So tell me about propane conversions

[cam.man67]

I've done a little research, but I'm interested to know if anybody's done this on their trucks. If so, what kind of labor was involved? What kit/kits and at what cost? Is it a switchable setup? How do y'all like it? What are the advantages to propane?

[cam.man67]

bump

[Allensracing]

the main advantages to propane are extremely clean burning, and higher octane.
the disadvantages are harder to refill, especially when traveling, and if you try to make it dual fuel, you are unable to take advantage of the higher octane of propane.

I have not actually used it, just trying to help a bit

[Clyde65]

My dad had one put on his 66 Chevy truck 10 or so years ago, he did it because it was cheaper, alot cheaper to run propane that gas. however that has changed. Propane runs cleaner but you get 2/3's the fuel mileage and range, it does burn alot cleaner than gas, only special places will fill you up on propane. most propane tanks are 50gal or more, so if your spending $2.50 a gal and filling up...well you do the math.

He got like 8mpg on propane and 12-14 on gas.

he had a company put it on (wasnt cheap at all), here in Texas you have to have the vehicle inspected and certified for natural gas/propane and it isnt something to have cusin Bob do under the tree at home.

[truckster]

I used to work on and drive propane trucks. You have less power (unless you bump up the compression), you use more fuel, and it's harder to find places to fill up. The main reason for using it was that it used to be cheap. That's not true anymore, with fuel prices for propane in my area close to the cost of gasoline. It's cleaner-burning, so if you can get any type of tax credit that might help, but I still don't think it's worth it anymore.

[4x4toy]

You also can run longer oil change intervals because of cleaner combustion and no gasoline making it past the rings. I have always wanted to run propane on on of my toyota 4 cylinders.

[nasqar]

I have managed a fleet of trucks that run propane for the last 3+ years. I can tell you the only benefit now for propane is if you buy in huge bulk and then it is very cheap. You can get some big tax credits from the government (state and federal i believe) that will make the fuel extremely cheap and will probably help pay for the conversion. (Ask your accountant these questions). Our propane trucks use a ton more oil than our diesel or gas trucks.The mechanic says is burns drier and doesnt lubricate more and that is the cause of the extra oil. The trucks are harder to start in the colder climates of eastern illinois/western indiana. We also have alot more maintenance on our propane trucks and they dont seem to last as long. The propane trucks will have issues around 120,000 miles where as the gas powered would go 150,000 before major issues. The diesel will go 250,000 with little to no engine maintenance.

I realize every truck/fleet is different so you will have to do alot of research/reading and ask several people that personally have driven/owned these trucks. If you call your local propane dealer I bet someone will be able to tell you who has a vehicle in your local area. You may find out who works on the propane companies vehicles and ask the mechanic some questions. Schwans uses propane trucks for 25+ years. Find a local depot and talk to their mechanic also.