This kit does not modify the case or any other parts on the generator and is very clean looking with nothing hanging of the side cover like some of the trifuel conversions out there. Works perfect of the propane outlet on the front of the trailer (2014 FC25 RB).

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Old 12-09-2015, 08:50 AM   #9
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I have the Onan propane in my LTV Unity and prefer it to the gas Onan or the gas Honda. Having a propane Bobcat, I'm looking forward to a long life with the Onan.
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Old 12-09-2015, 09:13 AM   #10
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Yea and the Onan QG 2500 is only $2500.00 - dirt cheap - fits everyones budget.
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Old 12-09-2015, 11:19 AM   #11
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How quiet are the Onan QG2500 gen's compared to Honda or Yamaha?
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Old 12-09-2015, 11:30 AM   #12
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Thanks for posting all your options. We initially thought we had to have a generator, but are finding we get by with electrical hookups. So that's the rationalization so far for not pulling the trigger on one. Convinced the propane fuel is best option. And the GenConnex Honda was the top of the short list. It's just a bit pricy, so glad to see the work around posted.

Was not aware of the Onan at what could be a reasonable price until this thread. The $2500 price is up there but less than I thought. Assume the 2500 is 2500 watts, which would still not be enough to run AC and if you can get a deal like Dex did it would buy two GenConnex Hondas. So? Is there more reliability, a longer life expectancy, lower sound level, or higher efficiency? Why the Onan over other generators? Would appreciate your input. Pat
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Old 12-09-2015, 02:14 PM   #13
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My trailer came with a generator already installed. The PO had installed a Onan MicroLite 2500 GenSet that runs on propane the same as the 2800 that runs on gas. It is nice to have when you need the backup power. I have ran the air conditioner off it and every thing worked ok, but would not run it for hours and hours because of the amount of propane it would use.
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Old 01-19-2016, 07:13 AM   #14
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If I had it to do over again, I would seriously consider a propane generator. I don't use a generator all that much, so it sits idle for months sometimes. I worry about fuel becoming stale and gumming up the carburetor, so when I know I'm not going to use it for a long time, I run it dry before I put it away. So much for fuel efficiency, as it runs for more than an hour sometimes in my driveway to burn off whatever fuel is left in the tank! Then there's the fuel left in the gas can, which I end up pouring into my wife's car (my truck is diesel).
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Old 01-19-2016, 08:17 AM   #15
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Old 01-19-2016, 08:54 AM   #16
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Now there's an idea!
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Old 02-13-2016, 09:58 AM   #17
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What does the A.S. factory propane generator option cost? Vinstream
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Old 02-13-2016, 12:34 PM   #18
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How quiet are the Onan QG2500 gen's compared to Honda or Yamaha?
The Onan operates at 70dBA and the Honda 2000i between 53-59 dBA.

However, if you are considering a Onan QG2500, grab one quickly as they have been discontinued. When the remaining retail stock is gone there isn't a comparable Onan option being offered as a replacement for this size unit.

The Onan QG2500 is capable of starting and supporting a 13.5K btu AC unit, but not the larger 15K btu.
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Old 03-18-2016, 08:04 PM   #19
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What does the A.S. factory propane generator option cost? Vinstream

My gen set was installed by myself and NOT by Airstream since they do not instal gen sets in their travel trailers but do however install them in the Interstate Class C. The installation I did was extreme more than most out there with the noise and vibration control and the snug fit in a 19" vintage style trailer.
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Old 04-05-2016, 08:40 PM   #20
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champion just released a "dual fuel" gas and propane model, sold exclusively through costco...got mine two weeks ago. this unit is rugged, extremely well designed, and has a high quality enclosed sound deadening cabinet. i had two hondas that were stolen... they were great. i do believe that the many fine inverter generators at much lower cost plus higher features, has outmarketed the honda... honda is now over-priced in my judgment. now, with the champion, i am looking forward to the convenience of gas OR propane fuel.


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