Gas mileage

[Ron & Dee]

When figuring out your gas mileage, how much do you deduct for generator usage?

I usually use what the manual says, .6 gal/hr at half load for my generator. On a long trip my generator is usually running between 20 and 25 amps.

My overall gas mileage on this years long trip was down a bit, but I had to use the dash air quite a few times, and I think the big fan ran more than it usually does.

Thanks,

Ron

[mrschwarz]

When I calculate mileage, I leave the generator in.

[Ron & Dee]

I try to keep track of the hours because we use the generator quite a bit while just being stationary at campgrounds with no electric. If I didn't our overall gas mileage would be drastically reduced.

Ron

[DriVer]

I only run the generator when the gash A/C can't keep up. So far we haven't needed to run the gen a lot. I do turn the gen on before getting off the Interstate if I am going to make a Roxy stop.

My gen will not run after my gauge shows a little less than 1/3 of a tank of fuel remaining. This is normal since the gen pickup tube only goes down so far. You don't want to run out of gas while running the gen and go Oops!

My consumption tells me about .9 GPH under full load and I have a 7K gen.

[TXiceman]

The generator usage while traveling is part of getting the rig and you down the road. We always figured it in as part of operating the coach.

Ken

[Ron & Dee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DriVer I only run the generator when the gash A/C can't keep up. So far we haven't needed to run the gen a lot.

There were times we had to run both house and dash to keep from frying

I know I have one of those duct leaks, but even at that with the outside temp over 100, the house AC could only manage about 81 at the thermostat. That's a little uncomfortable with the sun hitting you through the windows.

Ron

[Ron & Dee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman The generator usage while traveling is part of getting the rig and you down the road. We always figured it in as part of operating the coach. Ken

If I didn't deduct the gen hours, my average would be a way below what some people say they average, and I don't tow or drive fast. I would just barely make 7 MPG

Ron

[dieselclacker]

I have to agree with TXiceman, if you require the generator while going down the road, then it is part of your gas mileage. I just returned from a 2800 mile trip thru the northwest, and required about 10 hours of gen time, most of it while parked after the days drive, and still managed 7.7 mpg with my Workhorse for the trip. I did tow my Suzuki Samurai this time, which only weighs 2400 pounds. My Allegro is a 32 footer, bone stock 8.1, and I almost always keep the tach on 2000 RPM, which is about 58/59 mph. I do not rely on the cruise control much except when I am feeling lazy. I ran the dash air almost constantly this trip. Also used 85 octane fuel several times in Utah and Idaho with no apparrent loss of power or mileage. Mileage ranged from ahigh 9.4 , to a low of 6.5.

Dieselclacker

[TXiceman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron & Dee If I didn't deduct the gen hours, my average would be a way below what some people say they average, and I don't tow or drive fast. I would just barely make 7 MPG Ron

I usually see number inflated to what they would like to get...not what they actually get.

Ken

[mygrayhound]

I am surprised so many seem to use their gen set while driving. After trying to run mine while on the road-just one time-I never tried it again. Within 1/8 mile about every light I've ever seen on the dash came on (winkin' and blinkin', and chirpin' & etc) and the engine went into "limp home" mode. Luckily we were on a lightly traveled highway near Rivers Bend in FL and had a chance to pull off. Took 10 minutes and 3 re-starts to get it back to normal, so I figured you weren't supposed to do that!

Gene

[Our Time]

I think you are blaming the generator for a engine or chassis problem that has nothing to do with the generator. The engine and chassis run on DC power from the engine (alternator) and batteries. The generator supplies AC power . The only connection between the 2 would be charging the coach and chassis batteries. Try it again with the generator and see what happens. It is normal operation to drive with the generator on for numerous reasons. (a/c, heat, charge batteries etc)

[mygrayhound]

I could be Our Time, but never thought about it afterward...I'm sure the two cats do though when they travel way in the back on a hot day.

It happened after allowing the coach to sit for about an hour with the gen running and the air on. I returned and just pulled out on the road and all those bells started (and the near shutdown)! Never happened before or after so I simply attributed it to the gen set. I'll give it a try again.

Actually I always thought you should be able to use it on the road...

Gene

[j griff]

[quote=DriVer;530510]I only run the generator when the gash A/C can't keep up. So far we haven't needed to run the gen a lot. I do turn the gen on before getting off the Interstate if I am going to make a Roxy stop.

My philosophy is exactly opposite of Driver's. I only use the dash air when the basement air being operated by generator power can't keep us comfortable, which rarely happens. I do exercise the dash air regularly to insure it will operate when needed. My rationale: I think the engine is working hard enough without the added strain AND I hate the sound of the extra cooling fans. My guess is that the two options use about the same amount of extra fuel. To each his own.

[oemtech]

Me... the dash air on max is usually all we need. But, in the heat of the summer I crank up the genny about 10 to 20 miles before we get to the camp ground. That way the rest of the coach is cool while we setup.