The "golden rule" for anything mechanical is maintenance! Someone needs to be in charge of that and ensure it is done on a regular basis otherwise, it's Murphy's Law. If I may explain a couple of things - most, if not all, generators that you see at the local stores are "dual fuel"; meaning they will run on either gasoline or propane. Here's the problem - propane is a VERY dry fuel meaning it has little or no lubricating properties, thus the valve train and compression ring take a beating. Gasoline, on the other hand, does have natural lubricating properties thus the afore mentioned items are somewhat protected. In a motor specifically built for propane the valves and seats and piston rings are hardened steel which helps retard the wear. Additionally, a propane motor SHOULD be operated using a "low ash" type crankcase oil which inhibits the cleaning action of modern oils. Remember, propane is a very dry, clean fuel and leaves very small amounts of combustion deposits; by cleaning even more (using regular oils) you take away what lubricating properties that propane has. I have had good luck so far with two propane generators, one in an electrically under served barrio which operates almost everyday. Again, good maintenance and one person in charge of that!! Unable to find the low ash oil, I use Quaker State 20/50 and change it twice a year at least. No combustion deposits so the oil appears to be clean but it's just good practice and cheap insurance. I've never had to clean a spark plug, no combustion deposits. No gasoline smell and assuming you are going to store it in the house or at least locked away this is a major plus; availability of fuel is a plus, the bottle runs out you can always plug the house bottle to it or borrow the neighbors bottle until you can get a refill (the neighbor is gonna have an extension cord over at your place anyway). Each to their own...