Generator fuel economy

donzinger · 08-15-2015, 11:23 AM

Just curious if anyone has determined fuel ecomony on the 5500 Onan running two AC units. My generator gas gage doesn't work so curious.

Moto4play · 08-15-2015, 01:04 PM

My best guess the last time we were out using the Generator all day and night, we averaged about a .625 of a gallon an hour. Obviously the AC's were running more during the day but that was a pretty close average.

HornedToad · 08-16-2015, 04:07 AM

Originally posted April 2014...

"I was pleasantly surprised this morning fueling up for this weekend.

My generator tank took 18 gallons to refill after running two AC's, probably averaging a 50% load, for 36 hours last weekend... 1/2 gallon per hour.

The 5500 Onan in my previous TH used closer to 7/10th's a gallon an hour with two AC's running and almost a gallon an hour in 100+ degree temps.

I'm hoping the fuel consumption will improve after break in."

My 1/2 a gallon per hour burn last year was in 80 to 90 degree weather, I think the .625 would be a better estimate in 90 to 100 degree temps.

Moto4play · 08-16-2015, 07:49 PM

Yes, It was in the 90's and I was in Atlanta Georgia. Would agree with Hornedtoad!

donzinger · 08-17-2015, 10:44 AM

Thanks every one. We ran the generator for the better part of the weekend with no issues. Have not calculated fuel usage, but had plenty to make it thru. I ask merely because my generator fuel "gage" has never worked from day one.

lcv800 · 08-17-2015, 11:00 AM

Speaking of fuel, I want to know what I should do with my non-generator fuel tank. We don't boondock, rarely using the generator; mainly just "exercising" it two hours monthly. I treat that fuel, however I have never put fuel in the "toy" tank. I could put fuel in it, and then pump it to the generator tank, but It would take me over a year to use the 70 or 80 gallons. Is it okay to just leave it empty or what? Recommendations? Thanks.
Rusty

donzinger · 08-17-2015, 11:08 AM

I can't see anything wrong with that as long as it is kept dry to avoid any rust from developing

DesertRat · 08-17-2015, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lcv800

Speaking of fuel, I want to know what I should do with my non-generator fuel tank. We don't boondock, rarely using the generator; mainly just "exercising" it two hours monthly. I treat that fuel, however I have never put fuel in the "toy" tank. I could put fuel in it, and then pump it to the generator tank, but It would take me over a year to use the 70 or 80 gallons. Is it okay to just leave it empty or what? Recommendations? Thanks.
Rusty

I use that tank as my spare fuel for my F-350 tow vehicle. I removed the neck & ground it out to except the larger diesel nozzle.

RVNevada · 08-17-2015, 04:29 PM

Mike, I like that, I didn't even think of changing it to Diesel....

Voltage Traveler · 08-17-2015, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donzinger

Thanks every one. We ran the generator for the better part of the weekend with no issues. Have not calculated fuel usage, but had plenty to make it thru. I ask merely because my generator fuel "gage" has never worked from day one.

Which gauge are you looking at, the one outside or inside?

I use about 4-5 gallons every 12 hours depending on temperature, altitude and load.

donzinger · 08-17-2015, 07:20 PM

My outside one for the forward tank works fine. Generator gage inside has never worked. When took in for warranty was told that General RV didn't have the capability to drain amd drop the tank and to take it to Onan. After telling them Onan didn't install the tank and that my teenage daughter could drop the tank in my driveway I left. Using a camera it is connected. I plan to drop the tank to troubleshoot at the end of the season

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