RV Living: Protecting Your Genset from the Silent Killer – Ethanol

Jonathan Cannon • June 26, 2025

There's nothing quite like the freedom of the open road in your RV. The hum of the engine, the ever-changing scenery, and the comfort of having all the amenities of home right there with you. A crucial component of that comfort, especially when boondocking or dry camping, is your RV generator, often affectionately called the genset. These powerful, remotely-startable machines provide the electricity that keeps your lights on, your AC running, and your appliances humming. They're the unsung heroes of off-grid RV life.


However, even heroes have an Achilles' heel, and for RV gensets, that weakness comes in the form of something as seemingly innocuous as the fuel you pump at the station: ethanol-blended gasoline.


Why Mobile RV Generators Struggle with Ethanol-Blended Gas

Unlike some smaller, standalone generators, your RV genset doesn't have its own dedicated fuel tank. Instead, it draws fuel directly from your RV's main fuel tank. This is incredibly convenient, as it means you don't have to carry separate fuel cans. The downside, however, is that you're almost certainly feeding your genset pump gas – and in today's world, that nearly always means ethanol-blended fuel.


Ethanol, while a renewable fuel source, is a notorious attractant of water. It readily absorbs moisture from the air, and even small amounts of water in your fuel can spell disaster for your genset's delicate carburetor. When water gets into the carburetor, it doesn't just sit there; it reacts with the fuel and other components, leading to the formation of gummy deposits and corrosive byproducts. These sticky residues can quickly gum up fuel passages, restrict fuel flow, and ultimately choke your generator's performance, leading to rough running, difficulty starting, or complete failure.


Imagine being miles from civilization, relying on your genset for power, only to have it sputter and die because of a hidden enemy within your fuel. It's a frustrating and often expensive problem to fix, requiring carburetor cleaning or even replacement. In fact, we regularly see mobile RV generator repair calls triggered by these exact conditions.


How RV Wizards Protects Your Generator with Smart Fuel Filtration

At RV Wizards, we understand the critical role your genset plays in your RV adventures, and we've seen firsthand the damage that ethanol-blended fuel can inflict. That's why we've engineered a vital line of defense: a specialized fuel/water separating filtration retrofit.


This isn't just any fuel filter. Our proprietary design is specifically tailored for RV gensets, including Onan RV generators, intercepting harmful water molecules before they ever reach your carburetor. By effectively separating water from your fuel, our retrofit prevents the formation of those damaging gums and deposits, keeping your genset's fuel system clean and free-flowing.


Why Every RV Generator Needs a Fuel/Water Separator

Think of this fuel/water separating filter as an insurance policy for your genset. It's a proactive measure that safeguards your investment and ensures reliable power, no matter where your travels take you.



  • Extended Genset Life: By preventing carburetor gumming and corrosion, our retrofit significantly extends the lifespan of your generator, saving you from costly repairs or premature replacement.
  • Reliable Performance: Say goodbye to frustrating starting issues and inconsistent power. A clean fuel system means your genset will run smoothly and efficiently, providing the power you need, when you need it.
  • Peace of Mind: Knowing your genset is protected against the silent threat of ethanol-blended fuel gives you invaluable peace of mind, allowing you to fully enjoy your RV experience without worrying about power interruptions.


Prevent Costly RV Generator Repairs with Ethanol Protection

Whether you're a weekend warrior or a full-time RVer, protecting your genset from the unavoidable realities of pump gas is a smart, forward-thinking decision. Our team specializes in mobile RV generator repair, ethanol-related troubleshooting, and proactive upgrades like our filtration retrofit.


If you're using an Onan RV generator or any other major brand, let us help you prevent the need for expensive repairs before problems start. At RV Wizards, we strongly recommend this upgrade as a standard part of RV generator maintenance.


Schedule Your Mobile RV Generator Repair or Upgrade Today

Don't let ethanol be the Achilles' heel of your RV adventures. Contact RV Wizards today and give your genset the defense it deserves. Schedule your service appointment and experience reliable, on-site generator maintenance from the comfort of your RV site or home.

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