How Easy Is It to Switch Between Propane and Gas on the Cummins Onan P4500iDF Generator?
Updated 06/20/2026 | Published 06/18/2026
Question:
How Easy Is It to Switch Between Propane and Gas on the Cummins Onan P4500iDF Generator?
asked by: Ben
Expert Reply:
Ben, great question!
Switching between propane and gasoline on the Cummins Onan P4500iDF part # CM86MR is very straightforward. The generator has a built in fuel selector dial that makes changing fuel sources simple, and you do not have to make any modifications or swap components to use either fuel.
When switching from propane to gasoline, it's as easy as turning off the propane supply, selecting gasoline on the fuel dial, and starting the generator. Going from gasoline to propane takes one extra step because you'll want to let the generator use up the fuel remaining in the carburetor before switching over. Once that's done, connect your propane supply, turn the fuel selector to propane, and start the generator.
One of the things owners really like about this generator is that it gives you flexibility depending on what's available. You can take advantage of the long storage life of propane when you're preparing for outages, or use gasoline when it's more convenient at the campsite or jobsite. The fuel selector is easy to access, and the process is simple enough that most people get comfortable with it very quickly.
Out of curiosity, are you planning to use the generator more for RV camping, home backup power, or something else?
(click to enlarge)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Onan 4,500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator w/ Carburetor - Gas or Propane - Remote Start
- Generators
- Inverter
- Gas
- Gas and Propane
- Propane
- 4001 Watts or More
- Portable Generator
- 120V Output
- Carbureted
- Electric Start
- Recoil Start
- Cummins Onan
more information >
Continue Researching
- Search Results: trailer tongue weight scale
- Search Results: anderson blocks
- Shop: Big Truck Big RV Tongue Weight Scale for Trailers with 6" SnapPad - 2,000 lbs
- Shop: Onan 4,500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator w/ Carburetor - Gas or Propane - Remote Start
- Video: Andersen Trailer Jack Block Feature Breakdown
- Shop: Andersen Trailer Jack Block - 8" Tall x 10" Wide
- Shop: Andersen Camper Wheel Chock and Leveler
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Best Suspension Upgrade for 33" Tandem Axles: Road Armor vs Dexter EZ Flex for Ember 22ETS
- Video: Firestone Ride-Rite Air Bags with Easy Mount Compressor Feature Breakdown
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Video: A Look at the Power Mountain Tallboy 6 Ton Off-Road Bottle Jack with a Military Cargo Trailer
- Shop: Power Mountain Tallboy Off-Road Bottle Jack - 8-1/2" to 37-3/4" Lift - 6 Tons
- Q&A: How Much Do the Power Mountain Tallboy Off-Road Bottle Jacks Weigh?
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: Availability of Heat Strip or Heat Pump for Furrion Chill Cube RV AC
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Shop: etrailer Anti-Rattle Hitch Collar for 2" Hitch Receivers
- Search Results: trailer jack
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Article: 30-Amp and 50-Amp RV Service: What's the Difference?
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
on Generators
