AC engine vs Coach fuel economy

[John350]

Discussion question folks. I have a 03 W22 8.1L gas 36ft Tiffin Allegro Bay. Which would give the better fuel economy??? Using the Engine AC or leaving the engine AC off and running the generator using the Coach AC ??? Thanks in advance

John

[John350]

Discussion question folks. I have a 03 W22 8.1L gas 36ft Tiffin Allegro Bay. Which would give the better fuel economy??? Using the Engine AC or leaving the engine AC off and running the generator using the Coach AC ??? Thanks in advance

John

[FrontRangeRVer]

This is an age old question. The general consensus is that is easier for the engine if you run the Generator with the roof airs. But then since the generator will use about .60 gallons of gas/hour, it is a toss up for fuel usage.

Just FYI, I use our generator alot, especially for air conditioning. Only occasionally will I use the chassis air, and only when it is very hot outside.

[JimElliott]

During the hot summer months I filled up a 2 gallon tank to feed the Onan 6500W.

With both airs (13,000 power saver & a Polar cub) plus the PD9140 cranking out the DC power the generator ran exactly 2 hours.

Jim

[Trek-Cyclist]

When it's very hot I do run the Genset that way you cool the entire coach not just the front end. If it's hotter then 95-100* or so I run both especially on the flat... When climbing steep mountains, I turn the dash air off. When decending I turn it back on... It helps cool trans/engine down too.
The more you run the Genset the better it is...
when you get to a hook up you just plug her in and away you go! Takes much less time to cool her down after a long day on a hot road!

As far as fuel economy? I feel it's a wash... I would rather keep the whole coach cool for a few more pints of fuel, then to be uncomfortable when we got to our destination...


We knew when we bought our MH that it wouldn't get the same fuel mileage as our car, but it gets great mileage for a house!

[mis3s]

We run both when it's too hot outside while traveling. Running the genset+rooftop A/C keeps the genset excercised and cools the back too. Using the dash A/C lubricates the compressor. Both are needed to maintain both systems. As far as fuel usage when choosing one or the other, difference is minimal. Traveling in comfort do cost some. We compensate by driving leisurely at around 60 mph.

Relax, drive safely, and enjoy God's creations.

[Pubtym]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by John350:
Discussion question folks. I have a 03 W22 8.1L gas 36ft Tiffin Allegro Bay. Which would give the better fuel economy??? Using the Engine AC or leaving the engine AC off and running the generator using the Coach AC ??? Thanks in advance

John </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

...and better insulate your driver-pax area from the radiated heat..
Missed! 50% of Solution Dash Air Problem

[Pubtym]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by John350:
Discussion question folks. I have a 03 W22 8.1L gas 36ft Tiffin Allegro Bay. Which would give the better fuel economy??? Using the Engine AC or leaving the engine AC off and running the generator using the Coach AC ??? Thanks in advance

John </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Not mentioned here is susceptability of early clogging of air filter while running genset on the road. With many gensets located in rear of coach...it's a natural for rear dual wheel/road dust/grit/crud...even on Interstate...to be sucked up in Genset air filter. I run mine too while driving in very hot conditions...but always shut it down when need to go on dry gravel roads. When I do stop at the end of the day of driving with genset on, I always check the genset oil and status of the air filter. I carry spare air filters too..to swap out as needed. Then, if not too dirty...blow clean dirty ones with gentle compressed air at home.