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03-22-2019, 04:58 AM
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#1
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Junior Member
Winnebago Owners Club
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Moriarty, NM
Posts: 8
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Can I drive with the generator on?
I have looked for 2 days on this site and I cannot find the answer to this question, although I am sure that it has been asked before. Miss Daisy (my motorhome) does not have a driver’s air conditioner and I want to make sure that the coach stays cool for my dogs. I have been told I could, and I have been told I could not.
I am so new at this that I am completely blind in what I am doing. Most of what I hear from those who “know what they are doing” are warnings. I appreciate warnings, but it has come to the point that I am afraid to even start the poor thing!
I try to find answers to my questions before posting, but this one I cannot find.
Thanks!
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BEWARE! Old Lady on the move and totally clueless!
2001 35 ft. Itasca Sun Cruiser
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03-22-2019, 05:20 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Damon Owners Club Vintage RV Owners Club Oklahoma Boomers Club
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Bartlesville Oklahoma
Posts: 1,300
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I have done so with no issues. When my dash A/C went out it was the only alternative until the dash air was repaired.
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1996 Damon DayBreak 454 P37 Chassis
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03-22-2019, 05:22 AM
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#3
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 3
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The short answer is yes. I personally do and I have seen this question answered on this forum before. Everybody seemed to agree that it is fine to do so.
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John & Cyndi, NW IOWA
02 Journey DL 36LD, 330 CAT 3126E, Allison 3000
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03-22-2019, 05:23 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 795
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I do it on every trip. Kids watch tv, and I keep that ac blowing
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03-22-2019, 05:32 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Port Orchard, WA
Posts: 4,215
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Yes, but remember, when the fuel gets to somewhere between 1/4 and 1/3 tank, the generator can no longer draw fuel from the tank (doesn't apply to propane generators). This is so you don't run the tank out of fuel while not driving. Driving may affect this level somewhat if pulling long grades and changing angle of fuel in the tank.
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Scot & Laura Kellersberger, U.S. Army (ret)
Newmar 4 wheel drive Dutch Star 3891, SOLD
Now RV'ing on the water in a Trawler!
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03-22-2019, 05:41 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,881
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To concur with the other responses, yes. If it' really hot we will. My dash keeps the front cool, but if we plan on stopping for lunch we'll run it to keep the back cool. We'll also turn it on an hour or so before we hit the campground. This is one of the big advantages to owning a MH vs a trailer.
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2010 Phaeton 40QTH on a PG Chassis.
2017 Lincoln MKX.
Air Force One brake system and Blue OX Towbar.
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03-22-2019, 05:44 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Tiffin Owners Club
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Where we park it!
Posts: 13,145
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Yes and running it with the coach AC running is a good way to "exercise" the generator which you should do every month.
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momdoc
2018 Tiffin Allegro RED 37PA
2020 JEEP Trailhawk
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03-22-2019, 05:58 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 3,400
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Yes Beth absolutely you can.
Some guidelines while you do:
Step 1 - start generator first and let it run for about 5 minutes to warm up
Step 2 - then turn on A/C
Step 3 - when you're done, turn OFF A/C first, let generator run for about 5 minutes to cool down BEFORE you turn generator OFF
Precautions:
Don't run generator while fueling up at the gas station
More info here if you want:
https://www.google.com/search?q=driv...earch=irv2.com
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03-22-2019, 06:01 AM
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#9
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,183
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Quote:
Originally Posted by iamblum
I do it on every trip. Kids watch tv, and I keep that ac blowing
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Certainly Yes
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03-22-2019, 06:07 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: North Ridgeville, OH
Posts: 2,455
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There isn't any problem driving with the generator running. Many do to keep the coach cooler in hot temps. I would be sure to keep windows and vents closed as you don't want any exhaust fumes entering the coach. Check your rig for how it is fueled. On our Bay Star, it runs on gas from the main gas tank. However, as a safety feature, once the tank is down to 20% capacity, the generator won't run as it won't be able to get gas.
