Diesel vs propane generator

[barbhalsell]

Just a suggestion to anyone ordering a new Solera. If you will be doing a lot of camping in the cold with no electric available. You should probably order your generator with the diesel option. Husband is camping up near Stanley ID. Nights are down in the 20's and he is keeping the furnace set to around 50. It takes an hour of generator to charge the batteries enough to keep the furnace running at night. He is running through propane VERY fast. Having had a diesel generator on our old class A we think it would have been the smarter option.

[ipolyihh]

an option to consider would be to carry extra propane tank(s)

a tee fitting behind the on/off valve of the built-in tank would allow the extra tank to be hooked up when setting up for a long-term stay

turning off the on/off valve of the built-in tank would then conserve it for travel mode

[CHILL]

Propene generator is a pain. We are on the other end of the thermostat down in Louisiana running the gen to keep the AC on. It sucks up propane like crazy no matter how many bottles you have. I plan on changing my gen unit out for an diesel when there is and option.

So if anyone needs a propane gen PM me!!!!

[barbhalsell]

He does have the tee with 2 extra propane bottles. He is 50 miles from the nearest propane source and will be there an additional 3 weeks. We think the diesel generator was more efficient.

[bclemens]

We're working on a larger LP tank as well.

[Sandiegodoug]

My understanding is the diesel generator won't run the larger ducted air conditioner. That is what came with our unit, so if you have the larger unit I wouldn't change out the gen



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[Ecopco]

We have the propane generator with the 15K A/C. We also live in Louisiana like CHILL does. I used to run the propane generator to run the A/C while we were driving. Now I just use the MB A/C on high and turn off the top dash vents and point the front dash vents up and towards the middle of the cab. If we stop for more than 15 min I'll go kick on the generator and house A/C until we're underway. For boon-docking when A/C is necessary I want to get the 2 Honda portable generator setup (Honda EU2000i + EU2000i Companion with connecting cord). My understanding is this will power the 15K A/C. Does anyone use this setup? If so, how well does it work? I also thought about adding the additional propane bottles to use while boon-docking. Not sure what is the best option. Maybe adding a larger propane tank would be a better way to go. The additional portable generators and gas would add another 100+ lbs. to an already limited weight capacity.


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[DocGTO]

I run 2-15k a/c units on a 5500 watt Onan gen.

[CHILL]

The 3200 diesel gen will run the AC unit you just have to be careful what other AC appliances you turn on. I have been carrying additional propane bottles with me and its a pain in the ass not to mention expensive. In the long run IMO if you plan on doing a lot of boon docking the diesel gen is the way to go. I do use my Honda 2000 in the cooler months when not needing the AC and works great.

[bclemens]

Problem with the diesel gen in my mind is the cost of the option and the smallish size fuel tank in the Sprinter.

At only 25 gallons, with a 1/4 tank high feed you're looking at 18.75 gallons of available gen fuel...if you have a full tank when you get there.

Granted, that is about double the current LP capacity, but we are working on a large tank that fits the same installation brackets.

[ipolyihh]

Originally Posted by bclemens

but we are working on a large tank that fits the same installation brackets.

if it becomes a reality, will you offer the bigger tank to current owners

at a reasonable price ?

with installation instructions ?

I'd rather not have to move on from my 2014 24S just to have a bigger propane tank

[bclemens]

Yes.
depends on your perspective
If not I'm sure some kind soul would post theirs
Reserve judgement until the 16's come out.

[jlewis3323]

When is the larger propane tank available? Is it a direct swap out? Install time?
Cost? Thanks.

[bclemens]

Not at this time. Takes about 90 days just to get a new tank size in to proto.

[bclemens]

One thing were looking at is the weight addition of the larger tank. one way we can accomplish this is by going to a different shower door. We're weighing that decisions now.

It is plastic instead of glass...but it has a curved top arm to give more shoulder room. As always...pros-cons.

[DaveJordan]

Originally Posted by bclemens

We're weighing that decisions now.

Really??? You're "weighing" that decision???

Well. OK. Without having seen it or anything, I actually like the proposed soft door / curtain.

Dave

[HomeOnWheels]

Originally Posted by bclemens

Not at this time. Takes about 90 days just to get a new tank size in to proto.

Would the larger tank be an option for W floorplan? That would be really cool.

[bclemens]

Again, it is all in prototype phase right now, with no guaranties that we will make it happen. Once we get a change to prototype we'll make a decision then. I doubt we would option it...it would just come that way.