Running the roof A/C while driving.

[Slobrew]

We generally turn on the inverter while traveling so we can keep the refrig nice and cool and have the 120V recepticles working. We live in Florida and sometimes the RV heats up with just the dashboard AC running.

I've checked out other posts on running the generator while traveling and running one of the two roof ACs. My question is if I have the inverter on while traveling and I decide to start the gen and run a roof RC then where will the power be coming from? Will the inverter support the generator or the RV engine? Just looking for a way to keep the refrigerator and a roof AC unit running.

Thanks in advance for any input.

[TonyMac]

Shut off the inverter and run everything on the generator. Running the generator to power the inverter is as redundant as a urinal in a shower. I mean, what's the point.

[mdh373]

When you run your generator it will power the refrigerator and the roof top ac. You would only need to use the inverter when the generator is not running. This is what I do.

[Kahoona]

I would have to know what your inverter is but with the Zantax I have and every other I have used the system would sense the Generator coming on and make the generator supply everything including charging the batteries. This is called "pass through" I think. It is seamless and when you turn off the generator it should go back to inverting and the AC will stop.

[marjoa]

Don't run the inverter while underway. Just run the genset and it will power everything you need. And be sure to turn it off when refueling.

[alank]

It depends on your inverter. If It automatically goes to “pass through” when it senses 120V, generator or power post plug in, you don’t have to do anything, just start the generator and go. If it doesn’t have this automatic feature, I would shut off the inverter while the generator is running.

[akeagle]

Just a few weeks ago we drove through AZ and while approaching PHX the temp was 115. Our dash A/C wasn't keeping up very well and the cat started panting, so we lit up the generator, started the roof A/C, and pressed on down the road. While that didn't actually "cool" the interior, it made it bearable, and the cat appreciated it too.

[bamaboy473]

Originally Posted by alank

It depends on your inverter. If It automatically goes to “pass through” when it senses 120V, generator or power post plug in, you don’t have to do anything, just start the generator and go. If it doesn’t have this automatic feature, I would shut off the inverter while the generator is running.

Since many wouldn't know whether they have a common one (that automatically selects what power source is to be used in descending order), I think that any Manually Selecting panel would have to have a warning or light or something to instruct users when to throw what switch.

I am no expert, but doubt that a manually-selected panel is even out there, much less condoned by the Feds or otherwise.

We fire up the genset when temps get too warm, and that process automatically turns off the inverter or propane because 120V is the default source of power, whether from a gen-set or shore power.

[old golfer guy]

We have never run the gen. for air con. in hot weather, but have given lots of thought to making some sot of curtain or barrier behind the front seats to contain the dash air to that area. has anybody done something like that?

[powerboatr]

if its over 75F
i run the genny and both a/c units and the dash air. I like to be chilly

[awol50]

Start up the Genny and run both rooftop ac and the dash ac. Forget about the inverter. It don't matter.

[Mr_D]

I haven't done it yet but on some of the higher end CC's they installed an air con unit under the bed that runs off the dash air compressor. If I needed to I can turn on both of those as well as run the gen for the three 15k heat pumps. Have never been anywhere O needed that much cooling.

[JMLifecation]

Originally Posted by old golfer guy

We have never run the gen. for air con. in hot weather, but have given lots of thought to making some sot of curtain or barrier behind the front seats to contain the dash air to that area. has anybody done something like that?

Yes - We do that. We use it in hot as well as cold weather. It keeps the air in the cab area instead of having the dash air try to cool/heat the entire coach. It works well for us.

[A Traveler]

Originally Posted by old golfer guy

We have never run the gen. for air con....

One question...why?
The generator is there precisely so you CAN run the AC while driving or boondocking. When we run in hot weather, the generator, both roof air conditioners and the dash air are running.
It’s a motor HOME, and I sure don’t keep my sticks & bricks home at 85 degrees in the summer.