Community Forums

Jim.B1 · 12-25-2017, 12:26 PM

We have a 2014 Fleetwood Southwind 32VS (gas) RV and planning to leave Ontario in another week heading down I-75 to Florida, and will have 3-4 days of cold weather to deal with, probably 32F or lower.
This is our 1st Winter trip with this RV, so still feeling things out!
During the day, we are considering running our generator as we drive and plugging in a small electric space heater to keep the coach warm versus running the propane furnace 24/7.
My understanding is that a gas generator uses far less fuel than a propane furnace.
We will be running the dash heater, but do not expect it to keep the entire interior warm.
When stopped for the night we will run the furnace.
We do not expect a small space heater to keep the living are real hot, but if it can keep it warm it's still better than having no heat back there.
We also plan to travel with the water system winterized and will only de-winterize once we reach warmer temps (we will have anti-freeze in the black and grey tanks).

Questions
1) Is travelling with the generator running and a space heater something that other Class "A" owners have done?
2) If so, how well did it work for you?
3) Is it safe to operate an electric space heater off the generator while travelling?

Once we have a couple of days under our belt we will have a better understanding as to how well this works while driving, and how well the propane furnace heats the basement area (I have 2 remote temperature sensors installed).

As always, any comments or input would be appreciated.

Thank you.

davismills · 12-25-2017, 12:37 PM

I've never done it, but I would think you could run the space heater en route.

I would rather just run the propane furnace instead. You can always top it off at Flying Js along the way.

My gasser has a Motoraid rear heater that does a pretty good job, but I don't normally experience the low temps you'll be traveling through.

Good luck and remember there's warm weather at your destination

twojayhawks · 12-25-2017, 12:45 PM

We traveled with the genny running powering a space heater a few times in other coaches. Wife used it for comfort by her seat in addition to furnace & dash heat.

**Lt Dan** · 12-25-2017, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim.B1

3) Is it safe to operate an electric space heater off the generator while travelling?

As davismills said, I would just run the propane furnace, but if you do run a space heater make sure you get one with a tipover switch. That will turn it off if it turns over while moving. Another advantage of running the propane furnace is it should dump some heat into the wet bay to protect the plumbing.

MSHappyCampers · 12-25-2017, 01:17 PM

I can't see any problem with driving with the generator running and powering a space heater, BUT you must be sure it is the type heater that will shut off if it turns over!

gcamper · 12-25-2017, 04:34 PM

Use command strips with Velcro to keep it from moving around or tipping it over. Just remove the command strips when the trip is over. I use them for a lot of different reasons. Keeps the entertainment electronics from moving and we even have clocks and pictures mounted to the wall.

dave&ginny · 12-25-2017, 04:38 PM

If your traveling South, go ahead and fill your water tank and run your furnace if the basement is heated. Most class A coaches ride and handle better with water in the fresh water tank due to the extra weight. If you are going to keep the unit winterized, and want to flush a toilet use windshield washer fluid.

coyote1952 · 12-25-2017, 04:39 PM

turn over ???? please dont , LOL

OCM · 12-25-2017, 05:08 PM

I use a ceramic heater with tipover from Home Depot ($20.00). Works for me . Just went from Maryland to Colorado, no problem. Ran furnace to keep coach warm, and used generator and ceramic heater when it got real cold (9d). furnace didn't keep the water lines from freezing though.

WorldCat25 · 12-25-2017, 07:48 PM

If you run the generator and use a heater, suggest you plug it in to a circuit not supplied by the inverter.

I did and blew the circuit which blew a fuse in the line from the batteries to the inverter.

Jim.B1 · 12-25-2017, 08:01 PM

Thanks to everyone for your input, and on Christmas Day too!
We are still considering just running with the furnace on, but also interested in the generator / electric heater idea.
One of the things I like about this forum is that you can pick up many great ideas and suggestions from other's with both opinions and experience.
Thanks again.

Monacoach · 12-25-2017, 08:02 PM

Just in case you didn't know. You will have a slight detour in Detroit to get around the closed portion of I 75.

Jim.B1 · 12-25-2017, 11:05 PM

Thanks Monacoach.
Yes, I am aware of the Rouge River Bridge closure on I-75 South, and from what I've read, it will be for 2 years!
Just another stretch of I-75 road construction.
Thanks for the notice.

Jaxom · 12-26-2017, 03:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim.B1

Thanks Monacoach.
Yes, I am aware of the Rouge River Bridge closure on I-75 South, and from what I've read, it will be for 2 years!
Just another stretch of I-75 road construction.
Thanks for the notice.

I travel from Detroit to/through Toledo every day for work. I-94 to I-275 south works well and is only about 6-7 miles longer than straight down I-75. Generally, I continue past I-275 and take U.S. 23 down to U.S. 24, but you could also take U.S. 23 to I-75. Less traffic and construction mess through Toledo.
Drive Safely.