Rv propane generator

[97pump]

Do you need to run the generator for 2 hours every month like on a gas generator.

[Teamfour]

Not sure about propane models, but I have never heard of having to run a gas genny for two hours a month.

[97pump]

Originally Posted by Teamfour

Not sure about propane models, but I have never heard of having to run a gas genny for two hours a month.

Before I used to have a gas gunny and it was recommended that you run it at least 2 hours a month.

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by Teamfour

Not sure about propane models, but I have never heard of having to run a gas genny for two hours a month.

In the manual... needs to be exercised.

Page 10 of my Onan Manual

Exercising Your Generator
It may seem surprising that “not” using a machine could cause performance
problems, but with RV generators that’s exactly the case. Regular “exercise” is
an important part of keeping your generator healthy. Lack of exercise can cause
moisture build-up and fuel system degradation that make it run poorly. In fact,
in as little as 30 days, the fuel in gasoline-powered generators can begin to gum
and varnish the fuel system. Fuel varnishing results in hard starting and surging. (A
surging generator never settles at a stable operating speed.)
To prevent such problems, it is recommended to run gasoline generators at a
minimum of 50 percent capacity (2000-watts, or one air conditioner for a 4000-watt
set) for two hours once every four weeks. This is necessary to help keep moving
parts lubricated, expel moisture and control fuel varnishing in the carburetor. A long
two-hour exercise period is preferable to several short periods. While traveling, this
can be accomplished by running the air conditioning. If you own a diesel generator,
regular exercising can help reduce internal condensation and helps keep seals
lubricated.

Aaron

[Teamfour]

Got it. Didn't know we were talking Onan here.

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by Teamfour

Got it. Didn't know we were talking Onan here.

I just checked manuals on some other generators that I own and run, they all call for monthly exercise, or a storing procedure if you aren't going to be using them for more than a month.

We have a Generac whole house standby and it starts itself up once a month and runs for a bit.

My Honda and Yamaha construction generators don't call for exercise, however if they are not going to be run for more than 30 days they have a storage protocol you are supposed to follow.

Aaron

[Teamfour]

Originally Posted by wahoonc

My Honda and Yamaha construction generators don't call for exercise, however if they are not going to be run for more than 30 days they have a storage protocol you are supposed to follow.

My Champion 3400w inverter doesn't call for exercise either. But I do use Stabil and try to run the carbs dry in all of my gas toys for storage.

[SidecarFlip]

Originally Posted by wahoonc

I just checked manuals on some other generators that I own and run, they all call for monthly exercise, or a storing procedure if you aren't going to be using them for more than a month.

We have a Generac whole house standby and it starts itself up once a month and runs for a bit.

My Honda and Yamaha construction generators don't call for exercise, however if they are not going to be run for more than 30 days they have a storage protocol you are supposed to follow.

Aaron

I think you mean weekly, not monthly. I have one as well and it's 15 minutes weekly. (every 7 days).

[youroo]

Originally Posted by SidecarFlip

I think you mean weekly, not monthly. I have one as well and it's 15 minutes weekly. (every 7 days).

Yes this is the way our Generac whole house is programed also! Youroo! !

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by SidecarFlip

I think you mean weekly, not monthly. I have one as well and it's 15 minutes weekly. (every 7 days).

Mine is programmed for monthly... I live in a fairly mild climate so there was no point in having it run weekly. It can be set for weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.

Aaron