Run the Generator?

Retired and Happy · 08-09-2010, 01:18 PM

When urban boondocking (Wally World and the like) do you run your generator?

Tincup · 08-09-2010, 01:21 PM

We don't but we have ample solar and batteries to see us through an overnight stay.

radams · 08-09-2010, 01:23 PM

Yep, but I try to park on the edge of the lot with the generator exhaust aimed out, and away from others as much as possible so as to minimize the noise.

azloafer · 08-09-2010, 01:34 PM

We run ours whenever we can't plug in. We also run it for the AC while traveling in the summer. We also run it under a load for at least an hour per month during the rest of the year. Joe

Jerry J · 08-09-2010, 01:44 PM

Yes if it is hot or humid enough for generator at night. We have an autostart that will come on and off if the air calls for it.
Cummins says 2 hours minimum exercise per month and best if longer period than short periods of use.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retired and Happy

When urban boondocking (Wally World and the like) do you run your generator?

lostagain · 08-09-2010, 02:46 PM

Whenever we need it, charge batteries, run AC, etc.

mudpuppy · 08-09-2010, 04:03 PM

We run ours as needed for our comfort. Late into the night if a good show is on and first thing in the morning for coffee, all night if it's hot.

Norm4015 · 08-09-2010, 04:27 PM

We have solar panels and AGM batteries so we seldom run the generator. But if it is hot and humid in a Wally World parking lot we will fire up the generator.

new rver · 08-09-2010, 04:35 PM

when we need it or if it's hot.at the casino try to get away from everybody.i agree run it 2 hours a month seems to start better

Luckiest Dre · 08-16-2010, 04:10 PM

I don't think that being in a Wally World lot, a camp ground without elec service or a rest stop matters. Just being considerate of others is the question that needs to be answered. Use it for your advantage when needed and do your best to be considerate is what I try to do! My inverter will run the refrig for at least 12 hours without a recharge. the hot water heater will heat on gas, and when I can I will use my gas grill to cook. The biggest problem is the air conditioner and I have found that in many cases cracking the bedroom window and having the ceiling fan on brings in lots of cool air. Close all the rest of them. That fan does not require much to keep it going. Making coffee is easy. With most drip perculators, just put the grounds in the filter, heat the water on the stove and pour the required amount in to the filter and wait for it to fill the caraffe. Works just like it does when you plug it in and let the coffee maker do it's thing.

Lorna · 08-19-2010, 10:49 AM

So far we have only run our generator while traveling on the road and up until it's tile to go to sleep. When we build a mobile kitchen into a cube van, that may well change. We will have to keep frozen foods frozen & perishable foods cold. To keep our food safe, we may have to run an generator on the mobile kitchen overnight, depending on the weather. But if we do need to run a generator, we will ask if it's okay and try to park near the semis since they run generators/engines all night,.

plot4 · 08-23-2010, 10:59 PM

Have not had to use all night yet. Crack a couple of windows and run a couple of fans has been adaquate.

pawpawboyce · 08-27-2010, 10:07 PM

when parking at walmart, if it's extremely hot, i run the generator for the a/c. i think the humming sound from midnight on deters any snooping by the vermin running around up to no good. we've got to have our coffee early in the morning by using the genset.