Running generator while driving...?

mac4u · 08-31-2010, 09:28 PM

OK, now that the generator is running on our 'new' '99 Dolphin (with 16K miles) it would be nice to run it for A/C while traveling -- the front end and galley area is just too large for the engine A/C unit. I've read that extra gas usage by the generator is offset by not running the engine A/C...? Feedback from experienced rv-ers beyond the following thread of 2007 vintage:

Running generator while driving

Thanks,
Mac

Norm4015 · 08-31-2010, 09:36 PM

Sure, run your generator while you travel. It was designed to run and your air conditioner can keep your motorhome cool. I have no idea if you save fuel money by running the generator instead of the dash AC. It is probably an even trade off.

I suggest you turn the generator off when you stop for fuel, otherwise, run it all you want.

bigskymt · 08-31-2010, 09:58 PM

In the desert S.W. we've used both dash A/C and gen. with 2 roof A/Cs all day and the gen. all night. We noticed about 1 mpg drop in mileage. On our previous coach the roof A/Cs would only assist the dash A/C.

denochs · 09-01-2010, 04:33 AM

In traveling across the country we checked the difference on our coach of running the dash air vs two, sometimes all three roof a/c units. We averaged between 1/2 to 1 mpg less using the genny. Of course, we may be talking about two different things. Ours is diesel. Gas may have different results.

Dave

76dc · 09-01-2010, 05:24 PM

I have run both ways and have not noticed any drop. Most of the time I run with Gen and Dash Air. Looks about a 1/2 mile per gallon drop with both running Vs just one or the other.

Russ & Dana · 09-01-2010, 10:29 PM

We made a 1700 mile trip to South Mississippi in the sweltering 104 degree weather.

Ran our gen all 13 hours with both airs going, didn't notice a significant drop in fuel. It sure kept the coach cool though.

we have a 2000 dolphin with the 55g generac

Bert_64 · 09-02-2010, 06:15 AM

We run with the genset only, no dash air. Helps to keep the engine running a bit cooler. When the dash air is on our engine runs about 5* hotter. As for the trade off in millage it's about the same with engine air or genset.