Idea to keep cool/warm without generator

[zeeyaarv]

As is common, we had a hard time last summer staying cool in cockpit and warm during winter using the cockpit heater. I don't like running generator unless absolutely required. So... I installed an inch and 3/4 round--matching interior cabinets--Lowe's wood curtain rod just behind cockpit cabinets as high as possible using ordinary electric conduit half round brackets. They don't show. I then installed three black, thick thermal velour type curtains purchased at Walmarts. After shortening altercations, they fit nicely from ceiling to floor just behind captains chairs. On a recent trip, closed curtains worked great in NC/SC 95' heat and humidity. In fact, we had to turn aircon to lowest settings at one point. When going to rear, you can feel a difference of at least 20 degrees or more. Mod looks good and also serves two other purposes. One, curtains hide slide outs behind seats. Two, we don't need to pull cockpit windshield curtains for privacy. We close new curtains.

[Steve&Dora]

Not sure why you try to minimize the use of the generator, but otherwise I think a good idea for the curtains.

[Monacoach]

Good solution. Wouldn't work for us as our pets would be behind the curtain overheating.

[zeeyaarv]

Not so much added fuel--just don't like
putting hrs on it until really needed. Run
it on load--as dictated--once a month for
around a half hour. Just me...

[RonNBama]

Quote:

Originally Posted by zeeyaarv Not so much added fuel--just don't like putting hrs on it until really needed. Run it on load--as dictated--once a month for around a half hour. Just me...

You must be saving the generator for the next owner.

[jsabatinos]

zeeyarv
You really need to run the generator 1.5 to 2 hours with at least 50% of rated load to effectively exercise. I alos had the theory of saving the generator until I needed it. I got the opportunity to pay for a rebuild of a generator with only 10 hours on it. The guys at Onan had a good laugh at my saving the generator idea.

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsabatinos zeeyarv You really need to run the generator 1.5 to 2 hours with at least 50% of rated load to effectively exercise. I alos had the theory of saving the generator until I needed it. I got the opportunity to pay for a rebuild of a generator with only 10 hours on it. The guys at Onan had a good laugh at my saving the generator idea.

Yep, meant to be used, trying to "save" it is false economy! We only have 305 hrs on ours after nine years and that's not enough! Our dash air is out so we'll be running it more in the future I'm sure.

[zeeyaarv]

Ok! Ok! I'll use it more. Thanks for your input...

[pacevette]

With all of this being said...what the best option for best fuel economy? Gen or dash air? We used to not use our genny that much...but we run it quite often now.

[zeeyaarv]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D Yep, meant to be used, trying to "save" it is false economy! We only have 305 hrs on ours after nine years and that's not enough! Our dash air is out so we'll be running it more in the future I'm sure.

Don't know your dash air problem, but I also had problem with aircon after winter startup. Added freon--very low--and placed cutoff valve on incoming heater tubing. Aircon works great.

[mrschwarz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D Yep, meant to be used, trying to "save" it is false economy! We only have 305 hrs on ours after nine years and that's not enough! Our dash air is out so we'll be running it more in the future I'm sure.

We have had ours for two years and have about 280 hours on it. I am saving it for when it's hot...never mind. It's hot now.

[YC1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by zeeyaarv Ok! Ok! I'll use it more. Thanks for your input...

Running the generator when your coach batteries are low is easier on the alternator and could save you some $. If it is a diesel gen it loves to run. I run mine for 12 hrs a day some days when boondocking. Not many times but it just purrs along. The Genturi takes the fumes right up and away as well as some of the noise. It is quiet in any case.

[Diplomat Don]

We do something similar. We use a spring loaded curtain rod and a clear shower curtain. The curtain is about 6" from the ceiling and touches the floor. It allows us to see through it and just move it to the side to pass thru. I turn on our Fantastic Fan, mid coach, to remove the heat at ceiling level. This helps until late afternoon. If were not stopped by then, we sometimes turn the generator and roof air on.

I don't mind running my generator, but I don't like the fact that I can't hear it or have any gauges to monitor what it's doing while I'm driving.

[SteveLevin]

If you actually manage to wear out a generator just from use you will be in a very small and select group. Properly maintained generators will run far in excess of 10,000 hours. Our Onan rep told us that the number of generators that actually "wear out" is effectively zero. OTOH, the number of generators that get rebuilt from lack of use is quite high.

Steve