
The fuel consumption of an RV diesel generator depends on the size of the generator and the generator's operating load. For example, the 3,200-watt Cummins Onan Diesel Generator offered by Winnebago Industries has a burn rate of 0.3 gallons per hour at ½ load and 0.4 gallons per hour at full load. On the other hand, the 3,600-watt Cummins Onan MicroQuiet LP (Propane) Generator, which is standard on Winnebago View and Navion models, consumes 0.5 gallons per hour at ½ load and 0.7 gallons per hour at full load.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel Consumption | 0.3 gallons per hour at 1/2 load, 0.4 gallons per hour at full load |
| Burn Rate | Lower than propane generators |
| Engine Life | Longer than propane generators |
| Weight | 205 pounds |
| Noise Level | Slightly louder than propane generators |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Power | 3200 watts |
| Brand | Cummins Onan |
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What You'll Learn
- The 3,200-watt Cummins Onan Diesel Generator consumes 0.3 gallons per hour at 1/2 load
- At full load, the above generator consumes 0.4 gallons per hour
- The 3,600-watt Cummins Onan Propane Generator consumes 0.5 gallons per hour at 1/2 load
- The 3,600-watt generator consumes 0.7 gallons per hour at full load
- Diesel generators have longer engine lives and consume less fuel than propane generators

The 3,200-watt Cummins Onan Diesel Generator consumes 0.3 gallons per hour at 1/2 load
The 3,200-watt Cummins Onan Diesel Generator is offered by Winnebago Industries in the Winnebago View and Winnebago Navion line up. This generator consumes 0.3 gallons of fuel per hour at half load and 0.4 gallons per hour at full load. The burn rate of a generator is dependent on the load, with a higher load resulting in a higher burn rate. The load is not a static measure as appliances and devices fluctuate in their energy requirements. For example, an air conditioner cycles on and off, changing the load on the generator.
The 3,200-watt Cummins Onan Diesel Generator weighs 205 pounds and is slightly louder than the propane generator option. The propane generator option has a lower initial cost, is smaller, and lighter weight. However, the diesel generator has a longer engine life and consumes less fuel. Additionally, the diesel generator shares a common fuel system with the coach, allowing for the convenience of operating the generator from the coach's main fuel supply.
When deciding between the Onan Propane Generator and the Onan Diesel Generator, it is important to consider how you plan to use your RV. Each fuel option has its own advantages. For example, the propane generator may be more cost-effective for those who only plan to use their generator for specific needs, such as air conditioning.
The fuel consumption of a generator can also be affected by factors such as the cooling fans and water pumps of various generator sets. There are currently no established standards or regulations governing how manufacturers measure fuel consumption for generator sets or engines. This makes it difficult to compare different generators based on fuel consumption alone.
Overall, the 3,200-watt Cummins Onan Diesel Generator is a great option for those seeking a longer engine life and lower fuel consumption. The generator's fuel consumption of 0.3 gallons per hour at half load makes it a fuel-efficient option for RV owners.
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At full load, the above generator consumes 0.4 gallons per hour
The amount of fuel consumed by an RV diesel generator depends on the generator's size and operating load. For example, the 3,200-watt Cummins Onan Diesel Generator offered by Winnebago Industries has a burn rate of 0.3 gallons per hour at half load and 0.4 gallons per hour at full load. This generator weighs 205 pounds and is slightly louder than the propane generator.
On the other hand, the propane generator option, the 3,600-watt Cummins Onan MicroQuiet LP Generator, has a burn rate of 0.5 gallons per hour at half load and 0.7 gallons per hour at full load. This generator weighs 176 pounds and is more compact in size.
When deciding between an RV propane generator and an RV diesel generator, it is essential to consider your specific needs and how you plan to use your RV. While propane generators have lower initial costs, smaller sizes, and lighter weights, diesel generators have advantages such as longer engine life and lower fuel consumption.
Additionally, diesel generators offer the convenience of sharing a common fuel system with your coach, allowing you to operate the generator from the coach's main fuel supply. This can simplify fueling and reduce the need for separate fuel sources.
By understanding the fuel consumption rates and considering your usage patterns, you can make an informed decision about which generator best suits your RV needs.
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The 3,600-watt Cummins Onan Propane Generator consumes 0.5 gallons per hour at 1/2 load
The amount of fuel consumed by an RV diesel generator depends on the generator's wattage, the load it is powering, and the type of fuel used. For example, the 3,200-watt Cummins Onan Diesel Generator has a fuel consumption rate of 0.3 gallons per hour at half load and 0.4 gallons per hour at full load.