However, you say you don't have any AC. Is that because the AC isn't working? If so, I think it would be wise to have it repaired as there will be a lot of traveling where all you would need would be the AC that is on the motorhome chassis.
__________________
Retired but busier than ever!
2012 Newmar Bay Star 3302
5 Star Tune, SumoSprings, Roadmaster Steering Stabilizer, Blue Ox Avail
Brake Buddy, 2015 Chevy Malibu
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03-22-2019, 06:11 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Urbanna, VA
Posts: 1,154
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Another vote for absolutely yes. However, if you are traveling in very dusty conditions and your generator is located in the rear of your MH, consider shutting it down temporarily if you can do without it. It may save some life on the air filter.
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03-22-2019, 06:26 AM
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#12
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Junior Member
Winnebago Owners Club
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Moriarty, NM
Posts: 8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by scbwr
There isn't any problem driving with the generator running. Many do to keep the coach cooler in hot temps. I would be sure to keep windows and vents closed as you don't want any exhaust fumes entering the coach. Check your rig for how it is fueled. On our Bay Star, it runs on gas from the main gas tank. However, as a safety feature, once the tank is down to 20% capacity, the generator won't run as it won't be able to get gas.
However, you say you don't have any AC. Is that because the AC isn't working? If so, I think it would be wise to have it repaired as there will be a lot of traveling where all you would need would be the AC that is on the motorhome chassis.
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The AC is completely disconnected. It was that way when I bought it and I was not told about it. The seller did not tell me a lot of things that was wrong with it. I have slowly found out about the issues on my own. There a lot of repairs to be done, but I anticipated that. I just have to do each issue one at a time. Repairs are not cheap!
__________________
BEWARE! Old Lady on the move and totally clueless!
2001 35 ft. Itasca Sun Cruiser
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03-22-2019, 06:29 AM
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#13
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Junior Member
Winnebago Owners Club
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Moriarty, NM
Posts: 8
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Thank you all!!! I am sure I will have many more questions in the near future!
__________________
BEWARE! Old Lady on the move and totally clueless!
2001 35 ft. Itasca Sun Cruiser
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03-22-2019, 07:09 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: The Bluegrass State
Posts: 8,882
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Quote:
Originally Posted by marjoa
Yes Beth absolutely you can.
Some guidelines while you do:
Step 1 - start generator first and let it run for about 5 minutes to warm up
Step 2 - then turn on A/C
Step 3 - when you're done, turn OFF A/C first, let generator run for about 5 minutes to cool down BEFORE you turn generator OFF
Precautions:
Don't run generator while fueling up at the gas station
More info here if you want:
https://www.google.com/search?q=driv...earch=irv2.com
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We run our generator while driving when ever we feel the need. But I generally don't follow the guidelines my esteemed colleague made. Remember, generating systems in all the various coaches out there can be different. You need to find what works for you.
We set the roof air conditioner for 71, and when my sole mate of 45 years suddenly says "I'm Hot!" I reach over and start the generator. My Onan Quiet Diesel generator will start, and after the generator gets up to a steady designed speed it will then start producing electricity. The roof air conditioner will, after a brief delay start up and run.
Now when my wife suddenly says "I'm freezing, what on earth did you set the air conditioner temperature on", I simply reach over and turn the generator off. The generator stops, the air conditioner stops and she will say "Ah, that's much better". In about 45 minutes we go through the same "I'm hot, I'm cold" sequence all over again.
Now some will say this harms the generator, or air conditioner, but I just don't see it. I will agree with the comment about not running the generator while fueling, or getting propane. That is not a good idea for safety sake.
__________________
Good Luck, Be Safe and Above All, Don't Forget To Have Fun
Pete
Central Kentucky
2006 Fleetwood Discovery 35H, 2014 Honda CR-V, M&G Engineering Braking System
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