Now, focusing on the 3,600-watt Cummins Onan Propane Generator, it consumes 0.5 gallons of propane per hour at half load and 0.7 gallons per hour at full load. This generator is commonly found in the Winnebago View and Navion RV models and weighs approximately 176 pounds, with a compact size.
When deciding between a propane or diesel generator, it is essential to consider your planned usage. If you will be plugged into power sources most of the time, there may be no need to upgrade to a diesel generator. However, if you frequently dry camp and anticipate heavy generator usage, the higher initial cost of a diesel generator may be justified due to its longer engine life and lower fuel consumption.
Additionally, the 3,600-watt Cummins Onan Propane Generator is designed with a low-fuel consumption engine and meets the National Park Service sound level requirements of 60 dB(A) or less at 50 feet. It also features vibration isolation, resulting in smooth and quiet operation.
To put the fuel consumption into perspective, a 20-pound propane cylinder, which is commonly used with portable generators, holds approximately 4.7 gallons of propane. With this fuel supply, you could run a 3,000-watt load for around 7 hours, according to a basic consumption calculation.
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The 3,600-watt generator consumes 0.7 gallons per hour at full load
The amount of fuel consumed by an RV diesel generator depends on the generator's wattage and load. For instance, the 3,200-watt Cummins Onan Diesel Generator offered by Winnebago Industries has a burn rate of 0.3 gallons per hour at half load and 0.4 gallons per hour at full load.
On the other hand, the 3,600-watt generator consumes 0.7 gallons per hour at full load. This generator is also offered by Winnebago Industries, and it is the most common generator found in the Winnebago View and Navion. The higher wattage of this generator means it consumes more fuel compared to the 3,200-watt option.
It's important to note that diesel generators typically have longer engine lives and consume less fuel than propane generators. For example, the 3,600-watt Cummins Onan Propane Generator has a burn rate of 0.5 gallons per hour at half load and 0.7 gallons per hour at full load.
When choosing between a diesel or propane generator for an RV, it's essential to consider factors such as initial cost, size, weight, and fuel efficiency. While propane generators may have a lower initial cost and be more compact, diesel generators offer advantages in terms of engine life and fuel consumption.
Additionally, diesel generators in RVs have the convenience of sharing a common fuel system with the coach, allowing for easy operation from the coach's main fuel supply.
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Diesel generators have longer engine lives and consume less fuel than propane generators
When it comes to RV generators, diesel generators offer notable advantages over propane generators in terms of engine longevity and fuel efficiency.
Starting with engine life, diesel engines are designed to be more robust due to the absence of spark plugs. This design enhancement contributes to their extended lifespan. While a typical gas engine may endure for 200,000 to 300,000 miles, diesel engines can impressively surpass that, clocking in 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 miles. This extended durability means that diesel generators require less frequent maintenance and part replacements, resulting in lower maintenance costs over the generator's lifetime.
Additionally, diesel fuel plays a dual role by lubricating the engine's moving parts, further reducing the need for maintenance interventions. In contrast, propane engines necessitate more frequent oil changes, with intervals of 100 hours compared to diesel engines' 500 hours. This distinction underscores the reduced maintenance burden associated with diesel generators.
Now, turning to fuel consumption, diesel generators exhibit superior fuel efficiency compared to their propane counterparts. A typical home generator burning propane consumes 4 gallons of fuel per hour, whereas a diesel generator uses only half a gallon during the same period. This disparity in fuel usage translates into significant cost savings for diesel generator users, especially for those requiring long-term power generation.
It's worth noting that the choice between diesel and propane generators depends on various factors, including initial cost, size, and weight and environmental considerations. Propane generators, for instance, burn cleaner and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions. However, when it comes to engine longevity and fuel efficiency, diesel generators emerge as the more economical and maintenance-friendly option.
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Frequently asked questions
The 3200-watt Cummins Onan Diesel Generator has a fuel consumption rate of 0.3 gallons per hour at ½ load and 0.4 gallons per hour at full load.
Diesel generators typically have lower fuel consumption than propane generators. For example, the 3600-watt Cummins Onan Propane Generator consumes 0.5 gallons per hour at ½ load and 0.7 gallons per hour at full load.
The fuel consumption of a diesel generator depends on the size of the generator and the operating load. Larger generators will generally consume more fuel, and the consumption rate will increase as the load increases.











































